Thursday, September 22, 2011

The Frontstretch Newsletter: September 23rd, 2011

THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
September 23rd, 2011
Volume V, Edition CC

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NEW PODCAST! Don't forget our new FREE weekly audio segments hosted by Doug Turnbull. Click here for the September 23rdth edition that features Clint Bowyer and Johanna Long as our main racing guests.

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What to Watch For: Loudon
by Beth Lunkenheimer

Is this an omen for the weekend?  Just as S.D. Grady waved the last race hauler into the infield at New Hampshire Motor Speedway's Fans Fest with all the other fans Thursday evening, Mother Nature opened the heavens and soaked everyone as they ran for cover.
 
Hopefully this is not a sign of things to come, but after the Chase opener at Chicagoland, we know NASCAR is not exactly on Mother Nature's good side at the moment.  And the forecast for Loudon, NH is more than a bit questionable right now.
 
Keep your fingers crossed for sun--or at least dry pavement--on Sunday, but keep your umbrellas ready.

Weather: It looks like Mother Nature plans to once again get in the way of a weekend of NASCAR racing. A quick look at the weekend forecast from The Weather Channel shows a 60% chance of rain both Friday and Saturday--which will likely affect practice and qualifying for both Sprint Cup and the Truck Series as well as the Truck Series race Saturday afternoon--followed by a 10% chance for Sunday. And keep in mind that New Hampshire Motor Speedway doesn't have lights, making the window for getting the race in much shorter. Drivers and media alike have been commenting on the weather:

@dennyhamlin: The tunnel going into the track. It's obvious that we bring the rain http://yfrog.com/hw5r5uvj

@bobdillner: @TWCbreaking @weatherchannel - infield tunnel closed at NH Motor Speedway - flooded after heavy rains #NASCAR lockerz.com/s/141090221

@andylally: Just got into the track at NH. If I showed up much later I wouldn't have made it through this... http://twitgoo.com/4js2ux

@andylally: At least I might get my first scuba lesson from @Brendan62 while exploring the depths of the infield here tomorrow.

@kevinharvick: Pouring down rain here in NH go figure...

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Top News
by Summer Dreyer

Bristol Motor Speedway Announces Race Dates

One of NASCAR's most historic racetracks, Bristol Motor Speedway, has announced its race dates for the 2012 NASCAR season. BMS will once again host two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekends, with the first race, the Food City 500, running on Sunday, March 18th. The second and most popular race date, the Irwin Tools Night Race, runs Saturday, August 25th.

BMS will also hold two Nationwide Series events, one Camping World Truck Series race, and one NASCAR Whelen Modified Series event. The Nationwide Series is scheduled for March 17th and August 24th, while the Trucks and Whelen Modified Series will compete in a double-header on Wednesday, August 22nd.

The announcement gives us a clearer picture as to what the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule will look like next season, with no less than 16 race dates set in stone for next season. Among the tracks that have announced their schedules are Daytona International Speedway (2/26- Daytona 500), Las Vegas Motor Speedway (3/11), Auto Club Speedway (3/25), Martinsville Speedway (4/1 and 10/28), Texas Motor Speedway (4/14 and 11/4), Kansas Speedway (4/22 and 10/21), Richmond International Raceway (4/28 and 9/8), Talladega Superspeedway (5/6 and 10/7), Darlington Raceway (5/12), Dover International Speedway (6/3 and 9/30), Pocono Raceway (6/10 and 8/5), Michigan International Speedway (6/17 and 8/19), Kentucky Speedway (6/30), and Indianapolis Motor Speedway (7/29).

Dale Earnhardt Jr., PepsiCo Unveil New Paint Scheme

The No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet driven by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. looked a little different on Thursday when PepsiCo unveiled a new paint scheme with soft drink Diet Mountain Dew on the hood. Replacing Amp Energy as the primary sponsor, Diet Mountain Dew will appear on the hood of NASCAR's most popular driver 16 times during the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season with Amp Energy remaining on as an associate sponsor.

"The time is right to put the power of Dale Earnhardt, Jr. behind Diet Mountain Dew as our lead brand on the 88 car," said Vice President of Marketing Brett O'Brien. "Diet Dew is one of the fastest-growing carbonated soft drinks in the United States, and Dale, Jr. is the embodiment of the person we're trying to target with Diet Mountain Dew."

Along with Diet Mountain Dew, National Guard will serve as a primary sponsor in the remaining races of the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. PepsiCo's sponsorship expires at the end of next season, while Earnhardt is signed with Hendrick Motorsports through 2017. He is currently fifth in points with nine races left in the season.

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

NASCAR Mexico Series Champion to Make Truck Debut for KBM

NASCAR Mexico Series Champion German Quiroga will make his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut for Kyle Busch Motorsports on Saturday in the F.W. Webb 175 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Quiroga has a one-race deal with the team to drive the No. 51 truck with sponsor Telcel, the leading wireless communications service provider in Mexico.

Quiroga currently holds a 110-point lead in the NASCAR Mexico Series standings with four races remaining. He is seeking his third straight championship. His 15 wins rank seconds on the series' all-time wins list. Quiroga made a start at New Hampshire in 2007 in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East.

Sacred Power Motorsports to Debut in Truck Series

Sacred Power Motorsports, along with Native American driver A.J. Russell, will make their debut Saturday in F.W. Webb 175 Camping World Truck Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. It will be the first Camping World Truck team to be Native American owned with a Native American driver.

David Melton is the owner of the team and of Sacred Power Corporation, the largest Native American owned solar integration company in the United States. Sacred Power, which was formerly linked with owner Bob Jenkins in the Sprint Cup Series in 2010 with driver Boris Said, has partnered with Jennifer Jo Cobb's team at New Hampshire. The team hopes to run a full schedule in 2012.

New Hampshire Creates Section for NASCAR Fanatics

New Hampshire Motor Speedway officials have designated a special section of seating in Turns 3 and 4 for "Moose Head Maniacs." Fans who sit in the section are encouraged to be creative with their attire. Body paint is welcome, along with moose antler headwear, wigs and other costumes. Fans with the most creative costumes will be featured on the speedway's giant video board throughout the race-day activities.

Tickets are for sale for $19 for the section, which includes 2,000 seats in the Laconia Grandstand. A "Moose Head" T-shirt will also be included.

Iowa Speedway President Steps Down

The Associated Press reported on Monday that Iowa Speedway President Jerry Jauron is resigning from his position after three years of work. Jauron has accepted a role as general manager for C & L Companies, based in Urbandale, Iowa.

Jauron will remain in his position with the speedway until October. Iowa Speedway currently holds races for the NASCAR Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series, as well as a race for the IZOD IndyCar Series. The track will hold a pair of Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series races in 2012, along with the IZOD IndyCar Series.

Kansas Speedway Adds Fan Hospitality Section

Kansas Speedway has added a special fan hospitality section titled the Finish Line for the Kansas Lottery 300 Nationwide Series race and Hollywood Casino 400 Sprint Cup Series races on October 8th and 9th.

The Finish Line, located outside Turn 1, will have large screen televisions covering the racing action along with a live DJ. Fans who participate in the program will also be given infield pit tours and meal and drink vouchers for the weekend. Tickets are $100 for Saturday, $150 for Sunday or $225 for the weekend. Fans who participate in the Finish Line must also have a grandstand ticket. 

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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 takes a look at the week's biggest headlines and much more! Check it out here!

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Keepin' It Short: Time For the Main Event
by Mike Neff

For 23 years the final event of the racing season for Main Event Racing has been the Main Event. For 20 of those years the race has been held at Columbus Motor Speedway in Columbus, OH. The 24th annual event will take place this weekend, again at Columbus. Seven drivers enter the race with at least a mathematical chance of walking away with the season's points championship, which will be handed out at the end of the race.

Columbus Speedway was built some 65 years ago out of 50 acres of farmland on the southeast side of Ohio's state capital. John Nuckles and some fellow motorcyclists cut the 1/3-mile oval out of the countryside and held their first event in 1946. Over the next three years motorcycles and roadsters ran a handful of events at the track until lights were installed in 1950. After the lights were added to the facility the first stock car race took place and were held every Friday night featuring coupes and sedans from 1937 through 1949. In 1957, the oval was paved and the feature class was changed to Super Modifieds and eventually the current Super Late Models. Nuckles ran the speedway until he passed away unexpectedly in 1965. The biggest race of the season is held every July and is named after the elder Nuckles.

In 1971, Nuckles' son James became the sole proprietor and has evolved the track into a family operation. His son Jerry is the Vice President of the speedway while Jerry's brother Jeff is the promotional director. Jerry also acts as the race director and his oldest son John fills a consulting role. Jim's fourth son Jamie worked at the track as well until his death in 1974.

A very historic event took place at the track in 1957 when a car driven by Jim Cushman and built by the Miller Brothers out of Columbus became the first winged race car. While it was derided by many of the competitors in attendance that night it was quickly accepted when it took to the track and annihilated the competition.

Today the track is focused on providing a fan oriented event that is efficiently organized and finished early in the evening. Most Saturday nights the fans are on the road home between 9:30 and 10:00. The track has four concession stands and multiple rest rooms to accommodate the 4,000 paying customers. In the past few years there have been several capital improvements to continue to enhance the fan experience. A concrete retaining wall, new grandstands, a state of the art lighting system, paved pit roads and new restrooms are just some of the highlights that have made Columbus a racing destination for fans throughout central Ohio.

There are four primary racing divisions that compete at the track every week: Late Models, Columbus Modifieds, Sport Stocks and Crazy Compacts. Along with those classes, there are different classes added to the docket most every week. The Nuckles often bring in Legend cars, Winged Sprint Cars, Midgets, Sprints, Super Cup Stock Cars and even Trailer races. This year the biggest event ever came to town when the K&N East Series visited the track on July 23rd.

The Main Event is one of the biggest Outlaw Late Model races of the season and the best drivers from around the country will make the trip to compete for the $6,000 first prize. Current points leader Bud Perry will try and hold off Rich Rohrer, Jimmy Carter, Josh Smith, Drew Charlson, Brian Short and Donnie Hill who all have a chance at the season title. He'll also face stiff competition from Terry Senneker and Steve Needles, both of whom are repeat winners of the Main Event. J.R. Roahrig and his son Tyler will be making the trip over from Indiana. Rohrer and Tim Ice are also former winners of the event who are entered at this point in time.

Any race fans in the Columbus, Ohio area who want to see some fantastic racing action including some of the coolest cars to hit local short tracks anywhere in the country should head to Columbus Motor Speedway. Practice starts Saturday at 10:00 am with qualifying at 2:30 and racing at 6:00. Sunday will see practice start at 11:00 with racing beginning at 1:30. Tickets for Saturday are $15 for adults and $5 for kids while Sunday admission is $22 for adults and $7 for kids.
 
Whelen All-American Update

It's all over but the shouting. The 2011 Whelen All-American season officially came to an end Sunday September 18th as that was the last day that points could be scored by competitors toward national and state/provincial championships. Keith Rocco was unable to make any headway over the weekend so, even though Langley Speedway's event was rained out, Philip Morris secured the National Championship. The victory is Morris's fourth title in the last six years, moving him within one of the all-time record of five held by Larry Phillips. Over this amazing run Morris also finished third in 2007 and seventh last season. Morris also earned the Virginia state championship as well thanks to his 789 points accumulated during the season.

Congratulations go out, not only to Morris, Rocco, Pulliam and Falk, III for a great points battle this year, but to all of the state champions who secured their titles after this past Sunday.

National Champion - Philip Morris

Alberta - Erica Thiering
California - Brandon Davis
Colorado - Dan Savage
Connecticut - Keith Rocco
Idaho - Jeff Pullman
Illinois - Ryan Carlson
Iowa - Paul Glendenning
Maine - Bill Rodgers
Michigan - Andy Bozell, Sr.
Minnesota - Adam Royle
Nebraska - Bill Leighton, Jr.
New Hampshire - Wayne Helliwell, Jr.
New York - Amy Catalano
North Carolina - Burt Myers
Ohio - Travis Braden
Oklahoma - Joe Duvall
Ontario - Ron Quesnelle
Pennsylvania - Jeff Strunk
South Carolina - Anthony Anders
Tennessee - Nate Monteith
Texas - Zachary Hausler
Vermont - Ronald Proctor
Virginia - Philip Morris
Washington - Naima Lang
Wisconsin - J. Herbst

This Weekend's Race Schedule

Fri: Sept. 23rd - Ocean Speedway ; Watsonville : CA - California Sprint Car Civil War Series
Fri: Sept. 23rd - Ocean Speedway ; Watsonville : CA - Taco Bravo Ocean Sprints
Fri: Sept. 23rd – Five Flags Speedway ; Pensacola : FL – Blizzard Super Late Models
Fri: Sept. 23rd - Marshalltown Speedway ; Marshalltown : IA - Hawkeye Dirt Tour
Fri: Sept. 23rd - Quad City Raceway ; East Moline : IL - IMCA Deery Brothers Late Models
Fri: Sept. 23rd – Tri-City Speedway ; Pontoon Beach : IL – UMP Modifieds
Fri: Sept. 23rd - Brownstown Speedway ; Brownstown : IN - Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models
Fri: Sept. 23rd - Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN - USMTS Modifieds
Fri: Sept. 23rd – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Super Late Models
Fri: Sept. 23rd – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Crate Late Models
Fri: Sept. 23rd – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Open Wheel Modifieds
Fri: Sept. 23rd - Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO - ASCS / Warriors Region
Fri: Sept. 23rd - I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE - ASCS / Midwest Series
Fri: Sept. 23rd - I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE – Corn Belt Clash
Fri: Sept. 23rd - I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE – Midwest Late Models
Fri: Sept. 23rd - New Hampshire International Speedway ; Loudon : NH - NASCAR K&N East Series
Fri: Sept. 23rd - Accord Speedway ; Accord : NY - Race of Champion Dirt Modifieds
Fri: Sept. 23rd – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Late Models
Fri: Sept. 23rd - Eldora Speedway ; Rossburg : OH – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Fri: Sept. 23rd - Thunderbird Speedway ; Muskogee : OK - MARS DIRTcar Series
Fri: Sept. 23rd - Thunderbird Speedway ; Muskogee : OK - NCRA / Late Models
Fri: Sept. 23rd - Thunderbird Speedway ; Muskogee : OK - Show-Me Racin Series
Fri: Sept. 23rd – Sunset Speedway ; Innisfil : Ontario – Open Late Models
Fri: Sept. 23rd - Cottage Grove Speedway ; Cottage Grove : OR - Northwest Wingless Sprint Tour
Fri: Sept. 23rd - Cottage Grove Speedway ; Cottage Grove : OR - Washington Midget Racing Association
Fri: Sept. 23rd - Southern Oregon Speedway ; Medford : OR - Northwest I-5 DIRTcar Late Model Series
Fri: Sept. 23rd - Lindas Speedway ; Jonestown : PA - Keystone Legend Car Tour
Fri: Sept. 23rd - McKean County Speedway ; East Smethport : PA - ULMS - Late Models
Fri: Sept. 23rd - McKean County Speedway ; East Smethport : PA - ULMS - EMod Series
Fri: Sept. 23rd - Path Valley Speedway ; Spring Run : PA - PA Sprint Series
Fri: Sept. 23rd – Tazewell Speedway ; Tazewell : TN – National All-Stars
Fri: Sept. 23rd – Winchester Speedway ; Berryville : VA – Late Models
Fri: Sept. 23rd - Central Washington State Fair Raceway ; Yakima : WA - ASCS / Northwest Tour
Fri: Sept. 23rd – Red Cedar Speedway ; Menominie : WI – WISSOTA Late Models
Fri: Sept. 23rd – Red Cedar Speedway ; Menominie : WI – WISSOTA Modifieds
Fri: Sept. 23rd – Red Cedar Speedway ; Menominie : WI – Midwest Modifieds
Sat: Sept. 24th – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Miller Lite Super Late Models
Sat: Sept. 24th – I-30 Speedway ; Little Rock : AR : - Modifieds
Sat: Sept. 24th - Canyon Speedway Park ; Peoria : AZ - ASCS / Canyon Region
Sat: Sept. 24th - Bakersfield Speedway ; Oildale : CA - California Lightning Sprints
Sat: Sept. 24th – Fonda Speedway
Sat: Sept. 24th - Giant Chevrolet Speedway ; Hanford : CA - USAC 360 Sprint Series
Sat: Sept. 24th - Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA - ASA / Truck Series
Sat: Sept. 24th - Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA - SRL Late Models
Sat: Sept. 24th – Marysville Raceway Park ; Marysville : CA – 360 Sprints
Sat: Sept. 24th – Marysville Raceway Park ; Marysville : CA – Wingless Sprints
Sat: Sept. 24th - Perris Auto Speedway ; Perris : CA - USAC/CRA 410
Sat: Sept. 24th - Perris Auto Speedway ; Perris : CA - Western Racing Association
Sat: Sept. 24th - Placerville Speedway ; Placerville : CA - BCRA Midget Lites
Sat: Sept. 24th - Placerville Speedway ; Placerville : CA - California Sprint Car Civil War Series
Sat: Sept. 24th – Redwoods Acres Raceway ; Eureka : CA – Airport Auto Brokers Late Models
Sat: Sept. 24th - Shasta Raceway Park ; Redding : CA - BCRA Midgets
Sat: Sept. 24th - Shasta Raceway Park ; Redding : CA - BCRA Vintage
Sat: Sept. 24th – Ventura Raceway ; Ventura : CA – IMCA Modifieds
Sat: Sept. 24th – Ventura Raceway ; Ventura : CA – VRA Sprints
Sat: Sept. 24th - Citrus County Speedway ; Inverness : FL - Central Florida Wingless Sprints
Sat: Sept. 24th - Cross Roads Motorplex ; Jasper : FL - MMRA / Mini-Cups
Sat: Sept. 24th - Sebring International Raceway ; Sebring : FL - ChumpCar World Series
Sat: Sept. 24th - Marshalltown Speedway ; Marshalltown : IA - Hawkeye Dirt Tour
Sat: Sept. 24th - Stateline Stadium ; Post Falls : ID - ICAR Late Model Series
Sat: Sept. 24th - Avcom Park ; Avon : IL - IMRA TQ Series
Sat: Sept. 24th - Macon Speedway ; Macon : IL - POWRI Midgets
Sat: Sept. 24th - Macon Speedway ; Macon : IL - POWRI Micro-Sprints
Sat: Sept. 24th – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – UMP Late Models
Sat: Sept. 24th – Tri-City Speedway ; Pontoon Beach : IL – UMP Modifieds
Sat: Sept. 24th - Quad City Raceway ; East Moline : IL - IMCA Deery Brothers Late Model Series
Sat: Sept. 24th - Brownstown Speedway ; Brownstown : IN - Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Sat: Sept. 24th - Mount Lawn Speedway ; New Castle : IN - UMRA TQ Midgets
Sat: Sept. 24th - Rush County Speedway ; Rushville : IN - Midwest TQ Racing League
Sat: Sept. 24th - Sabine Motor Speedway ; Many : LA - Southern Thunder Sprints
Sat: Sept. 24th - Berlin Raceway ; Marne : MI - CRA Super Series
Sat: Sept. 24th - Berlin Raceway ; Marne : MI - Great Lakes Outlaw Late Models
Sat: Sept. 24th - Butler Speedway ; Quincy : MI - Butler Spectatular
Sat: Sept. 24th - I-96 Speedway ; Lake Odessa : MI - ASCS / Sprints on Dirt
Sat: Sept. 24th - Springport Motor Speedway ; Springport : MI - MCR Dwarf Cars
Sat: Sept. 24th - Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN - USMTS Modifieds
Sat: Sept. 24th – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Super Late Models
Sat: Sept. 24th – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Crate Late Models
Sat: Sept. 24th – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Open Wheel Modifieds
Sat: Sept. 24th - Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO - ASCS / Warriors Region
Sat: Sept. 24th - Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO - Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Series
Sat: Sept. 24th - Charlotte Motor Speedway ; Concord : NC - 24 Hours of LeMons
Sat: Sept. 24th - Dublin Speedway ; Dublin : NC - Carolina Clash Late Model Series
Sat: Sept. 24th - Hickory Motor Speedway ; Hickory : NC - PASS Southern Late Model Series
Sat: Sept. 24th - Tri-County Motor Speedway ; Hudson : NC - NASCAR Southern Modified Tour
Sat: Sept. 24th - I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE - ASCS / Midwest Series
Sat: Sept. 24th - I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE – Corn Belt Clash
Sat: Sept. 24th - I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE - Midwest LateModel Racing Association
Sat: Sept. 24th - New Hampshire International Speedway ; Loudon : NH - ACT US Tour
Sat: Sept. 24th - New Hampshire International Speedway ; Loudon : NH - NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour
Sat: Sept. 24th - White Mountain Motorsports Park ; North Woodstock : NH - PASS North Late Model Series
Sat: Sept. 24th - White Mountain Motorsports Park ; North Woodstock : NH - PASS Sportsman
Sat: Sept. 24th - New Egypt Speedway ; New Egypt : NJ - United Racing Company
Sat: Sept. 24th - Accord Speedway ; Accord : NY - Capitol Region Sprintcar Association
Sat: Sept. 24th - Accord Speedway ; Accord : NY - PA Sprint Series
Sat: Sept. 24th - Fonda Speedway ; Fonda : NY - Empire Super Sprints
Sat: Sept. 24th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Bobby Isaac Memorial
Sat: Sept. 24th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat: Sept. 24th – Orange County Speedway ; Rougemont : NC – Southeast Limited Late Models
Sat: Sept. 24th – Tri-County Motor Speedway ; Hudson : NC – Whelen Southern Modified Tour
Sat: Sept. 24th - Columbus Motor Speedway ; Columbus : OH - Main Event Racing Series
Sat: Sept. 24th - Eldora Speedway ; Rossburg : OH - USAC National Midgets
Sat: Sept. 24th - Eldora Speedway ; Rossburg : OH - USAC Silver Crown
Sat: Sept. 24th - Eldora Speedway ; Rossburg : OH - USAC National Sprint Cars
Sat: Sept. 24th - Eldora Speedway ; Rossburg : OH - Vintage American Race Cars
Sat: Sept. 24th - K-C Raceway ; Chillicothe : OH - American Mini Sprint Association
Sat: Sept. 24th - Sandusky Speedway ; Sandusky : OH - Midwest Supermodifieds
Sat: Sept. 24th - Toledo Speedway ; Toledo : OH - Michigan Legend Cars
Sat: Sept. 24th - Thunderbird Speedway ; Muskogee : OK - MARS DIRTcar Series
Sat: Sept. 24th - Thunderbird Speedway ; Muskogee : OK - NCRA / Late Models
Sat: Sept. 24th - Flamboro Speedway ; Freelton : Ontario - Can-Am TQ Midgets
Sat: Sept. 24th - Flamboro Speedway ; Freelton : Ontario - Canadian Vintage Modifieds
Sat: Sept. 24th - Kawartha Raceway ; Peterborough : Ontario - NASCAR Canadian Tire Late Models
Sat: Sept. 24th – Sunset Speedway ; Innisfil : Ontario – Late Models
Sat: Sept. 24th - Cottage Grove Speedway ; Cottage Grove : OR - Northwest Wingless Sprint Tour
Sat: Sept. 24th - Cottage Grove Speedway ; Cottage Grove : OR - Washington Midget Racing Association
Sat: Sept. 24th - Douglas County Speedway ; Roseburg : OR - ASA Northwest Sprint Car Racing Association
Sat: Sept. 24th - Southern Oregon Speedway ; Medford : OR - Northwest I-5 DIRTcar Late Model Series
Sat: Sept. 24th – Grandview Speedway ; Bechtelsville : PA – Late Models
Sat: Sept. 24th – Grandview Speedway ; Bechtelsville : PA - Modifieds
Sat: Sept. 24th - Lernerville Speedway ; Sarver : PA – World of Outlaw Sprint Cars
Sat: Sept. 24th - Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA - Kenny Weld Memorial
Sat: Sept. 24th - McKean County Speedway ; East Smethport : PA - ULMS - Late Models
Sat: Sept. 24th - McKean County Speedway ; East Smethport : PA - ULMS - EMod Series
Sat: Sept. 24th – Selinsgrove Speedway ; Selinsgrove : PA – 358 Sprints
Sat: Sept. 24th – Selinsgrove Speedway ; Selinsgrove : PA – Late Models
Sat: Sept. 24th – Susquehanna Speedway ; Newberrytown : PA – Late Models
Sat: Sept. 24th - Susquehanna Speedway ; Newberrytown : PA - Super Sportsmen
Sat: Sept. 24th – Dillon Motor Speedway ; Dillon : SC – Late Models
Sat: Sept. 24th – Florence Motor Speedway ; Timmonsville : SC – Limited Late Models
Sat: Sept. 24th - Greenville-Pickens Speedway ; Greenville : SC - Carolina Vintage Stockcar Association
Sat: Sept. 24th – Greenville-Pickens Speedway ; Greenville : SC – UARA Late Models
Sat: Sept. 24th – Highland Rim Speedway ; Ridgetop : TN – Late Models
Sat: Sept. 24th - Thunderhill Raceway ; Summertown : TN - USCS - Sprint Car Series
Sat: Sept. 24th - Harris Hill ; San Marcos : TX - ChumpCar World Series
Sat: Sept. 24th - Thunderhill Raceway ; Kyle : TX - Dwarf Car Series of Texas
Sat: Sept. 24th – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – Late Models
Sat: Sept. 24th – Winchester Speedway ; Berryville : VA – Late Models
Sat: Sept. 24th – Wythe Raceway ; Rural Retreat : VA – Fastrak Pro Late Models
Sat: Sept. 24th – Wythe Raceway ; Rural Retreat : VA – Ultimate Super Late Models
Sat: Sept. 24th - Central Washington State Fair Raceway ; Yakima : WA - ASCS / Northwest Tour
Sat: Sept. 24th - Evergreen Speedway ; Monroe : WA - Northwest Pro 4 Trucks
Sat: Sept. 24th - Spokane County Raceway ; Spokane : WA - Inland NW Sprint Cars
Sat: Sept. 24th - Madison International Speedway ; Oregon : WI - Mid-American Stock Cars
Sat: Sept. 24th – Red Cedar Speedway ; Menominie : WI – WISSOTA Late Models
Sat: Sept. 24th – Red Cedar Speedway ; Menominie : WI – WISSOTA Modifieds
Sat: Sept. 24th – Red Cedar Speedway ; Menominie : WI – Midwest Modifieds
Sat: Sept. 24th - Wilmot Raceway ; Wilmot : WI – IRA Sprints
Sat: Sept. 24th - Wilmot Raceway ; Wilmot : WI - Midwest Sprintcar Association
Sat: Sept. 24th - Tyler County Speedway ; Middlebourne : WV - Fastrak Late Model Series
Sat: Sept. 24th - West Virginia Motor Speedway ; Mineral Wells : WV - All Star Sprint Cars
Sun: Sept. 25th – Redwoods Acres Raceway ; Eureka : CA – Airport Auto Brokers Late Models
Sun: Sept. 25th – Fairbury American Legion Raceway ; Fairbury : IL – UMP Late Models
Sun: Sept. 25th – Fairbury American Legion Raceway ; Fairbury : IL – UMP Modifieds
Sun: Sept. 25th - Quad City Raceway ; East Moline : IL - IMCA Late Model Special
Sun: Sept. 25th - Butler Speedway ; Quincy : MI - Butler Spectatular
Sun: Sept. 25th - Owosso Speedway ; Owosso : MI - Michigan Legend Cars
Sun: Sept. 25th - I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE - ASCS / Midwest Series
Sun: Sept. 25th - I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE – Corn Belt Clash
Sun: Sept. 25th - I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE - Midwest LateModel Racing Association
Sun: Sept. 25th – Fonda Speedway ; Fonda : NY - Modifieds
Sun: Sept. 25th - Charlotte Motor Speedway ; Concord : NC - 24 Hours of LeMons
Sun: Sept. 25th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Bobby Isaac Memorial
Sun: Sept. 25th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Limited Late Models
Sun: Sept. 25th - Columbus Motor Speedway ; Columbus : OH - Main Event Racing Series
Sun: Sept. 25th - Sunset Speedway ; Innisfil : Ontario - OSCAAR Late Models
Sun: Sept. 25th – Sunset Speedway ; Innisfil : Ontario – Late Models
Sun: Sept. 25th - Southern Oregon Speedway ; Medford : OR - Northwest I-5 DIRTcar Late Models
Sun: Sept. 25th - Harris Hill ; San Marcos : TX - ChumpCar World Series
Sun: Sept. 25th – Southside Speedway ; Midlothian : VA – Late Models
Sun: Sept. 25th – Madison International Speedway ; Oregon : WI – Fall Classic
Sun: Sept. 25th - Tyler County Speedway ; Middlebourne : WV - Fastrak Late Model Series
Tue: Sept. 27th – Lasalle Speedway ; Lasalle : IL – Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models

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

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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: Sylvania 300
by Summer Dreyer

This weekend, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the Sylvania 300. Sunday's race will be the 28th race of the season and second in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. The race will be broadcast live Sunday, September 25th, at 2 PM ET on ESPN. Drivers will compete for 300 laps (317.4 miles) before taking the checkered flag.

Records and Facts

Brad Keselowski holds the track qualifying record at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, with a lap of 28.515 sec at 133.572 mph in the 2010 Sylvania 300. Keselowski led two laps in the race and finished 18th while driving the No. 12 Dodge for Penske Racing. Keselowski only won one pole position all season and finished the year 25th in points.

Jeff Burton holds the record for the fastest race run at NHMS, with a speed of 117.134 mph in the 1997 Jiffy Lube 300. Burton led 99 of the 300 laps to win by 5.372 sec over second-place Dale Earnhardt. Rusty Wallace finished third, followed by Steve Grissom and Mark Martin. Burton won a total of three races in the 1997 season, and finished the year fourth in points.

Clint Bowyer is the defending race winner of this event, winning the opening race of the Chase last season by leading 117 of the 300 laps for his first win of the season. Bowyer beat Denny Hamlin by 0.477 sec, with Jamie McMurray, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and Kevin Harvick rounding out the top 5. Unfortunately, Bowyer's success would be short lived as NASCAR fined him 150 points following post-race inspection where the sanctioning body found the measurements on the rear end of the car to be illegal. Though the team appealed the penalties, NASCAR upheld them and it took Bowyer out of the championship hunt; he finished 10th in the standings.

Track Facts

Track/Race Length: 1.058-mile oval, 300 laps (317.4 miles)
Degree of Banking: 12 degrees in the corners
Frontstretch: 1500 ft., banked 2 degrees
Backstretch: 1500 ft., banked 2 degrees
Grandstand Seating: 95,491

Pre-race Schedule

Practice: Friday, September 23rd, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM ET on ESPN2
Qualifying: Friday, September 23rd, 3:10 PM ET on ESPN2
2nd Practice: Saturday, September 24, 9:40 – 10:30 AM ET (not televised)
Happy Hour: Saturday, September 24, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM ET on SPEED

Race Day Forecast

Sunday: Few showers, 30% chance of rain
High: 76
Low: 60

Say What?!

"We just don't do particularly well [at New Hampshire Motor Speedway] usually. Everybody has tracks they like more than others. It isn't like I really dislike it; it just isn't one of our best ones." -Matt Kenseth

"I do feel confident whenever we race [at Loudon], but a lot of that is the car and the setup. This track has some very unique things that make it challenging, though. It's flat, and there are some bumps getting into the corners. While we ran well here a few months ago, we'll see what we have on Friday when we unload. Hopefully, we'll be just as competitive and battling for the win come Sunday." -Jeff Gordon

"Loudon is a pretty particular racetrack. It's tough. It's not like Phoenix before the repave. It's not like Dover at all. It's a flat racetrack and it's really typical of a tough racetrack to pass on. You can't just have a really good racecar and finish up front. You have to keep track position. You have to keep up all day and make everything work." -Kyle 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:

Fuel Milage Is Part of the Game, Not the Whole Contest
by Amy Henderson

Four Burning Questions: Denny Hamlin Out, Dale Jr. In, and Talladega Unpredictability
by Mike Lovecchio

Voices From the Heartland: Sanctioning Body Once Again Totally Clueless
by Jeff Meyer

Casey Mears Driver Diary: Short Tracks, An Underrated Driver, and Crazy Signings
as told to Amy Henderson

Tearing Apart the Trucks: NASCAR Mexico Champ Quiroga to Debut with KBM
by Beth Lunkenheimer

Frontstretch Podcast: September 23rd Edition
hosted by Doug Turnbull

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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
 
Q:
In 1994, Derrike Cope picked up his one and only Busch Grand National victory at New Hampshire driving a No. 82 Ford sponsored by Sports World. However, to do this, he took advantage of an incident in which the leaders basically took themselves out on the frontstretch. What happened?

Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
 
Thursday's Answer:
 
Q: September, 1997 marked the first time that then-New Hampshire International Speedway held two Cup races in one season. That Fall day was rather eventful for Geoff Bodine, who finished 16th. What happened?
 
A: Bodine had a very eventful September day in New Hampshire. His QVC-sponsored Ford Thunderbird spun out no less than four times on the day. However, Bodine was able to keep his Thunderbird in one piece and bring it home on the lead lap.
 

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:
-- Sylvania 300 Race Recap by TBA
-- Running Their Mouth: Sylvania 300 by Brody Jones
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
 
Monday on the Frontstretch:

Matt McLaughlin's Thinkin' Out Loud: Sylvania 300 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 New Hampshire.

David vs. Goliath 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 New Hampshire.

Monday Morning Teardown by Ron Lemasters
Ron returns for a website look at one of the big stories from Sunday's race from New Hampshire.

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 New Hampshire.

Big Six: Sylvania 300 by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving the second race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing at New Hampshire.

Tracking the Trucks: F.W. Webb 175 by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth has all the post-race analysis you need after Saturday afternoon's Camping World Truck Series race from New Hampshire.

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