Thursday, September 29, 2011

The Frontstretch Newsletter: September 29th, 2011 Lunchtime Edition

THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
September 29th, 2011
Volume V, Edition CCIV
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Today's Top News
by Phil Allaway

2012 Sprint Cup Schedule Released

On Wednesday, NASCAR officially announced the 36-race schedule for the Sprint Cup Series.  There are a few changes to the schedule, but no races were subtracted or added to the slate.  Most of the adjustments were actually already noted by the tracks themselves weeks in advance of the release.

The season will start one week later with the Daytona 500 on February 26.  Originally, this was designed to be a move to protect the race from an expected encroachment from the Super Bowl.  Under the NFL's planned expansion to an 18-game schedule, the normal date (February 19) for the race would have been the day of the Daytona 500, creating a nasty conflict.  That will not be the case, but NASCAR chose to keep the later start.

The off-week after Las Vegas has been eliminated, allowing the schedule to continue like normal after the third week.  Texas' spring race will be one week later to accommodate Easter.  Kansas' spring race is scheduled for April 22 due to the track's upcoming repave/reconfiguration.  As a result, a multi-date switcheroo has the Spring race at Talladega being pushed back to May 6, while the Spring Dover race goes back to its old post-600 weekend (occupied this year by Kansas).

The fall Kansas and Talladega race weekends have also been switched so that Kansas Speedway has more time to complete their track renovations, scheduled to start right after the April event.

2012 Sprint Cup Schedule

2/26 Daytona
3/4 Phoenix
3/11 Las Vegas
3/18 Bristol (Day)
3/25 Fontana (Auto Club)
4/1 Martinsville
4/8 OFF WEEK
4/14 Texas (Saturday night)
4/22 Kansas
4/28 Richmond (Saturday night)
5/6 Talladega
5/12 Darlington (Saturday night)
5/19 Charlotte (Sprint All-Star Race, Saturday night)
5/26 Charlotte (Coca-Cola 600, Sunday night)
6/3 Dover
6/10 Pocono
6/17 Michigan
6/24 Sonoma (Infineon)
6/30 Kentucky (Saturday night)
7/7 Daytona (Saturday night)
7/15 New Hampshire
7/22 OFF WEEK
7/29 Indianapolis
8/5 Pocono
8/12 Watkins Glen
8/19 Michigan
8/25 Bristol (Saturday night)
9/2 Atlanta (Sunday night)
9/8 Richmond (Saturday night)
9/16 Chicagoland
9/23 New Hampshire
9/30 Dover
10/7 Talladega
10/13 Charlotte (Saturday night)
10/21 Kansas
10/28 Martinsville
11/4 Texas
11/11 Phoenix
11/18 Homestead-Miami

The Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series schedules are still currently in flux.  According to NASCAR's Steve O'Donnell, final versions are likely to be announced in mid-October.  It is still unclear whether funding issues will allow Montreal to return to the Nationwide slate for 2012, as well as which tracks will replace the two dates lost from Nashville Superspeedway's closure.

JTG-Daugherty Racing Still Considering Affiliations

ESPN.com's David Newton is reporting that in the wake of Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) making moves towards adding a third team for 2012, JTG-Daugherty Racing is seeking a new affiliation deal.  Richard Childress Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing partnerships are potential options, as is the possibility of staying with MWR despite being relegated down to the fourth team.

Ending the affiliation with MWR would result in the JTG-Daugherty team being forced to move out of RaceWorld USA, MWR's race shop/fan attraction in Cornelius, NC.  The team already has their own shop in nearby Harrisburg and their long-term plans involve making use of that facility.

Team co-owner Brad Daugherty is generally optimistic about the future of JTG-Daugherty Racing, but acknowledges that they cannot do it alone.

"We have an offer from MWR and we are evaluating that alliance opportunity along with a few others," Daugherty said.  "I want to be clear [that] it is JTG-Daugherty Racing's desire to race out of our own shop.  We are looking to run faster and smarter and we need a big team alliance to do so.  MWR has been a good partner and we appreciate their input into our race team.  Once again, though, where we end up is a decision that Tad, Jodi [Geschickter] and I will make."

If JTG-Daugherty were to remain affiliated with MWR, or switch over to a Joe Gibbs Racing affiliation, it would be a far cheaper option.  Switching to a Childress affiliation, however, would result in massive incurred costs in order to change manufacturers (to Chevrolet).  For reference purposes, Hall of Fame Racing was forced to shoulder costs of nearly $10 million when they switched to Toyota for 2008 with absolutely no help from Joe Gibbs Racing.

Entry List Update:
Note: Although these entries are accurate as of Wednesday night, they are still subject to change.


Sprint Cup Series AAA 400: 45 cars entered

Drivers Ineligible to Earn Points:
No. 7 -
Reed Sorenson for Robby Gordon Motorsports
No. 32 -
Mike Bliss for FAS Lane Racing
No. 37 -
Josh Wise for MaxQ Motorsports
No. 46 -
Scott Speed for Whitney Motorsports
No. 51 -
Landon Cassill for Phoenix Racing
No. 55 -
Travis Kvapil for Front Row Motorsports
No. 60 -
Mike Skinner for Germain Racing
No. 87 -
Joe Nemechek for NEMCO Motorsports

Driver Changes:
No. 7 -
Reed Sorenson is in the seat, replacing Robby Gordon. This entry will start and park while Gordon races in his own Desert Challenge out in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Drivers who must qualify on speed:
No. 7 -
Reed Sorenson for Robby Gordon Motorsports*
No. 30 -
David Stremme for Inception Motorsports*
No. 37 -
Josh Wise for MaxQ Motorsports*
No. 38 -
J.J. Yeley for Front Row Motorsports
No. 46 -
Scott Speed for Whitney Motorsports*
No. 50 -
T.J. Bell for MAKE Motorsports*
No. 55 -
Travis Kvapil for Front Row Motorsports*
No. 60 -
Mike Skinner for Germain Racing*
No. 66 -
Michael McDowell for HP Racing, LLC*
No. 87 -
Joe Nemechek for NEMCO Motorsports*
* - Expected to start and park

Not Entered:
No. 35 -
Tommy Baldwin Racing (no sponsorship for second team this week)

Nationwide Series OneMain Financial 200: 46 cars entered

Drivers Ineligible to Earn Points:
No. 7 -
Jamie McMurray for JR Motorsports
No. 18 -
Joey Logano for Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 22 -
Brad Keselowski for Penske Racing
No. 33 -
Clint Bowyer for Kevin Harvick, Inc.
No. 38 -
Kasey Kahne for Turner Motorsports
No. 47 -
Brian Keselowski for Key Motorsports
No. 50 -
T.J. Bell for MAKE Motorsports
No. 60 -
Carl Edwards for Roush Fenway Racing

Driver Changes:
No. 03 -
Marc Davis is in the seat, replacing Scott Riggs. It's a one-race deal.
No. 04 - Kelly Bires returns to the seat, replacing Danny O'Quinn, Jr.
No. 23 -
Scott Riggs returns to the seat, replacing Robert Richardson, Jr.
No. 30 -
Jason Leffler returns to the seat, replacing Kasey Kahne. Leffler gets moved whenever the limited schedule of Kasey Kahne kicks in.
No. 33 - Clint Bowyer returns to the seat, replacing Paul Menard.
No. 38 -
Kasey Kahne returns to the seat, replacing Jason Leffler. Kahne is running a limited schedule with the team and associated with sponsor Great Clips.
No. 39 - Fain Skinner returns to the seat, replacing Joey Gase.
No. 44 -
Jeff Green returns to the seat, replacing Angela Cope. Green will start-and-park this car.
No. 52 - Kevin Lepage returns to the seat, replacing Blake Koch.
No. 70 -
Casey Roderick is in the seat, replacing David Stremme.  Randy Hill Racing has allied with Jay Robinson Racing to run the car this weekend.
No. 81 -
Blake Koch returns to the seat, replacing Scott Wimmer.
No. 82 -
Scott Wimmer is in the seat, replacing J.J. Yeley.
No. 87 -
Joe Nemechek returns to the seat, replacing Kevin Conway.

Drivers who must qualify at speed:
No. 03 -
Marc Davis for R3 Motorsports*
No. 04 -
Kelly Bires for Go Green Racing*
No. 13 -
Jennifer Jo Cobb for JJC Racing
No. 16 -
Trevor Bayne for Roush Fenway Racing
No. 20 -
Ryan Truex for Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 41 -
Johnny Chapman for Rick Ware Racing*
No. 42 -
Tim Andrews for Key Motorsports*
No. 44 -
Jeff Green for TriStar Motorsports (Guaranteed to start via the Past Champions' Provisional)*
No. 46 -
Chase Miller for Key Motorsports*
No. 47 -
Brian Keselowski for Key Motorsports*
No. 49 -
Mark Green for Jay Robinson Racing*
No. 50 -
T.J. Bell for MAKE Motorsports*
No. 71 -
Matt Carter for Rick Ware Racing*
No. 74 -
Mike Harmon for Harmon Motorsports*
No. 75 -
Carl Long for Rick Ware Racing*
No. 82 -
Scott Wimmer for MacDonald Motorsports
* - Expected to start and park

Not Entered:
No. 12 -
Penske Racing
No. 27 - Baker-Curb Racing/Go Canada Racing
No. 48 -
Jay Robinson Racing

Camping World Truck Series Kentucky 225: 32 trucks entered

Drivers Ineligible to Earn Points: None

Driver Changes:
No. 07 -
John King returns to the seat, replacing Butch Miller. This entry will go the distance this week.
No. 2 - Ron Hornaday is in the seat, replacing Clint Bowyer. The move is a one-time switch to help KHI win the owner's points championship.
No. 18 -
Brian Ickler returns to the seat, replacing Kyle Busch. Busch will not make the trip down from Dover.
No. 21 - Ty Dillon is in the seat, replacing Elliott Sadler.  This will be Dillon's first career start in the series.
No. 32 -
Blake Feese returns to the seat, replacing Steve Arpin. The team has a rotating series of drivers this season.
No. 33 -
Cale Gale is in the seat, replacing Ron Hornaday. Sponsor Rheem puts Gale in the Truck as a precursor to holding this full-time, 2012 ride with Eddie Sharp Racing.
No. 51 - Josh Richards returns to the seat, replacing German Quiroga. The team has a rotating series of drivers this season.
No. 66 - Ross Chastain returns to the seat, replacing J.J. Yeley. This entry will go the distance this week.
No. 93 -
Mike Garvey returns to the seat, replacing Josh Wise. This entry will start and park.

Since there are only 32 trucks entered, no one will fail to qualify.  However, these trucks still must qualify on speed:
No. 21 -
Ty Dillon for Richard Childress Racing
No. 51 -
Josh Richards for Kyle Busch Motorsports
No. 57 -
Norm Benning for Norm Benning Racing
No. 68 -
Clay Greenfield for Alger Motorsports
No. 87 -
Chris Jones for Jones Motorsports*
No. 92 -
Clay Rogers for RBM Motorsports
No. 98 -
Dakoda Armstrong for ThorSport Racing
*- Expected to start and park

Not Entered:
No. 38 -
RSS Motorsports
No. 61 -
Wes Burton
No. 73 -
Sacred Power Racing
No. 75 -
Norm Benning Racing
No. 96 -
Peck Motorsports

Izod IndyCar Series Kentucky Indy 300: 29 cars entered

Driver Changes:
No. 17 -
Wade Cunningham is in the seat, replacing Hideki Mutoh.
No. 19 -
Alex Lloyd returns to the seat, replacing Sebastien Bourdais.
No. 22 -
Townsend Bell is in the seat, replacing Giorgio Pantano.
No. 34 -
Dillon Battistini is in the seat, replacing Joao Paulo de Oliveira.
No. 77 -
Dan Wheldon is in the seat, replacing Alex Tagliani.

Entries:
No. 06 -
James Hinchcliffe for Newman/Haas Racing
No. 2 -
Oriol Servia for Newman/Haas Racing
No. 3 -
Helio Castroneves for Team Penske
No. 4 -
JR Hildebrand for Panther Racing
No. 5 -
Takuma Sato for KV Racing Technologies
No. 6 -
Ryan Briscoe for Team Penske
No. 7 -
Danica Patrick for Andretti Autosport
No. 9 -
Scott Dixon for Target Chip Ganassi Racing
No. 10 -
Dario Franchitti for Target Chip Ganassi Racing
No. 12 -
Will Power for Team Penske
No. 14 -
Vitor Meira for AJ Foyt Racing
No. 17 -
Wade Cunningham for AFS Racing/Sam Schmidt Motorsports
No. 18 -
James Jakes for Dale Coyne Racing
No. 19 -
Alex Lloyd for Dale Coyne Racing
No. 22 -
Townsend Bell for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing
No. 24 -
Ana Beatriz for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing
No. 26 -
Marco Andretti for Andretti Autosport
No. 27 -
Mike Conway for Andretti Autosport
No. 28 -
Ryan Hunter-Reay for Andretti Autosport
No. 30 -
Pippa Mann for Rahal Letterman Racing
No. 34 -
Dillon Battistini for Conquest Racing
No. 38 -
Graham Rahal for Service Central Chip Ganassi Racing
No. 44 -
Buddy Rice for Panther Racing
No. 59 -
EJ Viso for KV Racing Technologies
No. 67 -
Ed Carpenter for Sarah Fisher Racing
No. 77 -
Dan Wheldon for Sam Schmidt Motorsports
No. 78 -
Simona de Silvestro for HVM Racing
No. 82 -
Tony Kanaan for KV Racing Technologies
No. 83 -
Charlie Kimball for Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing

Have news for Phil 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 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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What's Vexing Vito
by Vito Pugliese

- With the issues that the No. 22 Penske team had with getting Kurt Busch's car through inspection on Sunday morning – and apparently, the past few weeks – some have suggested that the issue lies with Busch's constant berating on the radio, then subsequent demoralization by way of despondent driver.  But who in this dysfunctional relationship represents the chicken and the egg?  It was Busch, after all, whose squeaky wheel got the grease and apparently unloaded some dead weight of its own after the first Richmond race this year.  It was a rant that began last year at Charlotte and never did let up; performance suffered until he finally lost it tenfold earlier this spring, and who could blame him?

Remember, it was a number of nagging faults, shortcomings, and things with the car that NASCAR didn't like and warned the No. 33 team last year to be mindful of before they repo'ed Clint Bowyer's car following his win at New Hampshire in 2010.  It was one that brought about a 150-point penalty, essentially ending Bowyer's Cup hopes just as they started.  NASCAR Series Director John Darby confirmed there would not be additional consequences for the No. 22 team – however, having your car behind the pit wall while a B-52 passes overhead during the National Anthem is more likely to be the mark of a start and park team, not the typical Penske perfection and excellence of execution that has long been their hallmark.

Yeah, Kurt can be crass on the radio, but if recent results are reflected upon, apparently it's needed – and in the long run produces tangible results.

- A few weeks ago, I wrote a column detailing how Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. were going to falter and stumble into the Chase with no hopes of recovery.  Three weeks later, these three drivers sit first, sixth, and 11th, respectively.  Hey, one out of three in baseball gets you into the Hall of Fame, so save those angry spittle-stained letters Smoke fans and Junior Nation.

One thing that is refreshing is seeing two of the more popular and brutally honest drivers in the sport become relevant and title contenders again – and giving more than "track position is important/thank all the guys at the shop" sound bite after exiting their car.  You had Tony Stewart referencing getting rid of "dead weight" earlier in the week – many interpreting that to be related to a relationship matter – and Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s underrated explanation of too much camber gain and travel in the right front of the car, a problem which led to a couple of flat tires.  During playoff time, when there are more eyes on the sport than normal, it's always great to get a smart-assed remark from Tony Stewart, or mechanical racecar jargon that the casual fantasy football fan will go slack-jawed listening to and have no idea regarding the relevance of what was just stated.

That being said, I am pleased to announce that MarkItZeroDude went to 2-1 this week on the strength of big games from Tom Brady and Jermichael Finley; that whole football fan/racecar guy works both ways, too, you know…

- Mark Martin's season of discontent had another chapter added this Sunday at NHIS - site of his last victory in 2009.  After finally getting a car under him capable of running in the top 5 and potentially challenging for the win, a right front tire failure relegated him to one lap down in 21st.  After pitting under green, Martin was still in the fight mentally, asking his spotter what position they were in.  Upon finding out he was in 27th and down a lap, he shot back, "Lance, where are we, get me some info…" McGrew confirmed they were indeed a lap down, day ruined.  Martin was deflated, uttering, "That's not right…"

That phrase pretty much sums up 2011 and the final season for Martin in the No. 5 Hendrick Chevrolets he has piloted since returning to full-time competition in 2009. The preseason switcheroo that saw him take over Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s cars, while Jeff Gordon hopped into the ones that revived Martin's career two years prior, the 52-year old driver had so badly wanted to get the former No. 88 team into Victory Lane, and get back to some semblance of the season that just a couple years back had him winning five times and challenging for a championship.

- Kind of ironic that Denny Hamlin and the No. 11 team decided to switch over to TRD engines because of greater reliability and fuel economy, but then runs out of gas after being given the green light to race with ten laps left.  Kyle Busch may have came home 11th, but that almost-a-top-10 has him 40 points closer to the lead than Hamlin.  To put that into perspective points wise, that's akin to a 126-point gap under last year's points system – which is even worse this year since there is no graduated points decrease the further you finish down the running order.  As has been played out time and time again in Championship scenarios, you always dance with the one who brung you; that is, of course unless you're Chad Knaus and you change crews with a couple of races left and win the title.

Speaking of which…is the bickering and banter between Knaus and Johnson the crack in the armor and harbinger of the end that their detractors (and competitors) have so longed, hoped, and prayed for?  Johnson's "Dude, your cheerleading sucks/it's not motivation, it's actually kind of annoying" message was actually pretty funny Sunday – but also telling, and I don't believe in a bad way.  I think it's more of a healthy marriage sign rather than "we need to talk…"

As counselor to the stars, however, I would caution Johnson about getting too negative to the architect of his five straight championships.  Yes, Jimmie Johnson is a great driver – but as Hendrick Motorsports' technical advantage has waned, strategy not speed has won the first two Chase races and is going to play a bigger part than ever this year for the No. 48 to work themselves back into contention.  He's not out of it yet; but 29 points out two races in, is about as far back as you'd want to be in this field for 2011.

Vito Pugliese is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.  He can be reached via e-mail at vito.pugliese@frontstretch.com.

Today's Featured Commentary
How To Stop Worrying And Love NASCAR
Shakedown Session
by Brody Jones

NASCAR fans feel like they have plenty to complain about these days. From the ever-changing rules, the implication of selective enforcement of the sport's by-laws, fans hating fuel mileage racing, how the Sprint Cup Series has no personalities in it, how Cup drivers come in and beat up the weak sister Nationwide and Truck Series regulars... the list could go on and on.  With all the pessimism, it was best summed up by a Dave Moody quote on Twitter several months back that some fans would bitch if NASCAR gave out free ice cream because it had sprinkles in it.

Speaking as someone who grew up a fan of NASCAR before covering it for a living, it was easy to sympathize with those who complained about everything.  It's safe to say this year has been a trying one for old school fans, too, considering such traditions lost as Lucas Oil Raceway for the Nationwide Series combined with the traffic nightmare that was Kentucky this July.  But this year has been a reminder in this humble columnist's opinion why he loves NASCAR and why he doesn't worry about the sport's issues anymore.

For starters, this Sprint Cup season has been a fun menagerie of the unexpected. You have a plethora of first-time winners, a five-time defending champion not looking quite so dominant, and many other things along the way that have shocked fans and, despite most of the general jaded cynicism in our line of work, the media.

Apologies in advance if this seems like "cheerleading," but at the first of the season had anyone said that NASCAR would see Trevor Bayne, a relative unknown in only his second career race win the most prestigious race in NASCAR in the Daytona 500, you'd be marked as crazy. Other first-time winners have followed, too, such as Regan Smith, a guy whose racing career up to that date had been mostly filled with bad luck or no luck, at Darlington.  You also have the oft-maligned David Ragan, who it seems has been on the perennial hot seat for several seasons, winning at Daytona in July.  There has been Paul Menard winning the Brickyard 400 at the track where he spent his youth with his father, home improvement mogul John Menard, who tried for over three decades to win a race at Indianapolis only to have his son take home the big prize.

To wrap up the parade of first-time winners, you have Marcos Ambrose, a guy who had come oh-so-close to his first win last year at Infineon until stalling his car under caution while trying to save fuel.  He would find redemption at Watkins Glen in a frantic, hellacious two-lap dash for the victory, beating out Brad Keselowski and Kyle Busch down the stretch.

Speaking of Keselowski, here's a guy who was practically persona non grata last year in the Sprint Cup ranks.  Oh sure, he tore it up in the Nationwide Series, but let's be real here fans: that's honestly like a UFC fighter beating up a 98-pound high school freshman.  On the Cup side of things, he was somewhat of a disappointment in his freshman season, struggling in mid-pack with no hope of making the Chase.  Even after successful Nationwide crew chief Paul Wolfe moved up to Cup, Keselowski struggled as the pairing re-gelled during much of 2011's first half.  But since June, it has been like someone has flipped on a light switch for Brad and he's been finishing consistently in the top-5 to top-10 range each week, with three wins during the course of the season.  It certainly seems as if Brad has finally started to realize his potential and left himself with a legitimate chance to win a Sprint Cup championship.  Not too shabby for a guy who was 25th in points earlier this year!

And oh yes, how can anyone forget the "fuel mileage" races?  Eight out of 28 of NASCAR's races this year have been decided by fuel mileage.  Admittedly, it can get irritating to constantly see races come down to who has the most gas left at the end, but for NASCAR fans who have been long in clamoring for a new top dog, there is a silver lining in these races.  Thanks in part to Jimmie Johnson's lack of mastery in the fuel mileage department, the door has been left ajar for a new savior to be anointed.  Johnson has started off his 2011 Chase on the ropes, in tenth, 29 points back from points leader Tony Stewart.  There's also been signs of strain between Johnson and Chad Knaus over the radio.  Now the $64,000 question (dated reference) is can a new face capitalize where Denny Hamlin failed to do so last year in the next eight races?

By the way, let's not forget NASCAR's Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series and mention the great points battles for those championships.  In the Nationwide Series, this has truly been the "coming out party" for Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.  Last year, he was trying his damndest (albeit inadvertently) to live out the infamous "I want you to hit the pace car!" line delivered by Robert Duvall in "Days of Thunder."  This year?  Night and day difference.  Stenhouse, Jr. has finally blossomed into the potential future star he has long been hyped to be by Jack Roush.  Plus, he has a teammate in Trevor Bayne who overcame a mystery illness to come back into the racing fray with a mighty roar of his Roush-Yates powered chariot.

There also has been the continued resurgence of guys such as Elliott Sadler and Reed Sorenson in the Nationwide Series.  These guys have gone from mid-pack (at best) Cup drivers to rebuilding and reinventing their careers elsewhere.  Also, one would be hard-pressed to forget Justin Allgaier, dumped by Penske after a successful Nationwide career only to find himself a home with Turner Motorsports.

It's also hard to not talk about the exciting "Rookie Of The Year" battle in the Nationwide Series between Timmy Hill and Blake Koch.  While it's uncertain what these guys will do in the long-term scheme of things, the battle for  top rookie honors has most certainly been worth mentioning.

Speaking of fantastic rookie battles, the conflict in the Truck Series has just been ferocious between Cole Whitt, Joey Coulter, and Parker Kligerman.  Nelson Piquet, Jr. and Miguel Paludo have also been competitive at times and even Johanna Long, in her limited funding and limited starts, has showed signs of promise.  But the true future stars of NASCAR are Whitt, Coulter, and Kligerman.  Whitt came out of the gate strong, even leading the overall points at one time before falling back in the latter part of the season.  Kligerman and Coulter both struggled initially but have found themselves becoming legitimate contenders as of late.

As for the Truck Series points battle, it's been a dogfight between Johnny Sauter, James Buescher, Austin Dillon, and Timothy Peters.  All but Buescher have managed to win races this year, even against Cup drivers.  Make no mistake, the ascension of Dillon, Sauter, and Peters is remarkable, but Buescher's rise to this position is nothing short of almost selling ice cubes to eskimos after missing a race at Phoenix earlier in the season.

Sure, there's still some problems in the lower series, such as the issue of start & parking to fill fields, the annoying Cup presence, and so on in addition to the complaints fans have about the Cup series that were listed earlier. But for now, why don't people just kick back, take stock of this season, and actually (Gasp!) focus on the positives of the year for once, hmm?

Brody Jones is a Contributor to Frontstretch.com.  He can be reached via e-mail at brody.jones@frontstretch.com.

The Critic's Annex:  Senna
by Phil Allaway

Hello, race fans.  Welcome back to the Critic's Annex, where I take a look at additional motorsports-related programming that is available to us race fans.  Last year, a new documentary about the life of the late Ayrton Senna, simply titled Senna, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.  The film was highly regarded and picked up a distribution deal from Universal Pictures.  A very slow rollout in theaters started in July.

Just last week, the film opened in Albany, NY at the Spectrum 8, Albany's longtime independent movie theater that tends to focus on more adult-oriented (not that adult-oriented), independent films and art house movies.  I knew I had to see it (been looking forward to seeing it for months), and I got my chance just last night.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Senna, he could be best described as a force of nature.  In the car, he was Kyle Busch times about 14 or so, combined with Ryan Newman.  Super aggressive during the races, and always a threat for poles (he is second all-time with 65 poles, three behind Michael Schumacher, who has over 100 more starts than Senna).  Senna was a three-time World Champion (1988, 1990-1991) and an absolute grandmaster in the rain.

The movie starts out with a Senna voiceover.  He's talking about his very first trip to Europe, which took place in 1978 so that he could participate in the World Karting Championships.  Even then, it was evident that Senna was going to be something.  Of note, Senna was in contention to take the overall win that day.  However, he got nerfed off the track late in the going, which allowed a 28-year-old from Mississippi to take the world title.  Who was that guy?  None other than Lake Speed, he of the one career Winston Cup victory at Darlington back in 1988.  This fact, of course, was not mentioned in the piece.

The movie then skips Senna's entire run up through the minor ranks and goes right up to 1984, his first year in Formula One for Toleman (today, after multiple ownership and name changes, this is the Group Lotus-Renault team, which just so happens to field Senna's nephew Bruno in one of the seats).  The movie then focuses on a few notable moments in Senna's career.  The first of these moments was the 1984 Grand Prix of Monaco.  This race was one that was shortened from 78 to 31 laps due to heavy rains and unsafe conditions on-track.  Senna charged up through the field from 13th to second (mind you, this is Monaco we're talking about here).  Until the race was finally stopped, in controversial fashion, Senna was running down eventual winner Alain Prost by three to five seconds a lap while using no boost at all from his turbocharged four-cylinder Hart engine.  It's truly an amazing race.  I'd recommend checking it out on YouTube.

Another race that was covered was the 1985 Grand Prix of Portugal at Estoril, where Senna earned his first career victory.  Or, more appropriately, he stomped the field, lapping everyone but second-place finisher Michele Alboreto, who was nearly one minute and three seconds behind at the finish.  The Japanese Grand Prix from 1988-1991 was also covered, mainly because of the craziness that always seemed to happen at Suzuka at the time.

The 1989 race was the most controversial because of the accident between Senna and Prost at the Casio Triangle.  Aerial views made it look like Prost intentionally steered into Senna in order to cause a collision.  That crash resulted in Prost dropping out of the race.  At the time (and presumably, today as well), Prost denied turning into Senna.  Decide for yourself whether Prost is being truthful.  That situation also led to showing just how much Senna disliked Jean-Marie Balestre, the President of FISA (now the FIA) and apparently, a chum of Prost.  Let's be honest here.  The guy came off as nothing short of a tyrant.  Balestre was shown during a driver's meeting shouting that the only correct decision is my decision.  Then, he put a proposal to replace tires in a chicane runoff at Hockenheim (Germany) with cones to a driver vote, therefore making himself look good, when he was being a jerk just two minutes earlier.

Interspersed with looks at the most notable events of Senna's career were some home movies straight from the Senna family that showed Ayrton unwinding with some boating and water skiing and such.  That is pretty much what Senna did during the offseason: go home to Brazil and unwind.

The movie also accurately showed just how much of a celebrity/hero/demigod Senna was in Brazil.  Basically, he was so famous and beloved that living in Brazil at all would have been very difficult.  He needed a police escort to walk down the street since the throngs of fans were so huge.  When he went home after his third World Championship, the Brazilian Air Force gave his private plane an escort.  Clips of random people talking about what Senna meant to Brazil were interspersed throughout the film.

Senna was very much into helping the children of Brazil better themselves.  To that degree, he began the setup of the Ayrton Senna Institute before his death in order to better educate children in Brazil.  However, Senna died before the Institute could open.  For some reason, they really didn't talk a whole lot about Senna's philanthropy.  Since the film had the expressed consent of the Senna da Silva family, I'd figure that they would have included a little bit more.

The movie ended up with a detailed look at the infamous Grand Prix of San Marino weekend, where both Senna and Roland Ratzenberger were killed in separate crashes, and Rubens Barrichello was injured in another nasty crash on Friday.  There was significant talk about how Senna just seemed outright morose all weekend.  In reality, he was bummed out all year due to the lack of handling from his Williams and perceived cheating from Benetton.  This part wasn't mentioned in the movie, but at one point early in the season, Senna begged Prost to come out of retirement, claiming that no one on the current grid could bring out his best.  I think that the film should have given a little more time to the post-championship period of his career (1992-1994), especially 1994, since he showed what amounted to a complete personality change.

The film ended with the state funeral and funeral procession in Sao Paulo a couple of days after Senna's death.  To give you an idea of what that was like, it wasn't dissimilar to when Ronald Reagan died, although it was not mentioned whether Senna's body lay in state like Reagan's did.  No mention was made of the insane court proceedings that came out of Senna's fatal crash that stretched on all the way to 2007.

There were no talking head-type interviews in the film.  Instead, there were a few carefully selected people that provided audio interviews.  John Bisignano was the only American interviewee in the film.  At the time, Bisignano was a pit reporter for ESPN's Formula One coverage.  Other interview subjects included Professor Sid Watkins, Formula One's head physician (and good friend of Senna), Ron Dennis (Team Manager: McLaren), Senna's mother, Neyde and sister Viviane, along with representatives from TF1 and TV Globo.

Senna's love life was covered in the film as well.  However, the film took a somewhat controversial, but to those who have read about Senna's family, completely expected turn.  It's no secret that Senna's family hates Adriane Galisteu, Senna's girlfriend when he died (to make a long story short, they thought she was a gold digger).  They had to mention her because otherwise, it would have looked weird if they didn't.  They outright omitted the fact that Senna had actually been married very early in his career, but was divorced.  However, they loved Xuxa Meneghel (often referred to simply as Xuxa), whom Senna dated previous to Galisteu.  Xuxa was best known for a children's show that she hosted in Brazil from 1986-1993, followed by an aborted attempt to import her show to the United States.  It should be noted that none of Senna's former lovers contributed to the documentary.

I have to understand that most people that went to see this film might not have the knowledge about Senna that I already had going in.  Mainly because of the fact that I'd read at least two books about Senna previously, as well as watched multiple races from his era, I came in knowing quite a bit about the Brazilian legend.  I would have to liked to see something about his rise through the ranks of European racing because I think that would have been interesting.  But nothing was shown.

Ideally, I would like a documentary on a notable figure to be completely unbiased.  Unfortunately, that is not always possible with some subjects.  Senna is one of them.  Without the support of his family, it would have been difficult to get to know Senna away from the track since they would not have had access to the home movies.  To get that side of the famous driver, the filmmakers had to abide by the family's wishes.  Oh well.  That's life, I guess.

Regardless, I found the film to be enjoyable to watch.  You'll definitely see Senna's drive to succeed come out in a huge way.  His religiosity really did turn off some of his rivals (especially Prost), who believed that it allowed him to drive recklessly.  However, it was more a way to help himself (Senna claimed to have seen God while in the car, and once claimed to have what amounted to an out-of-body experience at Monaco).

I hope you enjoyed this look at the feature film, Senna.  Depending on where you live, it might be playing at a theater near you right now.  Next week, I'll be back with a look at the Kentucky Indy 300 from Kentucky Speedway.  Until then, enjoy the action from Kentucky, Road Atlanta and Dover.

Phil Allaway is a Senior Writer and the Newsletter Manager for Frontstretch.com.  He can be reached via e-mail at phil.allaway@frontstretch.comFollow him on Twitter at @Critic84.
~~~~~~
Frontstretch Line of the Week

This week, we're doing things a little different.  We're pulling a tweet for this week's entry.

"Katie is feeling pretty good today, and I got to learn something new....how to put a bra ON!" - Matt Kenseth, looking on the bright side of things after his wife's battle with a concrete wall while practicing at Charlotte Motor Speedway for next month's Better Half Dash.  I guess there are benefits to one's wife being laid up with a broken collarbone.  I'd go into more detail, but we're a family-oriented newsletter.
 
Have a nominee for Line of the Week? Email Phil Allaway at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com and you may see yourself in this space next week!
~~~~~~
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:

MPM2Nite: Fundamental Disconnect
by Matt McLaughlin

Going Green: Nothing Wrong With Fuel Strategy
by Garrett Horton
 
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~~~~~~
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~~~~~~
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Q:  The 1993 SplitFire Spark Plugs 500 at Dover was a caution-plagued event.  After 103 laps run behind the pace car (not including pace laps), Rusty Wallace went to Victory Lane after nearly five hours in the seat.  Mark Martin was well-placed to have a good run that day, but he fell into the same issues that a lot of other drivers had that day.  What happened?
 
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Q:  The 1996 MBNA 500 was the final 500-mile fall race at then-Dover Downs International Speedway and turned out to be an epic event that lasted well over four hours. However, Chad Little didn't even make it past the five-lap mark in a race that Jeff Gordon won in dominating fashion. What happened?
 
A:  On lap 3, Little, driving the No. 29 Cartoon Network Chevrolet for Diamond Ridge Motorsports, spun exiting Turn 2 after contact with Jeff Burton.  Burton's Exide Batteries Ford ended up guiding Little hard into the inside wall, head-on.  Little's car then spun around and collected the front end of Burton's No. 99.  Both cars were out of the race on the spot.  The crash can be seen at the 3:10 mark of this clip.  Eli Gold, Buddy Baker and Dick Berggren have the call for TNN.

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~~~~~~~
Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News & Frontstretch Folio: Dover by Summer Dreyer
-- Keepin' It Short by Mike Neff
-- In Case You Missed It by Brett Poirier
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
 
Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
  
Four Burning Questions: Dover by Mike Lovecchio
We'll have a preview of the Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series races this weekend at the Monster Mile.

Holding A Pretty Wheel
by Amy Henderson
Amy's back with another interesting commentary. This week, her focus surrounds the increasing number of start-and-park entries and what can be done, if anything to curb the practice.

Voices From The Heartland
by Jeff Meyer
For the rest of the season, Jeff's weekly column will run on Fridays.  This week, Jeff will be talking about Joyce Julius & Associates' recent NASCAR Driver Exposure Ratings. 
 
Nuts For Nationwide by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan returns with an intriguing commentary ahead of the series making their second trip of the year to Delaware.
 
Driver Diary: Marcos Ambrose as told to Toni Montgomery
The driver of the No. 9 Stanley Tools Ford returns for another interesting look at the past month on and off the track.
-----------------------------
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rec.games.trivia - 11 new messages in 3 topics - digest

rec.games.trivia
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.games.trivia?hl=en

rec.games.trivia@googlegroups.com

Today's topics:

* QFTCI11 Game 8 Rounds 4-5: formerly, dead poets - 4 messages, 4 authors
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.games.trivia/t/c2e2ef515600a5ff?hl=en
* *Results* of Rare Entries Contest MSB72 - 4 messages, 3 authors
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.games.trivia/t/e1c0881c0d67dba9?hl=en
* QFTCI11 Game 8 Rounds 7-8: song cities, album covers - 3 messages, 3 authors
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.games.trivia/t/5c2a372988c0ebe3?hl=en

==============================================================================
TOPIC: QFTCI11 Game 8 Rounds 4-5: formerly, dead poets
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.games.trivia/t/c2e2ef515600a5ff?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 4 ==
Date: Tues, Sep 27 2011 6:20 pm
From: Dan Tilque


Calvin wrote:
> On Sep 26, 1:39 pm, m...@vex.net (Mark Brader) wrote:

>> 10. Stalingrad.
>
> Volvograd

I thought Volvos came from Sweden...


--
Dan Tilque

Keeping Pluto dead has taken a lot of work.
-- Mike Brown "How I killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming"


== 2 of 4 ==
Date: Wed, Sep 28 2011 12:43 am
From: "Rob Parker"


> * Game 8, Round 4 - Formerly Known As
> 1. Upper Volta.

Burkina Faso

> 2. Dephlogisticated air ("DEE-flow-JIST-ik-eight'd").

Oxygen

> 3. The Nashville Network.

The Grand Ol' Opry (?)

> 9. Larboard.

Port

> * Game 8, Round 5 - Dead Poets Society
>
> 2. Born 1914, Wales.

Dylan Thomas

> 3. Born 1865, Ireland.

WB Yeats

> 4. Born 1902, Missouri.

Longfellow; Whitman

> 5. Born 1892, Maine.

Longfellow; Whitman

> 6. Born 1888, Missouri.

Longfellow; Whitman

> 8. Born 1902, New York (state).

Ogden Nash (?)

> 9. Born 1878, Illinois.

Longfellow; Whitman


Rob


== 3 of 4 ==
Date: Wed, Sep 28 2011 2:42 pm
From: Erland Sommarskog


Dan Tilque (dtilque@frontier.com) writes:
> I thought Volvos came from Sweden...

Nah, they're Chinese these days. The cars, that is. Not the trucks. They
are still Swedish.


--
Erland Sommarskog, Stockholm, esquel@sommarskog.se


== 4 of 4 ==
Date: Wed, Sep 28 2011 10:03 pm
From: msb@vex.net (Mark Brader)


Mark Brader:
> These questions were written to be asked in Toronto on 2011-03-14,
> and should be interpreted accordingly... For further information
> see my 2011-09-22 companion posting on "Questions from the
> Canadian Inquisition (QFTCI11, QFTCIMM)".
>
> Usually I would post Rounds 4 and 6 of the game together, since
> Round 5 is audio and I'm not doing audio. But, as you will recall,
> Game 8, Round 6, was a second Current Events round (for Canadiana)
> and therefore has already been posted. And on the other hand,
> in this game the audio round, instead of music as usual, was the
> literature round. Well, if you know the words, you won't need the
> audio -- so for this set, instead of Rounds 4 and 6, I'm posting
> Rounds *4 and 5*.
>
> I wrote one of these rounds.

That was the "formerly known as" round.


> * Game 8, Round 4 - Formerly Known As

> In each case, we give you an obsolete name; you give us the
> current name corresponding to it.

> 1. Upper Volta.

Burkina Faso. 4 for Marc, Joshua, Dan Blum, Peter, Erland, Pete,
Calvin, Dan Tilque, and Rob.

> 2. Dephlogisticated air ("DEE-flow-JIST-ik-eight'd").

Oxygen. 4 for Marc, Dan Blum, Stephen, Dan Tilque, and Rob.
2 for Joshua and Calvin.

> 3. The Nashville Network.

Spike. 4 for Marc, Joshua, and Stephen.

> 4. Marky Mark.

Mark Wahlberg. 4 for Marc, Joshua, Dan Blum, Peter, and Stephen.

> 5. Sextilis.

August. 4 for Marc, Joshua, Peter, Erland, and Stephen.

> 6. New York Highlanders.

New York Yankees. 4 for Marc, Joshua, Jeff, Stephen, Pete,
and Dan Tilque.

> 7. Revenue Canada.

Canada Revenue Agency (exact wording required). I'm also accepting
the Canada Border Services Agency (exact wording required), which
was split off from the former Revenue Canada at the same time as
the last name change.

> 8. Andersen Consulting.

Accenture. 4 for Joshua, Dan Blum, Peter, Erland, Stephen, and Pete.

> 9. Larboard.

Port. 4 for Marc, Joshua, Dan Blum, Jeff, Peter, Pete, Dan Tilque,
and Rob. 3 for Stephen.

> 10. Stalingrad.

Volgograd. 4 for Marc, Joshua, Erland, Pete, and Dan Tilque.
3 for Calvin.


> * Game 8, Round 5 - Dead Poets Society

> This is the literature round. In its original form as an audio
> round, each piece of poetry was read by its own author... for
> newsgroup purposes I've edited the excerpts into a single common
> style as regards indentation, capitalization, and punctuation,
> and in some cases also tampered with the line breaks.

> 1. Born 1893, New Jersey.

> Love long has taken for his amulet
> One perfect rose.

> Why is it no one ever sent me yet
> One perfect limousine, do you suppose?
> Ah no, it's always just my luck to get
> One perfect rose.

Dorothy Parker ("One Perfect Rose"). 4 for Joshua and Dan Blum.

> 2. Born 1914, Wales.

> When the morning was waking over the war
> He put on his clothes and stepped out and he died,
> The locks yawned loose and a blast blew them wide,
> He dropped where he loved on the burst pavement stone
> And the funeral grains of the slaughtered floor.

Dylan Thomas ("Among Those Killed in the Dawn Raid"). 4 for Joshua,
Dan Blum, Jeff, Stephen, Pete, Calvin, Dan Tilque, and Rob.

> 3. Born 1865, Ireland.

> I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
> And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;
> Nine bean rows will I have there, a hive for the honeybee,
> And live alone in the bee-loud glade.

William Butler Yeats ("The Lake Isle of Innisfree"). 4 for Joshua,
Stephen, Calvin, and Rob.

> 4. Born 1902, Missouri.

> So boy, don't you turn back.
> Don't you set down on the steps
> 'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
> Don't you fall now --
> For I'se still goin', honey,
> I'se still climbin',
> And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.

Langston Hughes ("Mother to Son"). The first name was required.
4 for Dan Blum. 3 for Stephen.

> 5. Born 1892, Maine.

> Childhood is not from birth to a certain age
> And at a certain age the child is grown,
> And puts away childish things.
> Childhood is the kingdom where nobody dies.

> Nobody that matters, that is.

Edna St. Vincent Millay ("Childhood is the Kingdom Where Nobody
Dies"). 4 for Stephen.

> 6. Born 1888, Missouri.

> In the room the women come and go
> Talking of Michelangelo.

> The yellow fog that rubs its back upon the window-panes,
> The yellow smoke that rubs its muzzle on the window-panes
> Licked its tongue into the corners of the evening...

T.S. Eliot ("Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock"). 4 for Marc, Joshua,
Dan Blum, Stephen, and Dan Tilque.

> 7. Born 1932, Massachusetts.

> I have done it again.
> One year in every ten I manage it--

> A sort of walking miracle, my skin
> Bright as a Nazi lampshade, my right foot
> A paperweight, my face a featureless, fine Jew linen.
> Peel off the napkin, O my enemy. Do I terrify?--

> Yes, yes, Herr Professor, It is I. Can you deny
> The nose, the eye pits, the full set of teeth?

Sylvia Plath ("Lady Lazarus"). 4 for Marc and Joshua.

> 8. Born 1902, New York (state).

> That is why marriage is so much more interesting than divorce,
> Because it's the only known example of the happy meeting of
> The immovable object and the irresistible force.
> So I hope that husbands and wives will continue to debate and
> Combat over everything debatable and combatable,
> Because I believe a little incompatibility is the spice of life,
> Particularly if he has income and she is pattable.

Ogden Nash ("I Do, I Will, I Have"). 4 for Stephen and Rob.
3 for Jeff.

> 9. Born 1878, Illinois.

> When Abraham Lincoln was shoveled into the tombs,
> He forgot the copperheads and the assassin...
> In the dust, in the cool tombs.

> And Ulysses Grant lost all thought of con men and Wall Street,
> Cash and collateral turned ashes...
> In the dust, in the cool tombs.

Carl Sandburg ("Cool Tombs"). 4 for Marc, Joshua, Dan Blum, Jeff,
and Pete.

> 10. Born 1926, New Jersey.

> What thoughts I have of you tonight, Walt Whitman,
> For I walked down the sidestreets under the trees
> With a headache self-conscious looking at the full moon.

> In my hungry fatigue, and shopping for images, I went
> Into the neon fruit supermarket, dreaming of your enumerations!

> What peaches and what penumbras!
> Whole families shopping at night!
> Aisles full of husbands!
> Wives in the avocados, babies in the tomatoes!

> --And you, Garcia Lorca,
> What were you doing down by the watermelons?

Allen Ginsberg ("A Supermarket in California"). 4 for Stephen.


Scores, if there are no errors:

ROUNDS-> 2 3 4 5 TOTALS
TOPICS-> His Sci Mis Lit
Dan Blum 40 32 20 20 112
Stephen Perry 36 22 27 27 112
Joshua Kreitzer 28 10 34 24 96
Dan Tilque 28 24 20 8 80
Marc Dashevsky 16 19 32 12 79
Rob Parker 20 28 12 12 72
Peter Smyth 28 16 20 0 64
Jeff Turner 20 24 8 11 63
"Calvin" 28 15 9 8 60
Stan Brown 32 28 -- -- 60
Pete Gayde 28 4 20 8 60
Bruce Bowler 8 32 -- -- 40
Erland Sommarskog 8 8 16 0 32

--
Mark Brader "Hey, I don't want to control people's lives!
Toronto (If they did things right, I wouldn't have to.)"
msb@vex.net -- "Coach"

My text in this article is in the public domain.

==============================================================================
TOPIC: *Results* of Rare Entries Contest MSB72
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.games.trivia/t/e1c0881c0d67dba9?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 4 ==
Date: Wed, Sep 28 2011 6:18 am
From: "gerson"

"Mark Brader" wrote

> 1 40 (tennis)

Maybe a bit late, I know, but to get 40 in tennis you have
to have had 30 already, (so it's 10 more), silly though it
all is.


== 2 of 4 ==
Date: Wed, Sep 28 2011 9:37 am
From: msb@vex.net (Mark Brader)


Mark Brader:
>> 1 40 (tennis)

John Gerson:
> Maybe a bit late, I know, but to get 40 in tennis you have
> to have had 30 already...

You're right. The question required the points to be scored "all at
once", so that answer is wrong. However, rescoring it would not affect
any of the high finishers. And I did say

| On this one I decided I was willing to trust that the entrants
| knew what they were talking about, and accepted all answers given
| as correct rather than researching the rules of all those sports.

If I'd scored that one as wrong, I would've had to research all the
others, and frankly I didn't feel like it. I hate sports questions.
--
Mark Brader, Toronto | "Close your tag and give it a rest, Jason"
msb@vex.net | --FoxTrot (Bill Amend)


== 3 of 4 ==
Date: Wed, Sep 28 2011 10:26 am
From: "Peter Smyth"


"Mark Brader" wrote in message
news:4P6dnfzp-dOn0B7TnZ2dnUVZ_gqdnZ2d@vex.net...
>
>Mark Brader:
>>> 1 40 (tennis)
>
>John Gerson:
>> Maybe a bit late, I know, but to get 40 in tennis you have
>> to have had 30 already...
>
>You're right. The question required the points to be scored "all at
>once", so that answer is wrong. However, rescoring it would not affect
>any of the high finishers. And I did say
>
>| On this one I decided I was willing to trust that the entrants
>| knew what they were talking about, and accepted all answers given
>| as correct rather than researching the rules of all those sports.
>
>If I'd scored that one as wrong, I would've had to research all the
>others, and frankly I didn't feel like it. I hate sports questions.

In this case NASCAR racing covers every number between 1 and 43 so 40 would
be correct anyway.

Peter Smyth

== 4 of 4 ==
Date: Wed, Sep 28 2011 10:48 am
From: msb@vex.net (Mark Brader)


Peter Smyth;
> In this case NASCAR racing covers every number between 1 and 43 so 40 would
> be correct anyway.

No, because the question specified that "You must also name the sport".
--
Mark Brader | "...he entertained the notion that I was cribbing from
Toronto | other [students' exams] until it was pointed out that
msb@vex.net | I often had the only correct answer..." --Lars Eighner

==============================================================================
TOPIC: QFTCI11 Game 8 Rounds 7-8: song cities, album covers
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.games.trivia/t/5c2a372988c0ebe3?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 3 ==
Date: Wed, Sep 28 2011 10:08 pm
From: msb@vex.net (Mark Brader)


These questions were written to be asked in Toronto on 2011-03-14,
and should be interpreted accordingly.

On each question you may give up to two answers, but if you give
both a right answer and a wrong answer, there is a small penalty.
Please post all your answers in a single followup to the newsgroup,
based only on your own knowledge. (In your answer posting, quote
the questions and place your answer below each one.) I will reveal
the correct answers in about 3 days. For further information see
my 2011-09-22 companion posting on "Questions from the Canadian
Inquisition (QFTCI11, QFTCIMM)".

I did not write either of these rounds.


* Game 8, Round 7 - Cities in Song

In this round we're going to look at US cities celebrated in song.
Using the handout map http://www.eskimo.com/~scs/msb/0807/song.png
as a reference, we will give you a city letter and three or four
singers or bands that have each recorded different songs with
forms of its name in the title.

For questions #1-7, all we want from you is the name of the city.

1. City A -- the Animals; Scott McKenzie; Tony Bennett.

2. City C -- the Doors; Randy Newman; Wang Chung; Cheech Marin.

3. City D -- Elvis Presley; Sheryl Crow; Katy Perry.

4. City H -- Roger Miller; Wilbert Harrison; the Beatles; Lee Dixon.

5. City I -- Johnny Rivers; Marc Cohn; Jerry Lee Lewis.

6. City L -- Johnny Horton; Arlo Guthrie; the Tragically Hip.

7. City U -- Bruce Springsteen; Neil Young; Elton John.

Questions #8-10 all relate to City Y. You must give either the
name of the city or a specific part of it, *whichever is mentioned
in the titles*.

8. The Ad Libs; Sting; Frank Sinatra.

9. Beastie Boys; Jay-Z; Neil Diamond.

10. The Rolling Stones; Ben E. King; U2.

The remaining cities have each also been celebrated in song at least
once. (More or less, anyway -- W and X actually both represent the
same place name.) Name them if you like for fun, but for no points.

11. City B.
12. City E.
13. City F.
14. City G.
15. City J.
16. City K.
17. City M.
18. City N.
19. City O.
20. City P.
21. City Q.
22. City R.
23. City S.
24. City T.
25. City V.
26. City W or X.
27. City Z.


* Game 8, Round 8 - Album Covers

And now, another music round, which is also another arts and
literature round. The album cover as an art form reached its peak
in the heyday of LPs and may now be in terminal decline in the era
of downloads. But back in 1991, Rolling Stone magazine selected
the 100 greatest covers of all time. On our handout

http://www.eskimo.com/~scs/msb/0808/album.jpg

are 20 of them. On each question, name the singer or band, as
applicable, whose album is shown. We have, of course, removed
some of the lettering.

1. Cover A.
2. Cover C.
3. Cover F.
4. Cover G.
5. Cover I.
6. Cover J.
7. Cover K.
8. Cover N.
9. Cover P.
10. Cover R.

Now identify the singer or band for the remaining covers if you
like for fun, but for no points.

11. Cover B.
12. Cover D.
13. Cover E.
14. Cover H.
15. Cover L.
16. Cover M.
17. Cover O.
18. Cover Q.
19. Cover S.
20. Cover T.

--
Mark Brader | "If you have to go in, you go in.
Toronto | The choice was made the day you took your oath."
msb@vex.net | --Dan Duddy, New York Fire Department

My text in this article is in the public domain.


== 2 of 3 ==
Date: Wed, Sep 28 2011 11:40 pm
From: Dan Tilque


Mark Brader wrote:
>
> * Game 8, Round 7 - Cities in Song
>
> In this round we're going to look at US cities celebrated in song.
> Using the handout map http://www.eskimo.com/~scs/msb/0807/song.png
> as a reference, we will give you a city letter and three or four
> singers or bands that have each recorded different songs with
> forms of its name in the title.
>
> For questions #1-7, all we want from you is the name of the city.
>
> 1. City A -- the Animals; Scott McKenzie; Tony Bennett.

San Francisco

>
> 2. City C -- the Doors; Randy Newman; Wang Chung; Cheech Marin.

Los Angeles

>
> 3. City D -- Elvis Presley; Sheryl Crow; Katy Perry.

Las Vegas

>
> 4. City H -- Roger Miller; Wilbert Harrison; the Beatles; Lee Dixon.

Kansas City

>
> 5. City I -- Johnny Rivers; Marc Cohn; Jerry Lee Lewis.

Memphis

>
> 6. City L -- Johnny Horton; Arlo Guthrie; the Tragically Hip.

New Orleans

>
> 7. City U -- Bruce Springsteen; Neil Young; Elton John.

Philadelphia

>
> Questions #8-10 all relate to City Y. You must give either the
> name of the city or a specific part of it, *whichever is mentioned
> in the titles*.
>
> 8. The Ad Libs; Sting; Frank Sinatra.

New York

>
> 9. Beastie Boys; Jay-Z; Neil Diamond.

Brooklyn

>
> 10. The Rolling Stones; Ben E. King; U2.

Manhattan

>
> The remaining cities have each also been celebrated in song at least
> once. (More or less, anyway -- W and X actually both represent the
> same place name.) Name them if you like for fun, but for no points.
>
> 11. City B.

Do You Know the Way to San Jose?

> 12. City E.

By the Time I Get to Phoenix

> 13. City F.

Wichita Lineman

> 14. City G.

I'm Proud to Be an Okie from Muskogee

> 15. City J.

Tupelo Honey

> 16. City K.

Galveston, oh Galveston
I still hear your sea winds blowin'

> 17. City M.

(here's where I run out of song titles)
Tallahassee (?)

> 18. City N.

Miami

> 19. City O.

Milwaukee

> 20. City P.

Detroit

> 21. City Q.

Cleveland

> 22. City R.

Akron; Youngstown

> 23. City S.

Buffalo

> 24. City T.

Baltimore

> 25. City V.
> 26. City W or X.

Woodstock

> 27. City Z.

Atlantic City

>
>
> * Game 8, Round 8 - Album Covers
>
> And now, another music round, which is also another arts and
> literature round. The album cover as an art form reached its peak
> in the heyday of LPs and may now be in terminal decline in the era
> of downloads. But back in 1991, Rolling Stone magazine selected
> the 100 greatest covers of all time. On our handout
>
> http://www.eskimo.com/~scs/msb/0808/album.jpg
>
> are 20 of them. On each question, name the singer or band, as
> applicable, whose album is shown. We have, of course, removed
> some of the lettering.
>
> 1. Cover A.
> 2. Cover C.
> 3. Cover F.
> 4. Cover G.
> 5. Cover I.
> 6. Cover J.
> 7. Cover K.
> 8. Cover N.
> 9. Cover P.
> 10. Cover R.
>
> Now identify the singer or band for the remaining covers if you
> like for fun, but for no points.
>
> 11. Cover B.
> 12. Cover D.

The Eagles

> 13. Cover E.

Emerson Lake and Palmer

> 14. Cover H.

Bruce Springsteen

> 15. Cover L.
> 16. Cover M.
> 17. Cover O.

Led Zeppelin

> 18. Cover Q.
> 19. Cover S.
> 20. Cover T.
>


--
Dan Tilque

Keeping Pluto dead has taken a lot of work.
-- Mike Brown "How I killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming"


== 3 of 3 ==
Date: Thurs, Sep 29 2011 12:03 am
From: Joachim Parsch


Mark Brader schrieb:
>
> These questions were written to be asked in Toronto on 2011-03-14,
> and should be interpreted accordingly.
>
> On each question you may give up to two answers, but if you give
> both a right answer and a wrong answer, there is a small penalty.
> Please post all your answers in a single followup to the newsgroup,
> based only on your own knowledge. (In your answer posting, quote
> the questions and place your answer below each one.) I will reveal
> the correct answers in about 3 days. For further information see
> my 2011-09-22 companion posting on "Questions from the Canadian
> Inquisition (QFTCI11, QFTCIMM)".
>
> I did not write either of these rounds.
>
> * Game 8, Round 7 - Cities in Song
>
> In this round we're going to look at US cities celebrated in song.
> Using the handout map http://www.eskimo.com/~scs/msb/0807/song.png
> as a reference, we will give you a city letter and three or four
> singers or bands that have each recorded different songs with
> forms of its name in the title.
>
> For questions #1-7, all we want from you is the name of the city.
>
> 1. City A -- the Animals; Scott McKenzie; Tony Bennett.

San Fransisco.

>
> 2. City C -- the Doors; Randy Newman; Wang Chung; Cheech Marin.

Los Angeles.

>
> 3. City D -- Elvis Presley; Sheryl Crow; Katy Perry.

Las Vegas.

>
> 4. City H -- Roger Miller; Wilbert Harrison; the Beatles; Lee Dixon.
>
> 5. City I -- Johnny Rivers; Marc Cohn; Jerry Lee Lewis.
>
> 6. City L -- Johnny Horton; Arlo Guthrie; the Tragically Hip.

New Orleans.

>
> 7. City U -- Bruce Springsteen; Neil Young; Elton John.

Philadelphia.

>
> Questions #8-10 all relate to City Y. You must give either the
> name of the city or a specific part of it, *whichever is mentioned
> in the titles*.
>
> 8. The Ad Libs; Sting; Frank Sinatra.

New York.

>
> 9. Beastie Boys; Jay-Z; Neil Diamond.

Manhattan?

>
> 10. The Rolling Stones; Ben E. King; U2.

Harlem.

>
> * Game 8, Round 8 - Album Covers
>
> And now, another music round, which is also another arts and
> literature round. The album cover as an art form reached its peak
> in the heyday of LPs and may now be in terminal decline in the era
> of downloads. But back in 1991, Rolling Stone magazine selected
> the 100 greatest covers of all time. On our handout
>
> http://www.eskimo.com/~scs/msb/0808/album.jpg
>
> are 20 of them. On each question, name the singer or band, as
> applicable, whose album is shown. We have, of course, removed
> some of the lettering.
>
> 1. Cover A.
> 2. Cover C.
> 3. Cover F.
> 4. Cover G.
> 5. Cover I.
> 6. Cover J.
> 7. Cover K.
> 8. Cover N.
> 9. Cover P.
> 10. Cover R.

Supertramp.


Joachim


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Wednesday, September 28, 2011

The Frontstretch Newsletter: September 28th (2012 NASCAR Schedule Info)

THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
September 28th, 2011
Volume V, Edition CCIII

~~~~~~~~~~

What To Watch: Wednesday


After weeks of anticipation, 2012 NASCAR schedules for the top three series will be announced starting tomorrow at noon. The sanctioning body is introducing a new, innovative way to release this type of relevant information, as VP Steve O'Donnell will begin a series of Tweets from the @NASCAR account that will group races by month. Comprising ten Tweets in total, officials will be gauging fan reaction during the process while spacing each piece of new information five minutes apart.

On the Sprint Cup side, no major changes in the schedule are expected as most individual tracks have already announced their 2012 dates. But in the Nationwide Series, some anticipation remains as to whether the Montreal race date will return, what events will replace Nashville (closing its doors for 2012) on the schedule and exactly how many races will be run. Major changes to the Truck calendar will also be in play, as Darlington, Nashville, and Lucas Oil Raceway are among up to a half-dozen dates that have sprung open.

- 500 lucky high schoolers in the Charlotte area will get a taste of racing at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Bank of America is hosting career day Wednesday morning, with driver Kasey Kahne from Red Bull Racing as the featured speaker at 10:15 AM. Marcus Smith, the President of Charlotte Motor Speedway will also be in attendance as the event provides the kids an opportunity to learn about a variety of racing disciplines: from engineering, to marketing, to even safety and competition. Networking opportunities will also be provided as those interested in joining the stock car community have their chance to establish connections that can blossom down the road.

Bank of America is also sponsoring the 500-mile race at Charlotte Motor Speedway October 15th, part of its $6 billion contribution it claims goes into the North Carolina economy each year.

Top News
by Tom Bowles

Hamlin Confirms He Wants Ford To Stay On As Crew Chief

In the midst of a disappointing season, Denny Hamlin can't help but feel disgusted by what's become the worst performance of his career. Struggling early in this Chase, posting finishes of 31st and 29th to start has left him a distant 12th in the standings, 66 points off the pace of leader Tony Stewart.

But if you're expecting the six-year veteran to take his frustration out on crew chief Mike Ford, whose ultimate decision to stay out on fuel mileage caused the No. 11 to run out of gas last Sunday – think again.

"I feel like Mike is the guy for me," Hamlin said during a video teleconference Tuesday, confirming he'd like the head wrench on top of the pit box for the rest of the season – and beyond. "Some of the things that we've had go wrong this year are crew chief related, some of them are not.  Most of them are not.  Some of them are driver related.  It weighs on all of our shoulders equally, and I feel like he's kind of received a bit of a bad rap because of that."

"But I feel like he's the reason -- kind of the backbone of this race team, and obviously if you made a change, it would take a long time to get back to where I feel like we're capable of running at this point right now."

Hamlin later stated he feels he could "win a championship," with Ford, acknowledging communication issues but claiming they've markedly improved over the last four to five weeks. Instead, he believes the biggest hurdle for the team to overcome might be as simple as racing's Lady Luck.

"We've ran out of fuel, we've gotten in wrecks, we've cut tires, things like that," he claimed. "We've blown engines, we've had mechanical parts that have failed, had so many different things that's bitten us this year. I can't pinpoint one reason why those things have happened."

Those issues, culminating with a failed fuel gamble at New Hampshire have left Hamlin's chances for the championship a longshot at best. But the veteran, understanding the odds, feels the situation can be turned around to his advantage going forward – without a crew chief change as part of the process.

"In the position I'm in at this point, we're going out there and we're trying to win," he said. "And that's what we need to do to get back on track for 2012 is to win a few races before the season is over, and I feel like a no-points-pressure situation is just what we need."

TV Ratings Up Sharply For NASCAR At New Hampshire

Two races into NASCAR's Chase, there's hope the postseason audience could post a bit of a recovery after a dismal 2010. New Hampshire ratings were up sharply, from a 2.3 to a 2.7 U.S. Rating for a year-to-year increase of 17 percent. Viewership increased by over half-a-million, to 4,235,000 and the race finished in the top 10 in Cable TV programming for the week.

It's an encouraging boost to the postseason, after Chicagoland's rain-delayed event earned a paltry 1.8 to start. Even more encouraging were audience numbers within the key, males ages 18-34 category that experienced a dramatic, 28 percent increase in the Nielsens. These viewership numbers would have ranked fifth overall in the 2010 Chase, behind Homestead, Charlotte, Talladega, and Texas.

However, looking at the landscape overall stock car's audience still has plenty of room for improvement. New Hampshire's 2011 numbers are still well off the pace of 2009, when 5.04 million watched the Chase race debut in New Hampshire and far behind the NFL's 13.2 rating for, say, Sunday Night Football. Even MTV's Jersey Shore outperformed New Hampshire this Sunday, scoring 6.2 million viewers for its latest episode and a rating of 4.2.

Overall this season, ESPN's NASCAR ratings are up 2 percent over 2010.

Katie Kenseth In Recovery After Crash; Husband Says "Racing Days Are Over"

It's the most frightening moment in racing: watching a spouse hit the outside wall with nothing to stop the car but cold, hard concrete.

For years, Katie Kenseth has had to endure the agony of wondering if husband Matt was OK. But on Monday night, after a bad incident in testing for a charity race involving NASCAR wives, the shoe was on the other foot.

"She was aimed head-on into the wall going really fast and it was going to be really, really, really bad," Matt said to SceneDaily.com and others during a NASCAR Hall of Fame appearance Tuesday.

"When she crashed, I was ... 90 percent sure she was hurt. I have never seen a little car like that crash that hard. I was really thankful the car turned around backwards because I had a sick feeling in my gut when it was going head-on in there that she was going to be hurt really bad."

There's no way to confirm top speed at the time of the crash, but Bandoleros can typically max out anywhere from 50 to 65 mph depending on engine horsepower, driver experience and track conditions. Luckily, Mrs. Kenseth escaped from the wreckage with nothing more than a broken shoulder blade. Matt said the prognosis was good, telling reporters she was sore but that the pain was expected to subside sharply after just a couple of days.

Just don't expect a husband-wife friendly stock car competition. Matt confirmed his wife's racing career was over, although the pair is thankful for a tremendous outpouring of support through electronic media. Filming the Roush Fenway show for NESN, Kenseth took time out to thank everyone publicly at NASCAR's Hall and even joked about his wife's condition through Twitter.

Katie is feeling pretty good today," he said. "And I got to learn something new... how to put a bra ON!"

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
News Flash: Racing is Dangerous

Full Throttle
by Mike Neff

Since Dale Earnhardt's passing, the dramatic safety increases in the sport of stock car racing have resulted in a bit of complacency amongst fans toward the inherent danger a driver puts themselves in week after week. HANS devices, SAFER barriers, door foam and many other advances have allowed people to walk away from horrendous crashes that, in the past, would have at least required a visit to the hospital for a few days, if not a trip to the morgue. The progress in safety is a fantastic step forward for the sport and the lives that have been saved in the last 10 years; all of them are worth every dime that has been spent. However, it's important to remember that racing is still risky business, at best; something can go wrong at any time that will result in serious injuries or worse.

During the race weekend at Atlanta, PR folks from Charlotte Motor Speedway announced an event that will take place during the pre-race activites for the Bank of America 500 in October. The Better Half Dash is a charity competition between the wives and girlfriends of several drivers across NASCAR that will be held in Bandolero race cars on the quarter-mile oval, which is in the infield of the front straight at CMS. A 25-lap race, with a competition caution on Lap 15, the winner gets $5,000 to use towards her charity of choice while proceeds from the event will go to help out Speedway Children's Charities and Motor Racing Outreach.

Any kind of charitable activity is admirable, especially one that allows fans to become familiar with the women behind the men they cheer for every weekend. No question, publicizing these drivers' "other halfs" should be a great step towards drawing more spectators into the sport. The Bandolero cars put out by U.S. Legends Cars International are very safe vehicles and there is no doubt that the husbands and boyfriends will make sure that the ladies in the race will have all of the safety amenities possible at their disposal -- but it's not a foolproof guarantee that injuries won't happen.

Monday night, during the first practice session for the race, Katie Kenseth was painfully reminded of the dangers when she made hard contact with the outside wall on the backstretch. The result was not just a torn up race car, but a trip out of the racetrack on a stretcher. Kenseth was transported to a local hospital, where X-Rays revealed a broken scapula (that's a shoulder blade, for those of you who aren't anatomy majors) along with several bumps and bruises. She was released from the hospital and sent home with Matt to rest; sadly, she won't be competing next month.

The Bandoleros that these ladies will be driving are powered by a 30 horsepower Briggs and Stratton engine which can propel the small cars at speeds approaching 60 miles per hour. They are real race cars with coil over suspensions, disc brakes, a full tube frame with a roll cage, and seven-inch wide racing slicks. They are not rapid accelerating machines because they use a centrifugal clutch, but they can stop very quickly.

While this charity event is going to be a lot of fun and there will be plenty of cutting up by everyone involved, when they drop the rag you can bet these women will be just like anyone else behind the wheel of a race car and they're going to want to win. Beating and banging is going to occur, whether intentional or not, and the end result very well could be another accident like the one that injured Katie Kenseth on Monday evening. Safety advances have done everything possible to prevent a worst-case scenario should contact occur; but, like we saw during testing even the best protection is no guarantee of escaping injury-free.

Whether racing in the Cup series, Bandoleros in a charity race or a Late Model on a Friday night, racing is a dangerous sport. Cars running on the edge of control can lose it at any time, causing not just torn up sheet metal and car parts but occasionally injuries to the driver themselves. When cars that are moving at a rapid rate of speed come into contact with an immovable object, risks remain, no matter what safety equipment the drivers are wearing. Innovation in that area has come a very long way in the last 10 years and it is great that we almost never lose a driver's life anymore during a racing accident. However, any effort to take safety to a higher level should always be at the forefront of everyone's minds - not complacency. We were just reminded of how racing is still a dangerous sport, and there needs to be continued vigilance to keep tragedy to a bare minimum on our racetracks.

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...

@CrossmanMatt (Matt Crossman):
To steal a line from P.J. O'Rourke, NASCAR fans should love fuel mileage races for the same reason Republicans should love Jimmy Carter...

@CrossmanMatt: Carter gave us Ronald Reagan. Fuel mileage races will give NASCAR fans a new champion.

@tomjensen100 (Tom Jensen): These people are in @cltmotorspdwy right now: bit.ly/pWows8@speed

@jaywpennell: Harvick to #NASCAR youtube family: "This must be a pretty intense household."

@AndyHallESPN: #ESPN's #NASCAR Sprint Cup ratings for New Hampshire race up 19% from last year, M18-34 demos up 28%

@keselowski (Brad Keselowski): I think ratings are up cuz it doesn't look like JJ will win it again.@jeff_gluck #YeahISaidIt

@keselowski: doesnt hurt :) "@jeff_gluck: @keselowski You don't think it has anything to do with your neighbor making the Chase this year?" (Editor's Note: Neighbor = Dale Earnhardt, Jr.)

@RyanMcGeeESPN: Fan: "Would you put Kurt Busch into the wall for $100?" Hamlin (grinning): "I'd do it for free." #NASCAR

@keselowski: Feeling really good about Dover this weekend. It's kinda like a bigger concrete, high bank version of Bristol. And I LOVE Bristol.

@matt_kenseth17: Getting ready for better half dash test....looking all over but no sign of Danica's husband.. twitpic.com/6r3s0k

@AshleyAllgaier: Here at Charlotte Motor Speedway practicing for the #betterhalfdash- bout to get in the car, I feel like I'm gonna puke! Haha

@matt_kenseth17: That didn't turn out so well. Katie and I are home, she has a broken scapula and some bumps and bruises. Thanks for all the well wishes.

@matt_kenseth17: She said that was the shortest racing career in history!

@matt_kenseth17: Katie is feeling pretty good today, and I got to learn something new....how to put a bra ON!

@Regan_Smith_: Bristol sure is different looking without haulers and cars inside... Tire testing for the next couple days.

@AndyLally: Wow, just heard a rumor that I owned 50% of TRG. THIS IS NOT TRUE AT ALL. Just for the record, I dont have that kind of $. #PoAsPhuk

@jeff_gluck: A cryptic Stewart says he got some dead weight off shoulders this week, "Sometimes you've got to make changes in life."

@NASCARBowles (Tom Bowles): Stewart: "he got some dead weight off his shoulders this week. Got to make changes in life." Hmm... still weighs the same. What could it be?

@bobpockrass: Fyi, Stewart doesn't look any lighter weight wise. #nascar

@mforde (Mike Forde): Figured it out. He meant dead WAIT. It was KILLING him that he had to WAIT so long for his first win of 2011. #homonym

@NASCARBowles: Re: Tony Stewart Dead Weight, Presented without comment:tinyurl.com/3jfpqon #NASCAR (hit like if you can't see recent comments)

@NASCARBowles: Again, to be very clear... no knowledge if that's it but just posting what some fans are buzzing about.

@bobpockrass: No word if Facebook will come out with a new choice of "status" - "no longer in a dead weight relationship." #nascar

@bobpockrass: John Darby said no penalties for the 22 for inspection issue. Said Penske characterization message sent [about] being late to tech was accurate.

@SummerDreyer: This has been such a fantastic season.... You seriously never know what is going to happen. #NASCAR

@JimmieJohnson: That sucked... on to Dover.

@landoncassill: We blew 3 right front tires today! Not good, ill be at the shop bright and early to see what it was. Nick and the guys worked hard this week

@kaseykahne: Had a top two car all day. Just wasn't able to make the mileage. 4 car is fast! will finish some off soon.

@dennyhamlin: Tough day for our Fedex team. We took a shot at it and came up short. It will get better.

@DanicaPatrick: How about my man smoke?!!!! Congrats on the win @Stewarthaasracing

@KevinHarvick: Fuel mileage was absolutely horrible today... run top 5 all day then finish 12th...

@pkligerman (Parker Kligerman): This is the most amazing year of NASCAR in awhile. Such close competition and so many ways to win/lose. Great to watch! #lovingit

@Tjmajors: Not the day we wanted but showed speed. Plenty of racing left!

@DeLanaHarvick: all i know [is] we're going to need a shit pot full of 'em to run out to make anything out of this day right now...

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?... Ratings Up, Johnson Down And Anything But Tandems
Q: The 1996 MBNA 500 was the final 500-mile fall race at then-Dover Downs International Speedway and turned out to be an epic event that lasted well over four hours. However, Chad Little didn't even make it past the five-lap mark in a race that Jeff Gordon won in dominating fashion. What happened?
 
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
 
Tuesday's Answer:

Q: In 1991, NASCAR was facing a short field for the Budweiser 500 at then-Dover Downs International Speedway. As a result, drivers like J.D. McDuffie were called in to help fill out the 35-car field. Unfortunately, he could not finish the race due to a crash. What happened?

A: McDuffie found himself more than 20 laps off the pace in his relatively new No. 70 Pontiac when he was spun out exiting Turn 2 on Lap 272 by Kenny Wallace. McDuffie spun down the track and hit the inside wall, putting the No. 70 out of the race and the car out of commission for quite some time.  The crash can be seen in this clip - note that Wallace was piloting the No. 42 Mello Yello Pontiac in place of Kyle Petty, who had a broken leg from a multi-car crash at Talladega a month earlier.

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
--
What's Vexing Vito by Vito Pugliese
-- Shakedown Session by Brody Jones
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, the Line of the Week and more!

~~~~~~~~~~

Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:


MPM2Nite by TBA
Matt's knee is still ailing a bit, so someone else will fill this Thursday with their sarcastic sense of humor ... and incomparable NASCAR insight.

Going Green by TBA
Garrett has this week off, but we'll have a sub in place with the same great commentary you've come to know and love.

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 New Hampshire?  Well, Brett has just what you need to know to turn things around when choosing your teams for the AAA 400 at Dover.

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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©2011 Frontstretch.com

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