Wednesday, September 14, 2011

The Frontstretch Newsletter: September 14th, 2011

THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
September 14th, 2011
Volume V, Edition CXCIII

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Top News
by Tom Bowles

Chase Races To Be Available Online

Starting this Fall, NASCAR fans on the go will be able to watch the race from the comfort of their laptop computer. ESPN, NASCAR.com (owned by Turner) and Sprint Cup officials announced a new partnership Tuesday that allows nine of the ten postseason events to be broadcast online. The lone exception: Charlotte's October 15th, Saturday night showdown which is on ABC and restricted from internet viewing to protect national affiliates.

Fans interested in watching the race online, with ESPN's feed can do so in one of two ways: through ESPN's WatchESPN.com page or the WatchESPN app that can be downloaded onto your mobile phone. There's also a NASCAR.com RaceBuddy feature that will be available for the first time during postseason coverage; fans can use it to see a mix of eight in-car and stationary cameras positioned around the racetrack.

"Enhancing the viewing experience and improving the sport's digital and social presence for our millions of fans, at the track, at home and everywhere in between, is a goal we never lose sight of," said Marc Jenkins, NASCAR's vice president of digital media as he explained the reasoning behind the changes. "Being able to offer this series of interactive products during the Chase will further engage our fans with a robust digital presence that will forever change how the championship points battle is consumed."

ESPN, through this new venture will also allow for fans to watch coverage of Nationwide Series events online. Their popular program NASCAR Now, offering in-depth stock car news and analysis on a daily basis will also be made available through WatchESPN.com.

TV Ratings Skyrocket For Richmond

A sparks-flying, ultra-competitive, Chase-dramatic regular season finale was just what the Nielsen doctor ordered for NASCAR. Richmond's Saturday night Cup race, broadcast on ABC posted a 3.7 rating, up 17% from a year ago and the highest number posted for the September race since 2007.

Viewership also jumped significantly, with an average of 6.167 million tuning in to see Kevin Harvick's fourth victory and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. clinch his first postseason bid since 2008. That's up significantly from the 5.288 million that tuned in one year ago; overall, the ratings and viewer increase combined is the best for Sprint Cup since Sonoma in June.

Truck Series Cutbacks At Germain

Germain Racing's focus appears to be turning elsewhere for 2012. The multi-truck operation announced this week through SIRIUS Satellite Radio it's likely they'll scale back significantly next season, with only the No. 5 (through a merger with Randy Moss Motorsports) guaranteed funding. Employees have been told to seek other work as both Max Papis' No. 9 and Brendan Gaughan's No. 62 are expected not to return.

In Papis' case, the move comes simply as the result of a funding switch. GEICO is expected to use their Truck money to increase their Casey Mears commitment, with minority owner Mike Hillman, Sr. claiming he's "90% sure" funding the No. 13 Toyota will increase to 24-25 races on the Cup level in 2012. Gaughan, whose effort is family funded appears to be looking elsewhere for the coming season.

"Brendan (Gaughan) is not very happy here," Hillman confirmed to Dave Moody on SIRIUS Speedway. "Right now, with funding for the 62 and 9 trucks not in place for 2012, I thought it best to tell our employees where things stand. I had Mike Jr., tell everyone in our Monday morning meeting that anyone who has a good job offer come along, they need to take it now, rather than end up on unemployment in November when a lot of other people could be in the same boat, looking for work."

Todd Bodine is expected to return as the driver of the team's lone remaining Truck effort next season.

News Bites

- Brian Scott, through Twitter confirmed he'll be back with Joe Gibbs Racing in the Nationwide Series. Scott, who has struggled with just four top-10 finishes this season is 10th in the season standings with the No. 11 Toyota.

- Clint Bowyer has seen one possible ride evaporate for 2012. Richard Petty Motorsports investor Andy Murstein has told FOX Sports his program is no longer interested in Bowyer and will remain a two-car operation next season. That leaves possible suitor for the free agent, besides Richard Childress Racing the four-car team at Roush-Fenway or even the three-car effort at Michael Waltrip Racing. 

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.
 
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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!

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Today's Featured Commentary
RCR, Dillon Are Paving Way for Cup Series Return of the No. 3

Full Throttle
by Mike Neff

Hard to believe, but it's been over 10 years since the No. 3 competed on a race track in the Cup Series. Since that fateful day in February, 2001 at Daytona, Richard Childress Racing has chosen not to put a the number on the side of a car in the series at the behest of Richard Childress and out of respect to Dale Earnhardt's memory. Since the day of the accident, there has been discussion among fans and media types about the appropriate time to bring the number back and, more importantly, who should be behind the wheel when that day arrives. Since the number has belonged to Richard Childress since he started owning a Cup team full time in 1976, it is ultimately his call as to who will be driving if and when the number returns to the Cup tracks in competition.

Many of the fans of Dale Earnhardt have felt that the only person that could bring the number back to the track would be his son, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. While that is a great sentimental idea, the amount of pressure that would exert on the younger Earnhardt would be more than most any professional athlete should be subjected to. Earnhardt, Jr. has drawn nearly constant criticism as it is competing in the sport that made his father famous and driving in the shadow of one of the greatest to ever compete in the sport without climbing into the seat of a car bearing the number that was so closely associated with his dad. It would be a tremendous story and the initial excitement of it would be tremendous for the sport. However, unless Earnhardt started ripping off wins and championships like his father, it would ultimately be a disservice to his father, himself, Richard Childress and the number.

Since Richard Childress is the "owner" of the number, having fielded it for eight years before Dale Earnhardt ever climbed into the seat of that car, it would make the most sense to have his legacy carry on the number. There is no doubt, no matter who pulls off of pit road for the first time with the No. 3 on the side of their car, they'll be under an incredible amount of scrutiny. However, having the driver with a direct link to the family who ran the number for 17 years before it was moth-balled in the seat will make it a more palatable reality for the fans. That is why the most logical selection to bring the No. 3 back to the Cup series, when it finally happens, is going to be Austin Dillon.

Dillon is Childress' grandson and has been racing his way towards the Cup series for several years. He's been competing in the Truck series for the last two years and will be in the Nationwide series next season, with the No. 3 on the side of the car. It appears as though, after two years of competition in the Nationwide series Dillon will make the final step and move to the Cup series, bringing the No. 3 with him and back into Cup competition for the first time in 13 years by the time it happens.

Dillon finished second in the K&N East series in 2008 before running a sporadic schedule in a myriad of series in 2009. He went full-time in the Truck series in 2010, ended the season fifth in points and captured the Rookie of the Year title. After 17 races this season he is fourth in the title hunt, 17 points out of the lead and the last driver with a realistic chance of claiming the big trophy at the end of the season.

Dillon has been under the glare of the media spotlight for some time, especially the last two years, for not only running in a No. 3 Truck or K&N car, but also because of his heritage. There is obviously some pressure having a well known grandparent and when you decide to pursue the same sport that made them famous, that magnifying glass is applied even more intently. So far, Dillon has relished his position in the Childress shadow and seems well equipped to withstand the intense attention that will come with driving one of the two most famous numbers in the sport.

The No. 3 has not been on the track for a Cup series event since 2001, but there's a very real possibility it will return to the Cup lineup in 2014 with a direct descendant of Richard Childress behind the wheel. The return of the iconic number will be a time of mixed emotions for fans, some of whom don't ever want to see it on the track again while others can't wait to finally cheer for their favorite number again. Whatever the opinions, the number looks to be coming back sooner rather than later, and the accompanying onslaught of publicity will be deafening.

Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com.  He can be reached via e-mail at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.

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Hey, Frontstretch Readers!
We know you love the roar of raw horsepower under the hood that powers 43 of the best drivers in the world every weekend, but did you ever wonder how the sponsor on top of that hood also contributes to keeping the sport moving? What about the contributions of official NASCAR companies? If you think they are simply writing checks, think again. Check out our newest feature - Sunday Money. This weekly Frontstretch exclusive provides you with a behind the scenes look at how NASCAR, its affiliates and team sponsors approach the daunting task of keeping fans interested and excited about the sport for 38 weeks of the year.

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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...

@AndyLally:
To give credit where credit is due, I was at @RoadAtlanta recently & drove around talking track safety & I think good things are coming.

@Kenny_Wallace: BIG BIG Congratulation's to my Niece "Chrissy Wallace" (Mikes Daughter) Lebanon Missouri 1-44 Speedway Champion with 6 A-Main Wins in 2011

@Rchildress3 (Richard Childress): God bless the USA and all its Heroes, our prayers R with the families who loss love ones , and those who gave there all ! 9-11-2001 !!

@matt_kenseth17: Can't believe it's been 10 years. Thanks to our military and first responders for their service, bravery, and dedication. #neverforget

@DeLanaHarvick: 9/11/01 we'll never forget. God bless those we lost that day & their families & a big tk u to those brave men & women who serve & protect us

@jaywpennell: Kurt Busch displays yet again why he's the classiest guy in #NASCAR by cussing out reporters.

@jaywpennell: So Kurt Busch just ripped a Dodge transcript after @JennaFryer tried to prove something he said he didn't say, did in fact say it. #NASCAR

@JennaFryer: Presenting without comment. lockerz.com/s/137739181

@OneMenz (Joe Menzer): @KurtBusch22 called today to apologize for post-race actions @RIRInsider. We had a good conversation and are ready to move on.

@KevinHarvick: Funniest thing about victory lane was all the guys being infatuated with Snooki...but she was pretty cool.

@AndyLally: Spoke with Snooki before the race. She came across incredibly smart & genuine #ImFugginKiddin All she said was her boobs were falling out

@CopaCavanna (Alan Cavanna): #nascar $ watch Richmond: 1st place NNS paid $36k. Seven laps in Cup: $67k. Puts the KHI deal into perspective // @kevinharick

@bscottracing (Brian Scott): I did everything @NASCAR wants u 2 do when there's a problem. Asked 2 talk 2 Aric n the nascar hauler. He was told twice and refused...

@aric_almirola: Just to clarify what happened with the 11. I ran into him. Not on purpose but every once in a while when you run inches apart. cont...

@aric_almirola: A small mistake results in crashing someone. I've been on the bad end too. So I feel for him. But I guess he's never run into anyone before.

@NASCARBowles (Tom Bowles): 2 things about KHI closing down. #1) They had lost ground in Nationwide this season to big Cup owners. 33 Truck struggling for sponsors...

@NASCARBowles: Maybe they feel they're cashing out at right time? #2) What happens to Austin Dillon? Will he have a Nationwide program next year? Or...

@NASCARBowles: If Bowyer leaves RCR, does that put Childress in a position to bring Dillon to Cup and keep his teams set at four? (seems a longshot, but..)

@NASCARBowles: Huge blow for Harvick to leave Nwide / Trucks. Like Red Bull, sends message independent, middle class owners can't work even if it's untrue.

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? ... Potential Chase Spoilers And Quick Hits
Q: This weekend marks the first appearance by the Izod IndyCar Series on Twin Ring Motegi's three-mile road course. However, the series inherited the race from CART when Honda left the series. Back in the inaugural CART race there in 1998, Bobby Rahal had a nasty crash late in the race. What happened?
 
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
 
Tuesday's Answer:

Q: In the 2005 SK Hand Tools 200 at Chicagoland Speedway for the ARCA Re/Max Series, Dawayne Bryan picked up the victory in the No. 65 Dodge. There were two things that were notable about this victory. Name them.

A: Bryan won at Chicagoland in his very first career start in the series, quite a rare feat in itself. In addition, the race itself came down to a Green-White-Checker finish that added four laps onto the race's distance. The leaders were all marginal on fuel, including Bryan. Bryan's car actually coughed on the restart, causing him to briefly lose the lead, then regain it half a lap later on the backstretch. From there, Bryan held on to take his first and only ARCA victory.

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! 

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Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- Shakedown Session by Brody Jones
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!

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Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:


Breaking Down The Chase by Danny Peters
Danny, in his infinite wisdom will break down the 12-man Chase to give our readers a good indication for who's the frontrunner to come out on top this season.

Going Green by Garrett Horton
Garrett's column has moved to Thursdays now, but it's still the same great commentary it has always been! This week, Garrett takes a look at how he thinks the top 12 will shake out come Homestead in November.

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 Richmond?  Well, Brett has just what you need to know to turn things around when choosing your teams for the ___ at Chicagoland 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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©2011 Frontstretch.com

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