THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
September 16th, 2011
Volume V, Edition CXCV
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NEW PODCAST! Don't forget our new FREE weekly audio segments hosted by Doug Turnbull. Click here for the September 9th edition that features Matt Kenseth as our main racing guest.
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What to Watch For: This Weekend
by Summer Dreyer
Clint Bowyer to MWR?
Sirius XM NASCAR Radio's _Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody announced on Thursday night that current Richard Childress Racing driver Clint Bowyer is expected to announce his move to Michael Waltrip Racing in the next couple of days. Bowyer, who is in the final year of his contract with RCR, has been rumored to drive for and reportedly spoken to teams such as Richard Petty Motorsports, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, and Roush Fenway Racing for his 2012 ride.
5 Hour Energy will serve as a sponsor on Bowyer's car at MWR, who has reportedly signed a multi-year agreement with the race team.
Bowyer has driven for RCR since his rookie season in 2006, and earned a total of 4 wins, 30 top 5s, and 80 top 10s in 207 starts. However, the Kansas native has struggled this season, earning only 9 top 10 finishes in 26 starts and missing NASCAR's season-ending Chase for the Sprint Cup.
On the other hand, MWR only has two total victories in its five years of existence and neither of its cars made the Chase this year.
An official announcement is expected this weekend at Chicagoland Speedway.
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Top News
by Summer Dreyer
NASCAR Hall of Fame Attendance Continues to Decline
Following the trend of declining attendance in the NASCAR world, the NASCAR Hall of Fame continues to report declining attendance and revenue losses since the attraction opened in May 2010. According to BizJournals.com, attendance decreased by 35 percent from July 2010 to July 2011 and gross operating deficits were $144,000 following a reimbursement from taxes. The figures were lower than originally predicted, though tickets sales themselves also fell short of estimates. The $4.1 million in ticket revenue was 64% what was expected.
This is the third month that has seen a 30%+ decrease in attendance over year-to-year projections, with May and June also seeing a large drop-off.
Johnny Benson Returning to Truck Series
According to Sirius XM NASCAR Radio, Johnny Benson has put together a partial schedule for the 2012 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season with Stacy Compton's Turn One Racing and Pure Michigan on board as a sponsor. A Michigan native himself, Benson says, "They're helping us talk to some other (Michigan-based) corporations, and we're happy to have them be a part of this."
Following the conclusion of the 2008 Truck Series season in which Benson was crowned the champion, Benson's team Bill Davis Racing was forced to shut down over the offseason and left the defending champion without a ride. Since then, Benson has made a total of 13 starts between 2009 and 2010 with various teams, but has yet to make a start in 2011. In those starts, he has earned a total of five top 5s and nine top 10s.
Even with only a partial schedule, though, Benson is excited to be returning to the series: "It's always been great racing. In my opinion – and I'm obviously biased – I think it's the best racing in NASCAR."
Have news for Summer and The Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com with a promising lead or tip.
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Hey, Frontstretch Readers!
We know you love the roar of raw horsepower under the hood that powers 43 of the best drivers in the world every weekend, but did you ever wonder how the sponsor on top of that hood also contributes to keeping the sport moving? What about the contributions of official NASCAR companies? If you think they are simply writing checks, think again. Check out our newest feature - Sunday Money. This weekly Frontstretch exclusive provides you with a behind the scenes look at how NASCAR, its affiliates and team sponsors approach the daunting task of keeping fans interested and excited about the sport for 38 weeks of the year.
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In Case You Missed It
by Brett Poirier
Charlotte Will Host OktoberFast Fan Festival
Charlotte Motor Speedway will once again host the OktoberFast Fan Festival presented by Budweiser on October 12-15. The festival will revolve around the four nights of racing at the speedway starting with the World of Outlaws Late Model Showdown on October 12. The UNOH Southern Slam 150 Whelen Southern Modified Tour season finale will take place on October 13, the Dollar General 300 Miles of Courage Nationwide Series race will be on October 14 and the Bank of America 500 Sprint Cup Series race will wrap up the weekend on October 15.
The fan festival will include autograph sessions, driver appearances, games, music and food. A single-day party package costs $59 and includes a question and answer session with Coca-Cola 600 winner Kevin Harvick, free vouchers for drinks and food, an appearance by radio hosts John Boy & Billy and access to the OktoberFast party area on Saturday. The party area will have live music, games and giveaways leading up to the Dollar General 300 Miles of Courage. There is also a three-day package available for $99. It includes a Thursday driver autograph session that includes Jeff Gordon, Juan Pablo Montoya and Jamie McMurray, among others.
Martinsville Speedway President Presented With Award
The Martinsville and Henry County Chamber of Commerce presented Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell with The Heck Ford Award on September 8. It is the most prestigious award given by the M-HC Chamber in honor of Ford, who was in the real estate business from 1908 to 1955.
More than 250 people attended the dinner and gave Campbell a standing ovation. Campbell has been president of the speedway since 1988, and was honored partly for the economic impact of the track in the commonwealth. Campbell was also recognized for his service to the community through the speedway. Martinsville Speedway hosts one of the area's largest Fourth of July celebrations annually. It also organizes a toy drive and operates the Martinsville Speedway Children's Foundation.
Andretti and Milliken Named Legends of the Glen
Watkins Glen International has announced that Mario Andretti and William Milliken have joined the Legends of the Glen. Milliken was one of the first racers to ever run laps at The Glen and also was one of the first racing committee members. Milliken rolled his car racing on the original 6.6-mile course in 1948. The turn he tumbled in has been known as "Milliken's Corner" ever since.
Since his racing career ended, Milliken has helped design the current layout of the road course. Joining Milliken will be Andretti. Andretti won the 1972 Six Hours endurance race at The Glen. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Andretti was credited with bringing large fan draws to the racetrack and helping it grow its popularity.
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Hey Frontstretch Readers!
Did you know The Frontstretch has a weekly podcast? Hosted by Doug Turnbull, the latest podcast comes out every Friday. This week, Doug and columnist Mike Neff discuss the Chase, Kurt Busch's outburst at the media, the Whelen All-American Series and much more! Check it out here!
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Keepin' It Short: Celebrating "Awesome Bill's" Dad at Gresham Motorsports Park
by Mike Neff
The CRA Super Series is back in the South this weekend for the Easy Racers 100 George Elliott Memorial Saturday evening. The event is being held at Gresham Motorsports Park where Elliott's son Dan calls the shots. This race is the third race in the Southern Six-Pack Tour for the CRA cars and has lured a star-studded field of Super Late Model drivers from everywhere to the state of the art facility in Jefferson, Georgia.
The first two races in the Southern Six-Pack took place in January at Lanier National Speedway and in March at South Alabama Speedway. Chase Elliott scored the win during Speedfest at Lanier while Grant Enfinger was the champ at South Alabama in the Rattler. Elliott is one of the main headliners for Saturday's event that is being held in his grandfather's memory. Enfinger is not entered because he is running in the ARCA event in Salem, Indiana. Other drivers entered in the event include Ross Kenseth, Ryan Blaney, Bubba Pollard and Augie Grill.
Elliott enters the event on a roll after winning back-to-back events August 19th in the CRA event at Dixie Motor Speedway and 20th with a win in the Jegs/CRA All-Star tour event at Winchester Speedway. Elliott is not only the grandson of the man the race is named after but is also the son of NASCAR Legend Bill Elliott and a development driver for Hendrick Motorsports.
There are some other top Late Model drivers from the South entered in Saturday's race. From Georgia there are T.J. Reaid, Dwayne Buggay, David Odell, Russell Fleeman, Alan Karnes and Greg Simpson. North Carolina residents registered for the race include Jeff Fultz, Kenzie Ruston, Cale Gale, Jimmy Doyle and Landon Cling. Donnie Wilson is making the trip from Oklahoma while Randy Gentry is coming over from South Carolina. Floridian Stephen Nasse, Ohioan Jimmy Weller and Iowa's Nate Caruth are also entered for the race.
Friday has an open practice scheduled starting at 6:00 PM, and Saturday the pit gates open at 11:30 AM with practice beginning at 2:00 PM. Qualifying is set for 6:30 PM followed by an autograph session. The race program is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM. There is more event information available at www.greshammotorsportspark.com.
Gresham Motorsports Park is one of the premier short tracks in the entire country. It was Peach State Speedway before the Gresham's purchased it a couple of years ago and sunk millions of dollars into renovations. We highlighted the track in one of the very first Keepin' it Short articles last year. The latest rumors running around the Truck series have a potential open date from this season's schedule going to the northern Georgia track next season. If you're in the South this weekend and have some time on Saturday, head over to Jefferson, GA to see some of the future stars of NASCAR running at one of the jewels of the South.
Whelen All-American National Championship Update
It all comes down to this: one weekend, two drivers, the National Championship on the line. Philip Morris heads into this weekend with an 11 point lead over Keith Rocco. Rocco has three races in which to score points towards the deficit that he has to Morris. According to NASCAR's Home Tracks web site, Rocco needs two maximum point wins or a maximum point win, a 19 car win and an 18 car win to pull ahead of Morris by one point. The problem with that scenario is that Morris will be racing this weekend as well. Morris is most likely going to head to Langley Speedway in Hampton, VA for their twin features which will give him two chances to score points. If 20 cars start a race at Langley and Morris is able to win, the race for the title will be over. A win is by no means guaranteed because Langley is the home track of CE Falk, who is fourth in the national points. Falk is not going to roll over and let Morris come in to his house and take the points without a fight. A max point win for Morris will give him 796 points and three max point wins would give Rocco 796, but Morris would win the tie breaker by having 15 max point wins vs. 14 for Rocco.
This past week Morris went to Motor Mile Speedway to take on Lee Pulliam and a very strong field of 33 cars. Morris started on the pole thanks to the handicap system that Motor Mile utilizes, where a driver who wins two consecutive races can start no better than sixth. Pulliam won the pole but had won the two previous races at the track so he was forced to start sixth. Morris took off from the point and led every lap with Pulliam charging hard but fading at the end due to a transmission problem.
This past weekend for Rocco included two near misses before he finally got back into the winner's circle on Sunday. Rocco finished in second place at Stafford Speedway on Friday night and again at Waterford Speedbowl on Saturday. Sunday Rocco ran in the local modified race in-between the features and the Showdown for the touring Modifieds and came away with the victory.
Ryan Preece was the only other driver in the top 10 to bring home a win this past weekend, grabbing the trophy at Stafford on Friday night ahead of Rocco. This weekend is also the last weekend for points for most of the state championships. We'll recognize all of the state winners in next week's Keepin' it Short.
Whelen National Championship Standings
1) Philip Morris – 28 races – 20 wins – 23 top 5s – 25 top 10s – 789 points
2) Keith Rocco – 49 races – 24 wins – 38 top 5s – 45 top 10s – 778 points
3) Lee Pulliam – 31 races – 17 wins – 27 top 5s – 29 top 10s – 755 points
4) C E Falk, III – 23 races – 11 wins – 20 top 5s – 22 top 10s – 713 points
5) Bill Leighton, Jr. – 25 races – 10 wins – 24 top 5s – 24 top 10s – 694 points
6) Ryan Preece – 33 races – 8 wins – 27 top 5s – 30 top 10s – 653 points
7) Woody Pitkat – 28 races – 5 wins – 21 top 5s – 24 top 10s – 633 points
8) Brandon Davis – 17 races – 9 wins – 15 top 5s – 15 top 10s – 619 points
9) Nate Monteith – 24 races – 10 wins – 21 top 5s – 21 top 10s – 606 points
10) Frank Deiny, Jr. – 24 races – 1 win – 17 top 5s – 22 top 10s – 605 points
**Under the points structure for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, the
race winner receives two points for every car in the event up to 20. Second
place receives two fewer points, and so-on through the field. Race winners
receive an additional five bonus points. For example, if there are 20 cars,
the winner receives 45 points, second gets 38 and third 36. If there are 15
cars, the winner received 35 points, second gets 28 and third 26. The top 18
races count towards the National Championship for a driver. A perfect season
for a driver would be 18 race wins with 20-car fields which equates to 810
points. The first driver to reach 810 points is declared the National
Champion in the event of a tie.**
This Weekend's Race Schedule
Fri: Sept. 16th - El Paso County Speedway ; Calhan : CO - Championship Late Model Association
Fri: Sept. 16th - Boyds Speedway ; Ringgold : GA - Volunteer Racing Series
Fri: Sept. 16th - Clay County Fairgrounds ; Spencer : IA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Fri: Sept. 16th - Farley Speedway ; Farley : IA - Hawkeye Dirt Tour
Fri: Sept. 16th - Farley Speedway ; Farley : IA - IMCA Deery Brothers Late Models
Fri: Sept. 16th - Grundy County Speedway ; Morris : IL - ASA Midwest Tour
Fri: Sept. 16th - Jacksonville Speedway ; Jacksonville : IL - POWRI Midgets
Fri: Sept. 16th - Jacksonville Speedway ; Jacksonville : IL - POWRI Micro-Sprints
Fri: Sept. 16th – Tri-City Speedway ; Pontoon Beach : IL – World of Outlaws Late Models
Fri: Sept. 16th - Bloomington Speedway ; Bloomington : IN - Midwest Sprint Cars (410)
Fri: Sept. 16th - Seekonk Speedway ; Seekonk : MA - NEMA Lites
Fri: Sept. 16th - M-40 Speedway ; Jones : MI - Bishop Performance Legend Cars
Fri: Sept. 16th - M-40 Speedway ; Jones : MI - MCR Dwarf Cars
Fri: Sept. 16th - US 30 Speedway ; Columbus : NE - Good Ol Time Racing Association
Fri: Sept. 16th – Cleveland County Speedway ; Lawndale : NC – Fastrak Late Models
Fri: Sept. 16th - Allen County Fairgrounds ; Lima : OH - Antique Auto Racing
Fri: Sept. 16th - Fremont Speedway ; Fremont : OH - All Star Sprint Cars
Fri: Sept. 16th - Moler Raceway Park ; Mt Orab : OH - American Modified Series
Fri: Sept. 16th - Brills Motor Speedway ; Meeker : OK - MARS DIRTcar Series
Fri: Sept. 16th - Outlaw Motor Speedway ; Wainwright : OK - USMTS Modifieds
Fri: Sept. 16th - Ohsweken Speedway ; Ohsweken : Ontario - ASCS / Sprints on Dirt
Fri: Sept. 16th - Ohsweken Speedway ; Ohsweken : Ontario - Empire Super Sprints
Fri: Sept. 16th - Ohsweken Speedway ; Ohsweken : Ontario - NRA SprintInvaders
Fri: Sept. 16th - Willamette Speedway ; Lebanon : OR - ASCS / Northwest Tour
Fri: Sept. 16th - Path Valley Speedway ; Spring Run : PA - PA Sprint Series
Fri: Sept. 16th - Pittsburghs PA Motor Speedway ; Imperial : PA - BRP Modified Tour
Fri: Sept. 16th - Pittsburghs PA Motor Speedway ; Imperial : PA - Unified Force Race Championship Tour
Fri: Sept. 16th - Pittsburghs PA Motor Speedway ; Imperial : PA - ULMS - Late Models
Fri: Sept. 16th - Pittsburghs PA Motor Speedway ; Imperial : PA - ULMS - EMod Series
Fri: Sept. 16th - Williams Grove Speedway ; Mechanicsburg : PA - ARDC Midgets
Fri: Sept. 16th - Dakota State Fair Speedway ; Huron : SD - Wissota 100
Fri: Sept. 16th - El Paso Speedway Park ; El Paso : TX - Renegade Sprint Car Series
Fri: Sept. 16th - Winchester Speedway ; Winchester : VA - Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models
Fri: Sept. 16th - South Sound Speedway ; Tenino : WA - West Coast Vintage Racers
Sat: Sept. 17th – North Alabama Speedway ; Tuscumbia : AL – Unsanctioned Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th - Prescott Valley Raceway ; Prescott : AZ - Total Seal Dirt Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th - USA Race Park ; Tucson : AZ - ASCS / Southwest Region
Sat: Sept. 17th - All American Speedway ; Roseville : CA - BCRA Vintage
Sat: Sept. 17th - All American Speedway ; Roseville : CA - NCMA Sprints
Sat: Sept. 17th - Chowchilla Speedway ; Chowchilla : CA - Golden State Challenge
Sat: Sept. 17th - Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA - BCRA Midgets
Sat: Sept. 17th - Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA - USAC Western Clasic Racing Series
Sat: Sept. 17th - Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA - USAC Western Sprint Cars
Sat: Sept. 17th – Petaluma Speedway ; Petaluma : CA – West Coast Shootout
Sat: Sept. 17th - Santa Maria Speedway ; Santa Maria : CA - National 3/4 Midgets
Sat: Sept. 17th - Santa Maria Speedway ; Santa Maria : CA - USAC 360 Sprint Series
Sat: Sept. 17th - Ventura Raceway ; Ventura : CA - USAC Western Midgets
Sat: Sept. 17th - Colorado National Speedway ; Erie : CO - Englewood Racing Association
Sat: Sept. 17th - Pueblo Motorsports Park ; Pueblo : CO - ChumpCar World Series
Sat: Sept. 17th - Lime Rock Park ; Lime Rock : CT - NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour
Sat: Sept. 17th - North Florida Speedway ; Lake City : FL - Florida Mini-Sprints
Sat: Sept. 17th - Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA - CRA Super Series
Sat: Sept. 17th - Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA - MMRA / Mini-Cups
Sat: Sept. 17th - Lavonia Speedway ; Lavonia : GA - Southern All Star Racing Series
Sat: Sept. 17th - North Georgia Speedway ; Chatsworth : GA - Volunteer Racing Series
Sat: Sept. 17th – Waycross Motor Speedway ; Waycross : GA – Southern All-Stars
Sat: Sept. 17th - Farley Speedway ; Farley : IA - Hawkeye Dirt Tour
Sat: Sept. 17th - Farley Speedway ; Farley : IA - IMCA Deery Brothers Late Model Series
Sat: Sept. 17th - Stateline Stadium ; Post Falls : ID - MMRA - Baby Grands
Sat: Sept. 17th - Spoon River Speedway ; Canton : IL - POWRI Midgets
Sat: Sept. 17th - Jefferson County Fairgrounds ; Madison : IN - Midwest TQ Racing League
Sat: Sept. 17th - Salem Speedway ; Salem : IN - ARCA Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th - Tri-State Speedway ; Haubstad : KS - Midwest Sprint Cars (410)
Sat: Sept. 17th - 81 Speedway ; Wichita : KS - NCRA / Great Plains Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th - Kentucky Motor Speedway ; Owensboro : KY - International Outlaw Figure 8 Series
Sat: Sept. 17th - Ark-La-Tex Speedway ; Vivian : LA - Ark-La-Tex Winged Modifieds
Sat: Sept. 17th - Beech Ridge Motor Speedway ; Scarboro : ME - PASS Modifieds
Sat: Sept. 17th - Beech Ridge Motor Speedway ; Scarboro : ME - PASS Sportsman
Sat: Sept. 17th - Allegan County Fairgrounds ; Allegan : MI - Unique Bump and Run
Sat: Sept. 17th - Auto City Speedway ; Mount Morris : MI - Michigan Legend Cars
Sat: Sept. 17th - Crystal Motor Speedway ; Crystal : MI - Michigan Traditional Sprints
Sat: Sept. 17th - Owosso Speedway ; Owosso : MI - Outlaw Late Model Special
Sat: Sept. 17th - Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sat: Sept. 17th - I-55 Raceway ; Pevely : MO – World of Outlaws Late Model Series
Sat: Sept. 17th - Springfield Raceway ; Springfield : MO - MARS DIRTcar Series
Sat: Sept. 17th - Springfield Raceway ; Springfield : MO - Midwest LateModels
Sat: Sept. 17th - Pike County Speedway ; Magnolia : MS - Cajun Sprinters Association
Sat: Sept. 17th - Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC - United Auto Racing Association
Sat: Sept. 17th - Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th - Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC - NASCAR Southern Modifieds
Sat: Sept. 17th – Coastal Plains Speedway ; Jacksonville : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th – Concord Motorsports Park ; Concord : NC – Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th – Orange County Speedway ; Rougemont : NC – Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th - Monadnock Speedway ; Winchester : NH - New England Truck Series
Sat: Sept. 17th - Monadnock Speedway ; Winchester : NH - Pro Four Modfieds of New England
Sat: Sept. 17th - Aztec Speedway ; Aztec : NM - New Mexico Motor Racing Association
Sat: Sept. 17th - Southern NM Speedway ; Las Cruces : NM - Championship Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th - Southern NM Speedway ; Las Cruces : NM - Renegade Sprint Cars
Sat: Sept. 17th - Riverside Speedway ; Antigonish : Nova Scotia - NASCAR Canadian Tire Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th - Reno-Fernley Raceway ; Fernley : NV - ChumpCar World Series
Sat: Sept. 17th - Little Valley Speedway ; Little Valley : NY - BRP CanAm Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th - Mohawk International Raceway ; Hogansburg : NY - Capitol Region Sprintcars
Sat: Sept. 17th - Allen County Fairgrounds ; Lima : OH - Antique Auto Racing Association
Sat: Sept. 17th - Columbus Motor Speedway ; Columbus : OH - USAC Mopar D1 Midgets
Sat: Sept. 17th - Fremont Speedway ; Fremont : OH - All Star Sprint Cars
Sat: Sept. 17th - Sandusky Speedway ; Sandusky : OH - Midwest Supermodifieds
Sat: Sept. 17th - Sharon Speedway ; Hartford : OH - BRP Modified Tour
Sat: Sept. 17th - Mid-America Speedway ; S Coffeyville : OK - ASCS / Sooner Region
Sat: Sept. 17th - Oklahoma Sports Park ; Ada : OK - Oil Capital Racing Series
Sat: Sept. 17th - Salina Highbanks Speedway ; Salina : OK - USMTS Modifieds
Sat: Sept. 17th – Brighton Speedway ; Brighton : Ontario – Unsanctioned Crate Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th - Ohsweken Speedway ; Ohsweken : Ontario - ASCS / Sprints on Dirt
Sat: Sept. 17th - Ohsweken Speedway ; Ohsweken : Ontario - Empire Super Sprints
Sat: Sept. 17th - Ohsweken Speedway ; Ohsweken : Ontario - NRA SprintInvaders
Sat: Sept. 17th - Cottage Grove Speedway ; Cottage Grove : OR - ASCS / Northwest Tour
Sat: Sept. 17th - Grandview Speedway ; Bechtelsville : PA - Freedom 76
Sat: Sept. 17th - Lincoln Speedway ; Hanover : PA - Super Sportsmen
Sat: Sept. 17th - Mahoning Valley Speedway ; Lehighton : PA - ATQMRA TQ Midgets
Sat: Sept. 17th - Pittsburghs PA Motor Speedway ; Imperial : PA - Unified Force Race Championship Tour
Sat: Sept. 17th - Pittsburghs PA Motor Speedway ; Imperial : PA - ULMS - Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th - Pittsburghs PA Motor Speedway ; Imperial : PA - ULMS - EMod Series
Sat: Sept. 17th - Selinsgrove Speedway ; Selinsgrove : PA - Selinsgrove National Open
Sat: Sept. 17th – Dillon Motor Speedway ; Dillon : SC – Limited Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th - Florence Motor Speedway ; Florence : SC - Allison Legacy Race Series
Sat: Sept. 17th - Florence Motor Speedway ; Florence : SC – Limited Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th – Greenville-Pickens Speedway ; Greenville : SC – Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th - Dakota State Fair Speedway ; Huron : SD - Wissota 100
Sat: Sept. 17th - Newport Speedway ; Newport : TN - ISCARS Dash Series
Sat: Sept. 17th - I-37 Speedway ; Pleasanton : TX - Dwarf Car Series of Texas
Sat: Sept. 17th - Royal Purple Raceway ; Houston : TX - ASCS / Gulf South Region
Sat: Sept. 17th - Texas Motor Speedway (dirt) ; Fort Worth : TX - SUPR Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th – Langley Speedway ; Hampton : VA – Late Models x2
Sat: Sept. 17th – Lonesome Pine Raceway ; Coeburn : VA – Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th – Old Dominion Speedway ; Manassas : VA – Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th – Wythe Racway ; Rural Retreat : VA – Carolina Clash Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th - Virginia Motor Speedway ; Saluda : VA - Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th - Bear Ridge Speedway ; Bradford : VT - Northeast Mini-Sprints
Sat: Sept. 17th - Grays Harbor Raceway ; Elma : WA - Northwest Wingless Sprint Tour
Sat: Sept. 17th - South Sound Speedway ; Tenino : WA - West Coast Vintage Racers
Sat: Sept. 17th - South Sound Speedway ; Tenino : WA - Washington Econo Sprint Cars
Sat: Sept. 17th - South Sound Speedway ; Tenino : WA - Washington Midgets
Sat: Sept. 17th - Plymouth Dirt Track ; Plymouth : WI - Interstate Racing Association
Sat: Sept. 17th - Plymouth Dirt Track ; Plymouth : WI - Midwest Sprintcar Association
Sun: Sept. 18th - Huntsville Speedway ; Hunstville : AL - Southern Superstock Series
Sun: Sept. 18th - Pueblo Motorsports Park ; Pueblo : CO - ChumpCar World Series
Sun: Sept. 18th - Kentucky Motor Speedway ; Owensboro : KY - International Outlaw Figure 8 Series
Sun: Sept. 18th - Beech Ridge Motor Speedway ; Scarboro : ME - PASS Modifieds
Sun: Sept. 18th - Beech Ridge Motor Speedway ; Scarboro : ME - PASS North Late Models
Sun: Sept. 18th - Beech Ridge Motor Speedway ; Scarboro : ME - PASS Sportsman
Sun: Sept. 18th - 71 Speedway ; Butler : MO - USMTS Modifieds
Sun: Sept. 18th - Reno-Fernley Raceway ; Fernley : NV - ChumpCar World Series
Sun: Sept. 18th - Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY - Race Of Champions Modified Tour
Wed: Sept. 21st - Hartford Motor Speedway ; Hartford : MI - World of Outlaws - Sprint Cars
Wed: Sept. 21st - Saint Joseph County Fairgrounds ; Centreville : MI - Unique Bump and Run
Wed: Sept. 21st – Martinsville Speedway ; Martinsville : VA – Open Test for Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300
Thu: Sept. 22nd - Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN - USMTS Modifieds
Thu: Sept. 22nd - McKean County Speedway ; East Smethport : PA - ULMS - Late Models
Thu: Sept. 22nd - McKean County Speedway ; East Smethport : PA - ULMS - EMod Series
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
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Hey Frontstretch Readers!
Get THE ANNUAL, 2011 Racing Preview for your mobile device!
Go to Frontstretch.com and click on "The Annual" link on the right side to order and download this special issue that includes: Track Information, Driver profiles and In-Depth Features.
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Frontstretch Folio: Geico 400
by Summer Dreyer
This weekend, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to Chicagoland Speedway for Geico 400 and first race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Sunday's race will be the 27th of 36 races this season, and will be broadcast live Sunday, September 18th, at 2:00 PM ET on ESPN. Drivers will compete for 267 laps (400.5 miles) before taking the checkered flag.
Records and Facts
Jimmie Johnson holds the track qualifying record with a lap of 28.701 seconds at 188.147 mph during qualifying for the 2005 USG Sheetrock 400. Johnson finished third in the race after leading 21 of 267 laps. He finished out the year fifth in points with four wins, 13 top 5s, and 22 top 10s.
David Reutimann holds the track race record at Chicagoland Speedway, with a speed of 145.138 mph in the 2010 LifeLock.com 400, leading 52 of the 267 laps for his second career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory. Carl Edwards finished second, 0.727 sec behind Reutimann, with Jeff Gordon, Clint Bowyer, and Jamie McMurray rounding out the top 5.
Reutimann is also the defending race winner of the event, albeit it on a different weekend than this year's race will be run. Last year, Chicagoland was only the 19th race on the schedule while this season it has been moved to the opening race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup.
Track Facts
Track/Race Length: 1.5 mile tri-oval, 267 laps (400.5 miles)
Degree of Banking: 18 degrees in the corners
Frontstretch: 2,400 ft., banked 11 degrees
Backstretch: 1,700 ft., banked 5 degrees
Grandstand Seating: 75,000
Pre-race Schedule
Practice: Friday, September 16, 2:00 – 3:30 PM ET on ESPN2
Happy Hour: Friday, September 16, 6:00 – 7:00 PM ET on ESPN2
Qualifying: Saturday, September 17, 1:40 PM ET on SPEED
VIPs
Grand Marshal: Geico Caveman
Honorary Starter: Jon Cavaiani
Race Day Forecast
Sunday: Few showers, 30% chance of rain
High: 72
Low: 60
Say What?!
"It's another 1.5-mile track. We tried a few things in Atlanta and they seemed to work so now I want to build upon what we learned in Atlanta and try to expand on it at Chicagoland. With us not being in the Chase, we can take a few more risks or be more aggressive in evolving our setups during the weekend in comparison to the 12 guys who are in the Chase. But don't get me wrong, it's our job to come out of Chicagoland with a strong points day. Last time we left Chicago with an 11th-place finish, so hopefully we can leave Sunday night with a top-five or a win." -Martin Truex, Jr.
"Chicago is actually one of my favorite racetracks we get to go to. I enjoy the mile-and-a-half racetracks and, to me, Chicago is one of the ones that doesn't have the banking that some of the higher-speed mile-and-a-half racetracks have. It makes handling a little trickier and usually there's two- and three-wide racing, so to me it's exciting. Between Chicago and old Las Vegas, I'd say those are my favorites. So, to get to go back and run another race in the No. 38 there, it has me very excited." -J.J. Yeley
"Having a mile-and-a-half to start, yeah, it's a high-speed track and you don't have the short confines like you do at New Hampshire but week two, it's New Hampshire. It doesn't matter where the Chase starts, you just got to get out there and race." -Kurt Busch
Summer Dreyer is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via email at summer.dreyer@frontstretch.com.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Team Player or Manipulator: How Far Should Teamwork Go?
by Amy Henderson
Four Burning Questions: Chase Favorites, Feuds, and Clint Bowyer's Future
by Brody Jones
Regan Smith Diary: Remembering 9/11, Reflecting on the 'Regular Season' and Football
as told to Tony Lumbis
Tearing Apart the Trucks: A Look Back at Ten Years of KHI
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Frontstretch Podcast: September 16th Edition
hosted by Doug Turnbull
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: In 2001, Jimmie Johnson claimed his first (and to this point, only) career victory in the Busch Series (now Nationwide Series) at Chicagoland Speedway. Who did he overtake for the win and what were the circumstances behind that pass?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: In 1998, NASCAR held an exhibition race at the Twin Ring Motegi's egg-shaped oval (said to be modeled after Darlington, but not really). A number of full-time Winston Cup drivers made the trip, but Dale Jarrett was unable to attend. Why did he have to opt out of the race, and who replaced him in the No. 88?
A: Dale Jarrett was forced to miss the Coca-Cola 500k due to issues with his gall bladder that realistically hampered a potential run at the 1998 Winston Cup Championship. After the season ended, Jarrett had a procedure to take care of the issue. Darrell Waltrip was tapped to substitute in the No. 88 in Motegi. He ran fairly well in the race, but DNF'd after getting punted by Bobby Hamilton in Turn 4. That wreck (in replay) can be seen here; Ken Squier and Buddy Baker have the call for TBS.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: Take the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
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Coming Monday in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Geico 400 Race Recap by TBA
-- Running Their Mouth: Geico 400 by Brody Jones
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
Monday on the Frontstretch:
Matt McLaughlin's Thinkin' Out Loud: Geico 400 by TBA
With Matt still out of commission, one of your favorite Frontstretch writers will be here with his overall thoughts about the action from Sunday afternoon's action from Chicagoland.
Underdog Central by Bryan Davis Keith
Who's hot and who's not towards the back end of the owner points battle? Bryan brings the stories you didn't hear about into print from Sunday's race from Chicagoland.
Monday Morning Teardown by Ron Lemasters
Ron returns for a website look at one of the big stories from Sunday's race from Chicagoland.
Bowles-Eye View by Tom Bowles
Tom brings back his weekly post-race commentary with all of the insight you need from a weekend of racing from Chicagoland.
Big Six: Wonderful Pistachios 400 by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving the first race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing at Chicagoland.
Nationwide Series Breakdown: Dollar General 300 by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan has all the post-race analysis you need after Saturday afternoon's Nationwide Series race from Chicagoland.
Tracking the Trucks: Fast Five 225 by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth has all the post-race analysis you need after Friday night's Camping World Truck Series race from Chicagoland.
-----------------------------
Talk back to the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Got something to say about an article you've seen in the newsletter? It's as easy as replying directly to this message or sending an email to editors@frontstretch.com. We'll take the best comments and publish them here!
©2011 Frontstretch.com
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
September 16th, 2011
Volume V, Edition CXCV
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NEW PODCAST! Don't forget our new FREE weekly audio segments hosted by Doug Turnbull. Click here for the September 9th edition that features Matt Kenseth as our main racing guest.
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What to Watch For: This Weekend
by Summer Dreyer
Clint Bowyer to MWR?
Sirius XM NASCAR Radio's _Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody announced on Thursday night that current Richard Childress Racing driver Clint Bowyer is expected to announce his move to Michael Waltrip Racing in the next couple of days. Bowyer, who is in the final year of his contract with RCR, has been rumored to drive for and reportedly spoken to teams such as Richard Petty Motorsports, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, and Roush Fenway Racing for his 2012 ride.
5 Hour Energy will serve as a sponsor on Bowyer's car at MWR, who has reportedly signed a multi-year agreement with the race team.
Bowyer has driven for RCR since his rookie season in 2006, and earned a total of 4 wins, 30 top 5s, and 80 top 10s in 207 starts. However, the Kansas native has struggled this season, earning only 9 top 10 finishes in 26 starts and missing NASCAR's season-ending Chase for the Sprint Cup.
On the other hand, MWR only has two total victories in its five years of existence and neither of its cars made the Chase this year.
An official announcement is expected this weekend at Chicagoland Speedway.
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Top News
by Summer Dreyer
NASCAR Hall of Fame Attendance Continues to Decline
Following the trend of declining attendance in the NASCAR world, the NASCAR Hall of Fame continues to report declining attendance and revenue losses since the attraction opened in May 2010. According to BizJournals.com, attendance decreased by 35 percent from July 2010 to July 2011 and gross operating deficits were $144,000 following a reimbursement from taxes. The figures were lower than originally predicted, though tickets sales themselves also fell short of estimates. The $4.1 million in ticket revenue was 64% what was expected.
This is the third month that has seen a 30%+ decrease in attendance over year-to-year projections, with May and June also seeing a large drop-off.
Johnny Benson Returning to Truck Series
According to Sirius XM NASCAR Radio, Johnny Benson has put together a partial schedule for the 2012 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season with Stacy Compton's Turn One Racing and Pure Michigan on board as a sponsor. A Michigan native himself, Benson says, "They're helping us talk to some other (Michigan-based) corporations, and we're happy to have them be a part of this."
Following the conclusion of the 2008 Truck Series season in which Benson was crowned the champion, Benson's team Bill Davis Racing was forced to shut down over the offseason and left the defending champion without a ride. Since then, Benson has made a total of 13 starts between 2009 and 2010 with various teams, but has yet to make a start in 2011. In those starts, he has earned a total of five top 5s and nine top 10s.
Even with only a partial schedule, though, Benson is excited to be returning to the series: "It's always been great racing. In my opinion – and I'm obviously biased – I think it's the best racing in NASCAR."
Have news for Summer and The Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com with a promising lead or tip.
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Hey, Frontstretch Readers!
We know you love the roar of raw horsepower under the hood that powers 43 of the best drivers in the world every weekend, but did you ever wonder how the sponsor on top of that hood also contributes to keeping the sport moving? What about the contributions of official NASCAR companies? If you think they are simply writing checks, think again. Check out our newest feature - Sunday Money. This weekly Frontstretch exclusive provides you with a behind the scenes look at how NASCAR, its affiliates and team sponsors approach the daunting task of keeping fans interested and excited about the sport for 38 weeks of the year.
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In Case You Missed It
by Brett Poirier
Charlotte Will Host OktoberFast Fan Festival
Charlotte Motor Speedway will once again host the OktoberFast Fan Festival presented by Budweiser on October 12-15. The festival will revolve around the four nights of racing at the speedway starting with the World of Outlaws Late Model Showdown on October 12. The UNOH Southern Slam 150 Whelen Southern Modified Tour season finale will take place on October 13, the Dollar General 300 Miles of Courage Nationwide Series race will be on October 14 and the Bank of America 500 Sprint Cup Series race will wrap up the weekend on October 15.
The fan festival will include autograph sessions, driver appearances, games, music and food. A single-day party package costs $59 and includes a question and answer session with Coca-Cola 600 winner Kevin Harvick, free vouchers for drinks and food, an appearance by radio hosts John Boy & Billy and access to the OktoberFast party area on Saturday. The party area will have live music, games and giveaways leading up to the Dollar General 300 Miles of Courage. There is also a three-day package available for $99. It includes a Thursday driver autograph session that includes Jeff Gordon, Juan Pablo Montoya and Jamie McMurray, among others.
Martinsville Speedway President Presented With Award
The Martinsville and Henry County Chamber of Commerce presented Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell with The Heck Ford Award on September 8. It is the most prestigious award given by the M-HC Chamber in honor of Ford, who was in the real estate business from 1908 to 1955.
More than 250 people attended the dinner and gave Campbell a standing ovation. Campbell has been president of the speedway since 1988, and was honored partly for the economic impact of the track in the commonwealth. Campbell was also recognized for his service to the community through the speedway. Martinsville Speedway hosts one of the area's largest Fourth of July celebrations annually. It also organizes a toy drive and operates the Martinsville Speedway Children's Foundation.
Andretti and Milliken Named Legends of the Glen
Watkins Glen International has announced that Mario Andretti and William Milliken have joined the Legends of the Glen. Milliken was one of the first racers to ever run laps at The Glen and also was one of the first racing committee members. Milliken rolled his car racing on the original 6.6-mile course in 1948. The turn he tumbled in has been known as "Milliken's Corner" ever since.
Since his racing career ended, Milliken has helped design the current layout of the road course. Joining Milliken will be Andretti. Andretti won the 1972 Six Hours endurance race at The Glen. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Andretti was credited with bringing large fan draws to the racetrack and helping it grow its popularity.
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Hey Frontstretch Readers!
Did you know The Frontstretch has a weekly podcast? Hosted by Doug Turnbull, the latest podcast comes out every Friday. This week, Doug and columnist Mike Neff discuss the Chase, Kurt Busch's outburst at the media, the Whelen All-American Series and much more! Check it out here!
~~~~~~~~~~
Keepin' It Short: Celebrating "Awesome Bill's" Dad at Gresham Motorsports Park
by Mike Neff
The CRA Super Series is back in the South this weekend for the Easy Racers 100 George Elliott Memorial Saturday evening. The event is being held at Gresham Motorsports Park where Elliott's son Dan calls the shots. This race is the third race in the Southern Six-Pack Tour for the CRA cars and has lured a star-studded field of Super Late Model drivers from everywhere to the state of the art facility in Jefferson, Georgia.
The first two races in the Southern Six-Pack took place in January at Lanier National Speedway and in March at South Alabama Speedway. Chase Elliott scored the win during Speedfest at Lanier while Grant Enfinger was the champ at South Alabama in the Rattler. Elliott is one of the main headliners for Saturday's event that is being held in his grandfather's memory. Enfinger is not entered because he is running in the ARCA event in Salem, Indiana. Other drivers entered in the event include Ross Kenseth, Ryan Blaney, Bubba Pollard and Augie Grill.
Elliott enters the event on a roll after winning back-to-back events August 19th in the CRA event at Dixie Motor Speedway and 20th with a win in the Jegs/CRA All-Star tour event at Winchester Speedway. Elliott is not only the grandson of the man the race is named after but is also the son of NASCAR Legend Bill Elliott and a development driver for Hendrick Motorsports.
There are some other top Late Model drivers from the South entered in Saturday's race. From Georgia there are T.J. Reaid, Dwayne Buggay, David Odell, Russell Fleeman, Alan Karnes and Greg Simpson. North Carolina residents registered for the race include Jeff Fultz, Kenzie Ruston, Cale Gale, Jimmy Doyle and Landon Cling. Donnie Wilson is making the trip from Oklahoma while Randy Gentry is coming over from South Carolina. Floridian Stephen Nasse, Ohioan Jimmy Weller and Iowa's Nate Caruth are also entered for the race.
Friday has an open practice scheduled starting at 6:00 PM, and Saturday the pit gates open at 11:30 AM with practice beginning at 2:00 PM. Qualifying is set for 6:30 PM followed by an autograph session. The race program is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM. There is more event information available at www.greshammotorsportspark.com.
Gresham Motorsports Park is one of the premier short tracks in the entire country. It was Peach State Speedway before the Gresham's purchased it a couple of years ago and sunk millions of dollars into renovations. We highlighted the track in one of the very first Keepin' it Short articles last year. The latest rumors running around the Truck series have a potential open date from this season's schedule going to the northern Georgia track next season. If you're in the South this weekend and have some time on Saturday, head over to Jefferson, GA to see some of the future stars of NASCAR running at one of the jewels of the South.
Whelen All-American National Championship Update
It all comes down to this: one weekend, two drivers, the National Championship on the line. Philip Morris heads into this weekend with an 11 point lead over Keith Rocco. Rocco has three races in which to score points towards the deficit that he has to Morris. According to NASCAR's Home Tracks web site, Rocco needs two maximum point wins or a maximum point win, a 19 car win and an 18 car win to pull ahead of Morris by one point. The problem with that scenario is that Morris will be racing this weekend as well. Morris is most likely going to head to Langley Speedway in Hampton, VA for their twin features which will give him two chances to score points. If 20 cars start a race at Langley and Morris is able to win, the race for the title will be over. A win is by no means guaranteed because Langley is the home track of CE Falk, who is fourth in the national points. Falk is not going to roll over and let Morris come in to his house and take the points without a fight. A max point win for Morris will give him 796 points and three max point wins would give Rocco 796, but Morris would win the tie breaker by having 15 max point wins vs. 14 for Rocco.
This past week Morris went to Motor Mile Speedway to take on Lee Pulliam and a very strong field of 33 cars. Morris started on the pole thanks to the handicap system that Motor Mile utilizes, where a driver who wins two consecutive races can start no better than sixth. Pulliam won the pole but had won the two previous races at the track so he was forced to start sixth. Morris took off from the point and led every lap with Pulliam charging hard but fading at the end due to a transmission problem.
This past weekend for Rocco included two near misses before he finally got back into the winner's circle on Sunday. Rocco finished in second place at Stafford Speedway on Friday night and again at Waterford Speedbowl on Saturday. Sunday Rocco ran in the local modified race in-between the features and the Showdown for the touring Modifieds and came away with the victory.
Ryan Preece was the only other driver in the top 10 to bring home a win this past weekend, grabbing the trophy at Stafford on Friday night ahead of Rocco. This weekend is also the last weekend for points for most of the state championships. We'll recognize all of the state winners in next week's Keepin' it Short.
Whelen National Championship Standings
1) Philip Morris – 28 races – 20 wins – 23 top 5s – 25 top 10s – 789 points
2) Keith Rocco – 49 races – 24 wins – 38 top 5s – 45 top 10s – 778 points
3) Lee Pulliam – 31 races – 17 wins – 27 top 5s – 29 top 10s – 755 points
4) C E Falk, III – 23 races – 11 wins – 20 top 5s – 22 top 10s – 713 points
5) Bill Leighton, Jr. – 25 races – 10 wins – 24 top 5s – 24 top 10s – 694 points
6) Ryan Preece – 33 races – 8 wins – 27 top 5s – 30 top 10s – 653 points
7) Woody Pitkat – 28 races – 5 wins – 21 top 5s – 24 top 10s – 633 points
8) Brandon Davis – 17 races – 9 wins – 15 top 5s – 15 top 10s – 619 points
9) Nate Monteith – 24 races – 10 wins – 21 top 5s – 21 top 10s – 606 points
10) Frank Deiny, Jr. – 24 races – 1 win – 17 top 5s – 22 top 10s – 605 points
**Under the points structure for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, the
race winner receives two points for every car in the event up to 20. Second
place receives two fewer points, and so-on through the field. Race winners
receive an additional five bonus points. For example, if there are 20 cars,
the winner receives 45 points, second gets 38 and third 36. If there are 15
cars, the winner received 35 points, second gets 28 and third 26. The top 18
races count towards the National Championship for a driver. A perfect season
for a driver would be 18 race wins with 20-car fields which equates to 810
points. The first driver to reach 810 points is declared the National
Champion in the event of a tie.**
This Weekend's Race Schedule
Fri: Sept. 16th - El Paso County Speedway ; Calhan : CO - Championship Late Model Association
Fri: Sept. 16th - Boyds Speedway ; Ringgold : GA - Volunteer Racing Series
Fri: Sept. 16th - Clay County Fairgrounds ; Spencer : IA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Fri: Sept. 16th - Farley Speedway ; Farley : IA - Hawkeye Dirt Tour
Fri: Sept. 16th - Farley Speedway ; Farley : IA - IMCA Deery Brothers Late Models
Fri: Sept. 16th - Grundy County Speedway ; Morris : IL - ASA Midwest Tour
Fri: Sept. 16th - Jacksonville Speedway ; Jacksonville : IL - POWRI Midgets
Fri: Sept. 16th - Jacksonville Speedway ; Jacksonville : IL - POWRI Micro-Sprints
Fri: Sept. 16th – Tri-City Speedway ; Pontoon Beach : IL – World of Outlaws Late Models
Fri: Sept. 16th - Bloomington Speedway ; Bloomington : IN - Midwest Sprint Cars (410)
Fri: Sept. 16th - Seekonk Speedway ; Seekonk : MA - NEMA Lites
Fri: Sept. 16th - M-40 Speedway ; Jones : MI - Bishop Performance Legend Cars
Fri: Sept. 16th - M-40 Speedway ; Jones : MI - MCR Dwarf Cars
Fri: Sept. 16th - US 30 Speedway ; Columbus : NE - Good Ol Time Racing Association
Fri: Sept. 16th – Cleveland County Speedway ; Lawndale : NC – Fastrak Late Models
Fri: Sept. 16th - Allen County Fairgrounds ; Lima : OH - Antique Auto Racing
Fri: Sept. 16th - Fremont Speedway ; Fremont : OH - All Star Sprint Cars
Fri: Sept. 16th - Moler Raceway Park ; Mt Orab : OH - American Modified Series
Fri: Sept. 16th - Brills Motor Speedway ; Meeker : OK - MARS DIRTcar Series
Fri: Sept. 16th - Outlaw Motor Speedway ; Wainwright : OK - USMTS Modifieds
Fri: Sept. 16th - Ohsweken Speedway ; Ohsweken : Ontario - ASCS / Sprints on Dirt
Fri: Sept. 16th - Ohsweken Speedway ; Ohsweken : Ontario - Empire Super Sprints
Fri: Sept. 16th - Ohsweken Speedway ; Ohsweken : Ontario - NRA SprintInvaders
Fri: Sept. 16th - Willamette Speedway ; Lebanon : OR - ASCS / Northwest Tour
Fri: Sept. 16th - Path Valley Speedway ; Spring Run : PA - PA Sprint Series
Fri: Sept. 16th - Pittsburghs PA Motor Speedway ; Imperial : PA - BRP Modified Tour
Fri: Sept. 16th - Pittsburghs PA Motor Speedway ; Imperial : PA - Unified Force Race Championship Tour
Fri: Sept. 16th - Pittsburghs PA Motor Speedway ; Imperial : PA - ULMS - Late Models
Fri: Sept. 16th - Pittsburghs PA Motor Speedway ; Imperial : PA - ULMS - EMod Series
Fri: Sept. 16th - Williams Grove Speedway ; Mechanicsburg : PA - ARDC Midgets
Fri: Sept. 16th - Dakota State Fair Speedway ; Huron : SD - Wissota 100
Fri: Sept. 16th - El Paso Speedway Park ; El Paso : TX - Renegade Sprint Car Series
Fri: Sept. 16th - Winchester Speedway ; Winchester : VA - Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models
Fri: Sept. 16th - South Sound Speedway ; Tenino : WA - West Coast Vintage Racers
Sat: Sept. 17th – North Alabama Speedway ; Tuscumbia : AL – Unsanctioned Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th - Prescott Valley Raceway ; Prescott : AZ - Total Seal Dirt Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th - USA Race Park ; Tucson : AZ - ASCS / Southwest Region
Sat: Sept. 17th - All American Speedway ; Roseville : CA - BCRA Vintage
Sat: Sept. 17th - All American Speedway ; Roseville : CA - NCMA Sprints
Sat: Sept. 17th - Chowchilla Speedway ; Chowchilla : CA - Golden State Challenge
Sat: Sept. 17th - Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA - BCRA Midgets
Sat: Sept. 17th - Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA - USAC Western Clasic Racing Series
Sat: Sept. 17th - Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA - USAC Western Sprint Cars
Sat: Sept. 17th – Petaluma Speedway ; Petaluma : CA – West Coast Shootout
Sat: Sept. 17th - Santa Maria Speedway ; Santa Maria : CA - National 3/4 Midgets
Sat: Sept. 17th - Santa Maria Speedway ; Santa Maria : CA - USAC 360 Sprint Series
Sat: Sept. 17th - Ventura Raceway ; Ventura : CA - USAC Western Midgets
Sat: Sept. 17th - Colorado National Speedway ; Erie : CO - Englewood Racing Association
Sat: Sept. 17th - Pueblo Motorsports Park ; Pueblo : CO - ChumpCar World Series
Sat: Sept. 17th - Lime Rock Park ; Lime Rock : CT - NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour
Sat: Sept. 17th - North Florida Speedway ; Lake City : FL - Florida Mini-Sprints
Sat: Sept. 17th - Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA - CRA Super Series
Sat: Sept. 17th - Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA - MMRA / Mini-Cups
Sat: Sept. 17th - Lavonia Speedway ; Lavonia : GA - Southern All Star Racing Series
Sat: Sept. 17th - North Georgia Speedway ; Chatsworth : GA - Volunteer Racing Series
Sat: Sept. 17th – Waycross Motor Speedway ; Waycross : GA – Southern All-Stars
Sat: Sept. 17th - Farley Speedway ; Farley : IA - Hawkeye Dirt Tour
Sat: Sept. 17th - Farley Speedway ; Farley : IA - IMCA Deery Brothers Late Model Series
Sat: Sept. 17th - Stateline Stadium ; Post Falls : ID - MMRA - Baby Grands
Sat: Sept. 17th - Spoon River Speedway ; Canton : IL - POWRI Midgets
Sat: Sept. 17th - Jefferson County Fairgrounds ; Madison : IN - Midwest TQ Racing League
Sat: Sept. 17th - Salem Speedway ; Salem : IN - ARCA Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th - Tri-State Speedway ; Haubstad : KS - Midwest Sprint Cars (410)
Sat: Sept. 17th - 81 Speedway ; Wichita : KS - NCRA / Great Plains Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th - Kentucky Motor Speedway ; Owensboro : KY - International Outlaw Figure 8 Series
Sat: Sept. 17th - Ark-La-Tex Speedway ; Vivian : LA - Ark-La-Tex Winged Modifieds
Sat: Sept. 17th - Beech Ridge Motor Speedway ; Scarboro : ME - PASS Modifieds
Sat: Sept. 17th - Beech Ridge Motor Speedway ; Scarboro : ME - PASS Sportsman
Sat: Sept. 17th - Allegan County Fairgrounds ; Allegan : MI - Unique Bump and Run
Sat: Sept. 17th - Auto City Speedway ; Mount Morris : MI - Michigan Legend Cars
Sat: Sept. 17th - Crystal Motor Speedway ; Crystal : MI - Michigan Traditional Sprints
Sat: Sept. 17th - Owosso Speedway ; Owosso : MI - Outlaw Late Model Special
Sat: Sept. 17th - Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sat: Sept. 17th - I-55 Raceway ; Pevely : MO – World of Outlaws Late Model Series
Sat: Sept. 17th - Springfield Raceway ; Springfield : MO - MARS DIRTcar Series
Sat: Sept. 17th - Springfield Raceway ; Springfield : MO - Midwest LateModels
Sat: Sept. 17th - Pike County Speedway ; Magnolia : MS - Cajun Sprinters Association
Sat: Sept. 17th - Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC - United Auto Racing Association
Sat: Sept. 17th - Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th - Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC - NASCAR Southern Modifieds
Sat: Sept. 17th – Coastal Plains Speedway ; Jacksonville : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th – Concord Motorsports Park ; Concord : NC – Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th – Orange County Speedway ; Rougemont : NC – Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th - Monadnock Speedway ; Winchester : NH - New England Truck Series
Sat: Sept. 17th - Monadnock Speedway ; Winchester : NH - Pro Four Modfieds of New England
Sat: Sept. 17th - Aztec Speedway ; Aztec : NM - New Mexico Motor Racing Association
Sat: Sept. 17th - Southern NM Speedway ; Las Cruces : NM - Championship Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th - Southern NM Speedway ; Las Cruces : NM - Renegade Sprint Cars
Sat: Sept. 17th - Riverside Speedway ; Antigonish : Nova Scotia - NASCAR Canadian Tire Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th - Reno-Fernley Raceway ; Fernley : NV - ChumpCar World Series
Sat: Sept. 17th - Little Valley Speedway ; Little Valley : NY - BRP CanAm Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th - Mohawk International Raceway ; Hogansburg : NY - Capitol Region Sprintcars
Sat: Sept. 17th - Allen County Fairgrounds ; Lima : OH - Antique Auto Racing Association
Sat: Sept. 17th - Columbus Motor Speedway ; Columbus : OH - USAC Mopar D1 Midgets
Sat: Sept. 17th - Fremont Speedway ; Fremont : OH - All Star Sprint Cars
Sat: Sept. 17th - Sandusky Speedway ; Sandusky : OH - Midwest Supermodifieds
Sat: Sept. 17th - Sharon Speedway ; Hartford : OH - BRP Modified Tour
Sat: Sept. 17th - Mid-America Speedway ; S Coffeyville : OK - ASCS / Sooner Region
Sat: Sept. 17th - Oklahoma Sports Park ; Ada : OK - Oil Capital Racing Series
Sat: Sept. 17th - Salina Highbanks Speedway ; Salina : OK - USMTS Modifieds
Sat: Sept. 17th – Brighton Speedway ; Brighton : Ontario – Unsanctioned Crate Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th - Ohsweken Speedway ; Ohsweken : Ontario - ASCS / Sprints on Dirt
Sat: Sept. 17th - Ohsweken Speedway ; Ohsweken : Ontario - Empire Super Sprints
Sat: Sept. 17th - Ohsweken Speedway ; Ohsweken : Ontario - NRA SprintInvaders
Sat: Sept. 17th - Cottage Grove Speedway ; Cottage Grove : OR - ASCS / Northwest Tour
Sat: Sept. 17th - Grandview Speedway ; Bechtelsville : PA - Freedom 76
Sat: Sept. 17th - Lincoln Speedway ; Hanover : PA - Super Sportsmen
Sat: Sept. 17th - Mahoning Valley Speedway ; Lehighton : PA - ATQMRA TQ Midgets
Sat: Sept. 17th - Pittsburghs PA Motor Speedway ; Imperial : PA - Unified Force Race Championship Tour
Sat: Sept. 17th - Pittsburghs PA Motor Speedway ; Imperial : PA - ULMS - Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th - Pittsburghs PA Motor Speedway ; Imperial : PA - ULMS - EMod Series
Sat: Sept. 17th - Selinsgrove Speedway ; Selinsgrove : PA - Selinsgrove National Open
Sat: Sept. 17th – Dillon Motor Speedway ; Dillon : SC – Limited Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th - Florence Motor Speedway ; Florence : SC - Allison Legacy Race Series
Sat: Sept. 17th - Florence Motor Speedway ; Florence : SC – Limited Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th – Greenville-Pickens Speedway ; Greenville : SC – Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th - Dakota State Fair Speedway ; Huron : SD - Wissota 100
Sat: Sept. 17th - Newport Speedway ; Newport : TN - ISCARS Dash Series
Sat: Sept. 17th - I-37 Speedway ; Pleasanton : TX - Dwarf Car Series of Texas
Sat: Sept. 17th - Royal Purple Raceway ; Houston : TX - ASCS / Gulf South Region
Sat: Sept. 17th - Texas Motor Speedway (dirt) ; Fort Worth : TX - SUPR Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th – Langley Speedway ; Hampton : VA – Late Models x2
Sat: Sept. 17th – Lonesome Pine Raceway ; Coeburn : VA – Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th – Old Dominion Speedway ; Manassas : VA – Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th – Wythe Racway ; Rural Retreat : VA – Carolina Clash Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th - Virginia Motor Speedway ; Saluda : VA - Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models
Sat: Sept. 17th - Bear Ridge Speedway ; Bradford : VT - Northeast Mini-Sprints
Sat: Sept. 17th - Grays Harbor Raceway ; Elma : WA - Northwest Wingless Sprint Tour
Sat: Sept. 17th - South Sound Speedway ; Tenino : WA - West Coast Vintage Racers
Sat: Sept. 17th - South Sound Speedway ; Tenino : WA - Washington Econo Sprint Cars
Sat: Sept. 17th - South Sound Speedway ; Tenino : WA - Washington Midgets
Sat: Sept. 17th - Plymouth Dirt Track ; Plymouth : WI - Interstate Racing Association
Sat: Sept. 17th - Plymouth Dirt Track ; Plymouth : WI - Midwest Sprintcar Association
Sun: Sept. 18th - Huntsville Speedway ; Hunstville : AL - Southern Superstock Series
Sun: Sept. 18th - Pueblo Motorsports Park ; Pueblo : CO - ChumpCar World Series
Sun: Sept. 18th - Kentucky Motor Speedway ; Owensboro : KY - International Outlaw Figure 8 Series
Sun: Sept. 18th - Beech Ridge Motor Speedway ; Scarboro : ME - PASS Modifieds
Sun: Sept. 18th - Beech Ridge Motor Speedway ; Scarboro : ME - PASS North Late Models
Sun: Sept. 18th - Beech Ridge Motor Speedway ; Scarboro : ME - PASS Sportsman
Sun: Sept. 18th - 71 Speedway ; Butler : MO - USMTS Modifieds
Sun: Sept. 18th - Reno-Fernley Raceway ; Fernley : NV - ChumpCar World Series
Sun: Sept. 18th - Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY - Race Of Champions Modified Tour
Wed: Sept. 21st - Hartford Motor Speedway ; Hartford : MI - World of Outlaws - Sprint Cars
Wed: Sept. 21st - Saint Joseph County Fairgrounds ; Centreville : MI - Unique Bump and Run
Wed: Sept. 21st – Martinsville Speedway ; Martinsville : VA – Open Test for Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300
Thu: Sept. 22nd - Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN - USMTS Modifieds
Thu: Sept. 22nd - McKean County Speedway ; East Smethport : PA - ULMS - Late Models
Thu: Sept. 22nd - McKean County Speedway ; East Smethport : PA - ULMS - EMod Series
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
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Hey Frontstretch Readers!
Get THE ANNUAL, 2011 Racing Preview for your mobile device!
Go to Frontstretch.com and click on "The Annual" link on the right side to order and download this special issue that includes: Track Information, Driver profiles and In-Depth Features.
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Frontstretch Folio: Geico 400
by Summer Dreyer
This weekend, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to Chicagoland Speedway for Geico 400 and first race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Sunday's race will be the 27th of 36 races this season, and will be broadcast live Sunday, September 18th, at 2:00 PM ET on ESPN. Drivers will compete for 267 laps (400.5 miles) before taking the checkered flag.
Records and Facts
Jimmie Johnson holds the track qualifying record with a lap of 28.701 seconds at 188.147 mph during qualifying for the 2005 USG Sheetrock 400. Johnson finished third in the race after leading 21 of 267 laps. He finished out the year fifth in points with four wins, 13 top 5s, and 22 top 10s.
David Reutimann holds the track race record at Chicagoland Speedway, with a speed of 145.138 mph in the 2010 LifeLock.com 400, leading 52 of the 267 laps for his second career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory. Carl Edwards finished second, 0.727 sec behind Reutimann, with Jeff Gordon, Clint Bowyer, and Jamie McMurray rounding out the top 5.
Reutimann is also the defending race winner of the event, albeit it on a different weekend than this year's race will be run. Last year, Chicagoland was only the 19th race on the schedule while this season it has been moved to the opening race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup.
Track Facts
Track/Race Length: 1.5 mile tri-oval, 267 laps (400.5 miles)
Degree of Banking: 18 degrees in the corners
Frontstretch: 2,400 ft., banked 11 degrees
Backstretch: 1,700 ft., banked 5 degrees
Grandstand Seating: 75,000
Pre-race Schedule
Practice: Friday, September 16, 2:00 – 3:30 PM ET on ESPN2
Happy Hour: Friday, September 16, 6:00 – 7:00 PM ET on ESPN2
Qualifying: Saturday, September 17, 1:40 PM ET on SPEED
VIPs
Grand Marshal: Geico Caveman
Honorary Starter: Jon Cavaiani
Race Day Forecast
Sunday: Few showers, 30% chance of rain
High: 72
Low: 60
Say What?!
"It's another 1.5-mile track. We tried a few things in Atlanta and they seemed to work so now I want to build upon what we learned in Atlanta and try to expand on it at Chicagoland. With us not being in the Chase, we can take a few more risks or be more aggressive in evolving our setups during the weekend in comparison to the 12 guys who are in the Chase. But don't get me wrong, it's our job to come out of Chicagoland with a strong points day. Last time we left Chicago with an 11th-place finish, so hopefully we can leave Sunday night with a top-five or a win." -Martin Truex, Jr.
"Chicago is actually one of my favorite racetracks we get to go to. I enjoy the mile-and-a-half racetracks and, to me, Chicago is one of the ones that doesn't have the banking that some of the higher-speed mile-and-a-half racetracks have. It makes handling a little trickier and usually there's two- and three-wide racing, so to me it's exciting. Between Chicago and old Las Vegas, I'd say those are my favorites. So, to get to go back and run another race in the No. 38 there, it has me very excited." -J.J. Yeley
"Having a mile-and-a-half to start, yeah, it's a high-speed track and you don't have the short confines like you do at New Hampshire but week two, it's New Hampshire. It doesn't matter where the Chase starts, you just got to get out there and race." -Kurt Busch
Summer Dreyer is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via email at summer.dreyer@frontstretch.com.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Team Player or Manipulator: How Far Should Teamwork Go?
by Amy Henderson
Four Burning Questions: Chase Favorites, Feuds, and Clint Bowyer's Future
by Brody Jones
Regan Smith Diary: Remembering 9/11, Reflecting on the 'Regular Season' and Football
as told to Tony Lumbis
Tearing Apart the Trucks: A Look Back at Ten Years of KHI
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Frontstretch Podcast: September 16th Edition
hosted by Doug Turnbull
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: In 2001, Jimmie Johnson claimed his first (and to this point, only) career victory in the Busch Series (now Nationwide Series) at Chicagoland Speedway. Who did he overtake for the win and what were the circumstances behind that pass?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: In 1998, NASCAR held an exhibition race at the Twin Ring Motegi's egg-shaped oval (said to be modeled after Darlington, but not really). A number of full-time Winston Cup drivers made the trip, but Dale Jarrett was unable to attend. Why did he have to opt out of the race, and who replaced him in the No. 88?
A: Dale Jarrett was forced to miss the Coca-Cola 500k due to issues with his gall bladder that realistically hampered a potential run at the 1998 Winston Cup Championship. After the season ended, Jarrett had a procedure to take care of the issue. Darrell Waltrip was tapped to substitute in the No. 88 in Motegi. He ran fairly well in the race, but DNF'd after getting punted by Bobby Hamilton in Turn 4. That wreck (in replay) can be seen here; Ken Squier and Buddy Baker have the call for TBS.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: Take the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
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Coming Monday in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Geico 400 Race Recap by TBA
-- Running Their Mouth: Geico 400 by Brody Jones
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
Monday on the Frontstretch:
Matt McLaughlin's Thinkin' Out Loud: Geico 400 by TBA
With Matt still out of commission, one of your favorite Frontstretch writers will be here with his overall thoughts about the action from Sunday afternoon's action from Chicagoland.
Underdog Central by Bryan Davis Keith
Who's hot and who's not towards the back end of the owner points battle? Bryan brings the stories you didn't hear about into print from Sunday's race from Chicagoland.
Monday Morning Teardown by Ron Lemasters
Ron returns for a website look at one of the big stories from Sunday's race from Chicagoland.
Bowles-Eye View by Tom Bowles
Tom brings back his weekly post-race commentary with all of the insight you need from a weekend of racing from Chicagoland.
Big Six: Wonderful Pistachios 400 by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving the first race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing at Chicagoland.
Nationwide Series Breakdown: Dollar General 300 by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan has all the post-race analysis you need after Saturday afternoon's Nationwide Series race from Chicagoland.
Tracking the Trucks: Fast Five 225 by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth has all the post-race analysis you need after Friday night's Camping World Truck Series race from Chicagoland.
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