THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
September 9th, 2011
Volume V, Edition CLXXXIX
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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 Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Cole Whitt as our main racing guests.
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What To Watch For: Friday
The end of the regular season is here! Both the NASCAR Sprint Cup and NASCAR Nationwide Series take to the track at Richmond, and for the Cup side it's their final event before the ten-race Chase to the Championship begins. Press conferences and news bits will pop up throughout the day; check out our main page, Twitter @TheFrontstretch and Frontstretch Writers on Facebook for more info!
Nationwide Series Practice #1 has been completed. Here are your top 15 results:
1) 6 - Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., Ford, 123.950 MPH.
2) 22 - Brad Keselowski, Dodge, 123.842 MPH.
3) 09 - Kenny Wallace, Toyota, 123.649 MPH.
4) 16 - Trevor Bayne, Ford, 123.581 MPH.
5) 60 - Carl Edwards, Ford, 123.367 MPH.
6) 18 - Kyle Busch, Toyota, 123.091 MPH
7) 1 - Jamie McMurray, Chevrolet, 122.934 MPH.
8) 19 - Mike Bliss, Chevrolet, 122.906 MPH.
9) 33 - Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet, 122.766 MPH.
10) 11 - Brian Scott, Toyota, 122.694 MPH.
11) 32 - Reed Sorenson, Chevrolet 122.638 MPH.
12) 38 - Jason Leffler, Chevrolet, 122.549 MPH.
13) 87 - Joe Nemechek, Toyota, 122.327 MPH.
14) 2 - Elliott Sadler, Chevrolet, 122.316 MPH.
15) 66 - Steve Wallace, Toyota, 122.283 MPH.
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Notables: Ryan Truex 18th, Justin Allgaier 19th, Danica Patrick 28th (eight-tenths of a second behind Stenhouse's fast lap), Casey Roderick 30th
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Top News
by Summer Dreyer and Brody Jones
Note: Additional news this morning... as previously reported by our Phil Allaway, David Newton and others ESPN has officially announced they'll go silent from Laps 9-11 Saturday night in remembrance of the tenth anniversary of 9/11. Radio outlets will follow suit, and even the public address announcer at the track will go silent.
Clint Bowyer, Richard Childress Doubtful on Contract Negotiations
In a press conference held on Thursday at Richmond International Raceway, questions regarding Clint Bowyer's future at Richard Childress Racing persisted amongst the NASCAR media. But based upon comments from team owner Richard Childress on Sirius XM NASCAR Radio the day before, combined with statements from Bowyer himself the deal appears on the verge of falling through the floorboards.
"We've tried and we've really worked really hard to put the deal together to keep Clint," said Childress. "It's not 100 percent off the table but it's getting tougher and tougher as the day goes by."
"That's fair. We're just working on everything," Bowyer responded when made aware of Childress' comments. "That's the biggest thing, just trying to get everything done as far as the future."
"There's opportunities and stuff we're just trying to weigh out, and you've got to have all the stars line up. You can't just have one piece of the puzzle or a couple pieces of the puzzle. You have to have the whole puzzle pieced together. Until you do that in today's world, you're wasting your time talking about it to any media because you don't really have anything to deliver to them."
Bowyer, who reportedly has a majority-race deal with 5-Hour Energy to shop around, has spoken with several teams this year including Joe Gibbs Racing and Richard Petty Motorsports. However, the driver saw his Chance chances fall by the wayside after contact with Juan Pablo Montoya knocked him out of the race at Atlanta. Bowyer is currently 14th in points, 54 points out of the top 10 and without a victory. He would need to win Richmond to even have a shot at the wild card, and will almost certainly miss the postseason for the second time in three years - making it harder to sign a long-term deal without a dreaded pay cut.
KHI Sued By Former Crew Chief
After he was let go from Kevin Harvick, Inc. last week, former crew chief David Hyder has sued the team for breach of contract, according to SceneDaily.com. Hyder, who was the crew chief for the organization's No. 33 car, had a $300,000 annual salary which included consulting fees and claimed that there was no reason for the race team to fire him. However, the Nationwide Series team has struggled this season, with only one victory this year in the season-opening race at Daytona, and team owner Harvick has been vocal about issues with pit stops.
KHI is merging with Richard Childress Racing for next season's Nationwide Series schedule in order to improve the performance of their race teams. They had no comment on the lawsuit at press time, while Hyder refused to comment further through SceneDaily.com.
Crafton, Sauter Re-Sign with ThorSport
One of the Truck Series' top teams will have its driver lineup intact for next season. Matt Crafton and Johnny Sauter have both signed contract extensions with ThorSport Racing, keeping them with the organization through 2012. Both veterans have been strong contenders in the Camping World Truck Series this season, with a combined 2 wins, 10 top 5s, and 19 top 10s in 17 races this season. Sauter is also in strong contention for the series championship, just 12 points out of the lead in second place. Crafton, who is seventh, 53 points behind has also been a yearly contender to earn the big trophy.
"We have three quality drivers in our stable at ThorSport Racing, and that's great for the Series as well as our growing sponsorship and partnership programs," said Vice President of Motorsports Partnerships Matt LaNeve. "We're looking forward to seeing Matt, Johnny and Dakoda (Armstrong, development driver) continue a strong tradition of excellence in 2012."
ThorSport Racing opened up a new, expanded race shop in Sandusky, Ohio earlier this season; they've competed in the series since 1996. The team will expand to three trucks next year with new rookie Armstrong joining their stable full-time.
Have news for Summer, Brody 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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In Case You Missed It
by Brett Poirier
The U.S. Army Honors the Victims of the Pentagon Attacks
The U.S. Army announced that its NASCAR and NHRA teams will honor the victims of the 2001 Pentagon attack with special paint schemes. In the Wonderful Pistachios 400 at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday, Ryan Newman's No. 39 car will carry the names of 75 Army personnel who were killed at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.
The inscription, "We Will Never Forget" will sit beside a logo on the car that features the World Trade Center towers, Pentagon and American Flag. NHRA driver Tony Schumacher carried a similar paint scheme last weekend at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis.
Richmond Plans Patriotic Ceremony on Eve of 10th Anniversary of 9/11
Richmond International Raceway will hold a large pre-race ceremony in honor of the 10th anniversary of September 11th on Saturday. The "Salute to America" concert will begin at 6:15 p.m. and will feature a variety of acts including: Mike Corrado, an active duty Marine stationed in Virginia; the U.S. Army's 29th Infantry Division Band from Fort Belvoir; and the Newport News (Va.) Police Pipe and Drums.
"Richmond International Raceway is unique in that every year since the 9/11 attacks our September race weekend has fallen on the weekend closest to 9/11. It has always been important to us to recognize 9/11 and remember the victims and survivors, but even more so this weekend as we remember the 10th anniversary of 9/11," Richmond International Raceway President Dennis Bickmeier said. "We are proud of our military and first responders; active, former and retired, and we are honored to have so many join us this weekend. I think our fans will find that this will be the most patriotic pre-race ceremony they have ever been a part of at Richmond International Raceway."
During driver introductions, the drivers will exit the stage through a tunnel of first responders from the Pentagon attack. The drivers will then each take their spot in the back of a Chevrolet Silverado where they will be joined by a member of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. Danny Rodriguez, known as the "singing policeman from New York City," will recite the Pledge of Allegiance and the 29th Infantry Division Band from Fort Belvoir will re-take the stage for the National Anthem.
Atlanta Will Hold Christmas Lights Show
Atlanta Motor Speedway will hold "The Gift of Lights," animated Christmas lights display for the first time this year. From November 18th through January 1st, the speedway will charge $15 per vehicle to see more than a million LED lights and hundreds of Christmas displays around the 1.5-mile track. 3 Dudes Productions will coordinate the winter lights display; a portion of the proceeds will benefit Speedway Children's Charities.
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Hey, Frontstretch Readers!
We know you love the roar of raw horsepower under the hood that powers 43 of the best drivers in the world every weekend, but did you ever wonder how the sponsor on top of that hood also contributes to keeping the sport moving? What about the contributions of official NASCAR companies? If you think they are simply writing checks, think again. Check out our newest feature - Sunday Money. This weekly Frontstretch exclusive provides you with a behind the scenes look at how NASCAR, its affiliates and team sponsors approach the daunting task of keeping fans interested and excited about the sport for 38 weeks of the year.
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Tweet 'N' Greet
by Summer Dreyer
Editor's Note: With the NASCAR Twitter community expanding by leaps and bounds, it remains a place for instantaneous news, reactions, and a whole lot of inside jokes. We understand if you don't want to join the Twitter community - but as a fan, it's important to know the news and info you're missing out on! This week, Summer Dreyer fills in for Jay Pennell with a special Friday edition that features the drivers in a mostly-uncensored version of expression.
So, without further ado, here's a look at what those in NASCAR were thinking over the past seven days...
@DeLanaHarvick: Cars still riding around under caution as the mist is back. I don't think mother nature is a race fan this week.
@AllWaltrip (Darrell Waltrip): I started watching this race Sunday morning, it's Tuesday afternoon and this baby still isn't over!
@AllWaltrip: Congrats to Jeff Gordon,he's now the winningest driver in the modern era with his 85 wins and third all time,quite an accomplishment !
@AllWaltrip: Jeff Gordon is worthy of all the praise he is getting for what he has accomplished,not only a true champion but a great person as well !
@KevinHamlin (Clint Bowyer's spotter): Pretty perturbed we stayed for 2 extra days for that. Had a fast car too.
@RCR31Jeff Burton: Steady day. We are making gains. Long way to go but going in the right direction
@RCR31JeffBurton: Congrats to JG. It's amazing the # of races he has won. He is surely one of our sport's all-time best drivers.
@JeffGordonWeb: Best things about a big win like today is coming home & seeing my family & looking at all the congrats from fans on #twitter. Thank u #JG
@Kenny_Wallace: Very Sad for Clint Bowyer's chase to be Over because of "Juan Problem"
@kaseykahne: Wish I wasn't watching the ending but i was.
@David_Ragan: Well Damn. That one hurt. We had a car that could have won today. @drewblick and the UPS had a great car. We will pick up at Richmond.
@KevinHarvick: Solid day just too tight last 100 laps.
@JimmieJohnson: Congrats @JeffGordonWeb, that was one hell of a race. I thought we were racing dirt cars coming to the checkered.
@scottspeed: That was Painful!!! Lol part of the learning process tho... We will get better
@jpmontoya (Juan Pablo Montoya): We made some real progress with car. I heard that bowyer wasn't too happy. I guess next time he'll give me a little room.
@jjyeley1: Thank you everyone for the nice comments. It was a fun but a long race in the Vampt #38 Ford Fusion. Biggest issue was finding forward bite!
@BrianLVickers: Pretty good day in Atlanta. Headed to LA for a taping of Hart of Dixie tomorrow.
@JimmieJohnson: What a shout out! "@MarioAndretti: Watching@JeffGordonWeb and @JimmieJohnson at the end in Atlanta was a classic duel of the titans!"
@Regan_Smith_: Not too happy about what happened today, hardest hit I've had in a long time... Pretty sure there were no safer barriers in that section
@maxpapis: Just met @RyanBriscoe6 and wife at dinner and talked about ... being married and compromises sure u all know what I'm talking about
@31n2Spotter (Brett Griffin): No more testing at Rockingham, huh? Guessin they can still test "Little Rock" tho.
@bscottracing (Brian Scott): Congratulations to my crew chief Kevin Kidd and Mary Kathryn on the birth of their new baby girl Kathryn!
@jpmontoya: 3 kids and no mom its a lot of work.
@matt_kenseth17: On the way to the white house with katie k. Just found out POTUS will be in Richmond Friday, so the airport there will be closed.....
@matt_kenseth17: I Wonder why he couldn't have just stopped at the track and said hi, since he's going to be there anyway?
@matt_kenseth17: Well that was fun, headed back home. It's cool to be able to walk through the white house, I love getting the tour and hearing the stories.
@JimmieJohnson: What an honor today in DC. It was surreal standing on stage next to POTUS while he spoke about my family & what I've accomplished in racing.
@dennyhamlin: Had fun at the white house today. Big honor. Now on the the hometown!!
@KyleBusch: Awesome day at the #whitehouse. Got to see some great history and what our nation was built on! Can't wait to come back as champion one day.
KurtBusch22: @whitehouse today w/ my mom for the Nascar visit. She's never been to WH. Now off to have dinner w @ArmedForcesDC yfrog.com/nz8a9jj
KurtBusch22: Just left Richmond VA hosp w/ 22 crew. met spinal chord & brain injury vets @ArmedForcesDC @penskeracing @shellracingus yfrog.com/gyvsjtij
Summer Dreyer is a Senior Writer for Frontsretch.com. She can be reached via email at summer.dreyer@frontstretch.com.
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How to Beat the Chase System
Shakedown Session
by Brody Jones
Since 2004, the Sprint Cup Chase For The Cup has been heavily hyped in an attempt to generate additional interest into the sport during football season, a time when NASCAR viewership suffers a noticeable decline. Since 2004, NASCAR has been trying endlessly to keep their viewers rather than lose them to College Football or the NFL by claiming the "Chase For The Cup" is a fresh, new, and foolproof idea in a motorsports world that has gotten more stale than day-old bread. But the truth is, the Chase has changed very little, if anything in the NASCAR landscape. Despite the sanctioning body's best efforts to make wins more important, consistency, or even "stroking" has proven to win championships in the seven years under the current playoff format.
Case in point: Jimmie Johnson, who has won the last five championships by, more or less, running seventh every week during the final ten races. He and crew chief Chad Knaus have figured out a way to beat the system, and for that, they should be commended. But when other teams try to rely on the hell-bent, pedal to the metal, go-for-broke style to win races, the thing lost in the true art of chasing for a championship is the word "consistency." These days, a driver leading the points after the first 26 races means about as much as the Harlem Globetrotters continually beating the hell out of the hapless Washington Generals.
It's almost as if a team can generally "stroke" the first 26 races to coast their way into the "Chase" (see, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., last 11 races). Oh sure, the wins a driver gets in the first 26 races do help in the overall standings once the playoffs begin. But so many of those teams who peter out in the last ten races start off with a bang, peaking in April or May before ending their season with a whimper. Fans want to know why Jimmie's dominance has yet to be stopped? Simple. The driver of the No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet and crew chief Chad Knaus have figured out that they don't have to punish their equipment to make the top 10 in the first 26 races, so they save their stuff for the final ten and run about seventh each week of the Chase, generally without any hiccups. Then, at the end of the year, Johnson hoists up yet another championship. Sure, they've earned their share of wins and second-place finishes, but it's their ability to finish in the top 10 under any circumstance, not pushing a ninth-place car to eighth and taking that risk which has helped put them over the hump.
Is it thrilling? Not by any means. But it's smart racing. Hell, it's "points racing" at it's finest and that, dear readers, is what wins championships.
Drivers like Carl Edwards, Kevin Harvick, Denny Hamlin, and (to an extent) Brad Keselowski have all piled on impressive consistency streaks for a spell of time. But the Achilles' heel with these drivers is that it generally doesn't last forever (although the jury is still out on whether Keselowski can perhaps parlay his consistency as of late into a championship.) Johnson can stretch out his consistency over the course of an entire NASCAR season, peaking at the right time and for those that decry his lack of victories, know he's not alone in that talent; remember that drivers such as Terry Labonte (1984 & 1996) and Matt Kenseth (2003) had two victories or less all season and still wound up winning the national championship.
The "Just win, baby!" mantra so famously attributed to Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis, at least in the world of NASCAR should truly be "Just score points, baby!"
Brody Jones is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at brody.jones@frontstretch.com.
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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 Atlanta, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is on our podcast and much more! Check it out here!
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Keepin' It Short: Marching North With the Modifieds
by Mike Neff
This weekend at Thompson International Speedway, the Southern Modified Tour will be making a historic start. For the first time in the history of the division, they will be holding a race north of the Mason-Dixon line when they run a 125-lap event as a prelude to the UNOH Showdown at Thompson. The Modified Tour has ventured to the South many times in its history, but now they are welcoming the southern cousins to their home turf.
The race weekend will include a 125-lap race for the Modified Tour to go along with the first; then, the top 12 finishers in each of the races will be locked into the 50-lap feature event. In addition to those 24 drivers, there will be 12 additional drivers slotted into the starting lineup based on the provisional system. The 50-lap finale will have a purse of $50,000 and the winner will walk away with a sweet $15,000.
The prize money and uniqueness of the event has resulted in not only the normal field of contenders from the tours showing up for the races, it has also enticed two Modified Racing Legends to make an appearance. Jeff Fuller, a former Modified Tour Champion and winner of the 1994 Thompson 300 will return to his racing roots to compete in the event. Steve Park, long-time popular NASCAR driver and two-time runner-up in the Modified Tour season point chase is also coming back to Thompson to race.
Park was interested in coming back to his old stomping grounds for the UNOH Showdown from the time it was announced and is excited to take part.
"Getting guys like Jeff Fuller back here at Thompson where he has won a lot of races, and myself to come back up here … we didn't have to have our arm twisted to do this," Park said. "As soon as we heard about this, we wanted to figure out how we could be a part of it."
Not only is this an event that Fuller wanted to support and participate in, he's excited about the format that will bring both Modified Tours to Connecticut and pit them head-to-head.
"I really do think that Don [Hoenig] deserves kudos for doing this," Fuller said. "I think it is going to be a really, really good show."
Modified racing has been around since the beginning of NASCAR and has been run all over the country, but its de facto home is in the Northeast. This weekend will be a celebration of the roots of Modified racing with a battle between the best racers from the North and the South. Qualifying will take place on Saturday and the feature races will occur on Sunday. If you're in the Northeast this weekend, I fully recommend making the trip to Thompson to see Modified racing at its best.
Whelen All-American National Championship Update
Two weeks are left in the NASCAR Whelen All-American National Championship and, for all intents and purposes, it is down to two drivers. Philip Morris leads Keith Rocco by 10 points going into this weekend's races. In his top 18 finishes, Morris has two races that scored 38 points. If he is able to score a victory in a race with 17 or more cars in the starting lineup, he'll add to his point total. Rocco's two worst finishes in his top 18 are 39-point races so, for him to make any more points he'll need to score wins in a race with at least 18 cars on the grid. It is going to be a tough row to hoe for last year's champion to catch the three-time champion from Virginia.
This past weekend, Lee Pulliam made the trip to South Boston to try and get a leg up on Morris at Morris' home track for this season. The two drivers traded the lead eight times before Morris moved Pulliam out of the way on the final lap to score his 19th win of the year at South Boston, which is an all-time record for the Late Model division at the historic race track. The win added seven points to Morris' season total, which is now at 782 points. Rocco ran one race this past weekend at Waterford Speedbowl, but only managed a seventh-place finish which didn't improve his point total at all.
This coming weekend will see Morris making the return trip against Pulliam, heading to Motor Mile Speedway in Radford, Virginia where Pulliam has already secured the season championship. While Pulliam's quest for the National Title has come up short, he can put a crimp in his rival's efforts which would suit him just fine after the way the race ended this past weekend. It should be quite the duel between the two combatants at the track where Morris has scored seven track championships.
For Rocco, there are two race days available for him to add points to his season total; he'll be running at Stafford Springs, CT on Friday and Waterford, CT on Saturday. Rocco will need a strong effort to overcome Morris' lead as he's been struggling the last couple of weeks to get to the front.
Whelen National Championship Standings
1) Philip Morris – 27 races – 19 wins – 22 top 5s – 24 top 10s – 782 points
2) Keith Rocco – 46 races – 23 wins – 35 top 5s – 42 top 10s – 772 points
3) Lee Pulliam – 30 races – 17 wins – 26 top 5s – 28 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 – 31 races – 7 wins – 25 top 5s – 28 top 10s – 623 points
7) Woody Pitkat – 26 races – 5 wins – 20 top 5s – 23 top 10s – 623 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. – 23 races – 1 win – 17 top 5s – 21 top 10s – 603 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 Short Track Schedule
Fri: Sept. 9th - Northeast Arkansas Speedway ; Harrisburg : AR – COMP Cams Super Dirt Series
Fri: Sept. 9th - Silver Dollar Speedway ; Chico : California - BCRA Midgets
Fri: Sept. 9th - Silver Dollar Speedway ; Chico : CA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Fri: Sept. 9th - High Plains Raceway ; Byers : CO - 24 Hours of LeMons
Fri: Sept. 9th - Stafford Motor Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT - Modified Racing Series of New England
Fri: Sept. 9th – Five Flags Speedway ; Pensacola : FL – Pro Late Models
Fri: Sept. 9th - Boone Speedway ; Boone : IA - IMCA Supernationals
Fri: Sept. 9th – Davenport Speedway ; Davenport : IA – Deery Brothers Late Models
Fri: Sept. 9th - Meridian Motor Speedway ; Meridian : ID - ASA Northwest Sprint Car Racing Association
Fri: Sept. 9th - Humboldt Speedway ; Humboldt : KS - NCRA / Southern SportMod Series
Fri: Sept. 9th - Hartford Motor Speedway ; Hartford : MI - ASCS / Sprints on Dirt
Fri: Sept. 9th - Callaway Raceways ; Fulton : MO - United Late Model Association
Fri: Sept. 9th – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Late Models
Fri: Sept. 9th – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Limited Late Models
Fri: Sept. 9th – River Cities Speedway ; Grand Forks : ND – NOSA Outlaw Sprints
Fri: Sept. 9th – River Cities Speedway ; Grand Forks : ND – WISSOTA Late Models
Fri: Sept. 9th – River Cities Speedway ; Grand Forks : ND – WISSOTA Modifieds
Fri: Sept. 9th - Celina Fairgrounds ; Celina : OH - Antique Auto Racing Association
Fri: Sept. 9th - Eldora Speedway ; Rossburg : OH - World 100
Fri: Sept. 9th - Merrittville Speedway ; Thorold : Ontario - BRP CanAm Late Model Series
Fri: Sept. 9th - Bedford Speedway ; Bedford : PA - Three State Flyers
Fri: Sept. 9th - Williams Grove Speedway ; Mechanicsburg : PA - Super Sportsmen
Fri: Sept. 9th – Anderson Speedway ; Anderson : SC – Late Models
Fri: Sept. 9th – Eastside Speedway ; Rossburg : OH – Steel Block Bandits
Sat: Sept. 10th – South Alabama Speedway ; Kinston : AL – Viper Pro Late Models
Sat: Sept. 10th – Centerville Speedway ; Centerville : AR – Show-Me Late Models
Sat: Sept. 10th - Northeast Arkansas Speedway ; Harrisburg : AR – COMP Cams Super Dirt Series
Sat: Sept. 10th - Canyon Speedway Park ; Peoria : AZ - ASCS / Southwest Region
Sat: Sept. 10th - Bakersfield Speedway ; Oildale : CA - National 3/4 Midget Association
Sat: Sept. 10th - Bakersfield Speedway ; Oildale : CA - USAC Western Midgets
Sat: Sept. 10th - Giant Chevrolet Speedway ; Hanford : CA - ASCS SoCal Sprint Series
Sat: Sept. 10th - Giant Chevrolet Speedway ; Hanford : CA - USAC 360 Sprint Series
Sat: Sept. 10th - Silver Dollar Speedway ; Chico : CA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sat: Sept. 10th - Stockton 99 Speedway ; Stockton : CA - NCMA Sprints
Sat: Sept. 10th – Ukiah Speedway ; Ukiah : CA – Airport Auto Brokers Late Models
Sat: Sept. 10th - El Paso County Speedway ; Calhan : CO - United Rebel Sprint Series
Sat: Sept. 10th - High Plains Raceway ; Byers : CO - 24 Hours of LeMons
Sat: Sept. 10th - Lanier National Speedway ; Brasenton : GA - MMRA / Mini-Cups
Sat: Sept. 10th - 34 Raceway ; Burlington : IA - Sprint Invaders
Sat: Sept. 10th - Boone Speedway ; Boone : IA - IMCA Supernationals
Sat: Sept. 10th - Magic Valley Speedway ; Twin Falls : ID - Rocky Mountain Challenge Series
Sat: Sept. 10th - Meridian Motor Speedway ; Meridian : ID - ASA Northwest Sprint Car Racing Association
Sat: Sept. 10th - Stateline Stadium ; Post Falls : ID - ICAR Late Model Series
Sat: Sept. 10th - Stateline Stadium ; Post Falls : ID - MMRA - Baby Grands
Sat: Sept. 10th - Stateline Stadium ; Post Falls : ID - Northwest Pro 4 Trucks
Sat: Sept. 10th - Angola Motor Speedway ; Angola : IN - MCR Dwarf Cars
Sat: Sept. 10th - Brownstown Speedway ; Brownstown : IN - Midwest Mini-Sprint Association
Sat: Sept. 10th - Indianapolis Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN - World Figure 8 Championship
Sat: Sept. 10th - Montpelier Speedway ; Montpelier : IN - USAC Mopar D1 Midgets
Sat: Sept. 10th - Shelby County Speedway ; Shelbyville : IN - Midwest TQ Racing League
Sat: Sept. 10th - Terre Haute Action Track ; Terre Haute : IN - USAC National Sprint Cars
Sat: Sept. 10th – Caney Valley Speedway ; Caney : KS – Midwest Dirt Late Models
Sat: Sept. 10th - Ark-La-Tex Speedway ; Vivian : LA - Southern Thunder Sprints
Sat: Sept. 10th - Champion Park Speedway ; Haughton : LA - Ark-La-Tex Winged Modifieds
Sat: Sept. 10th - Auto City Speedway ; Mount Morris : MI - Mudslinger 100
Sat: Sept. 10th – Berlin Raceway ; Marne : MI – CRA All-Star Tour
Sat: Sept. 10th - Flat Rock Speedway ; Flat Rock : MI - Michigan Legend Cars
Sat: Sept. 10th – Jackson Motor Speedway ; Byram : MS – Super Late Models
Sat: Sept. 10th - Central Missouri Speedway ; Warrensburg : MO - United Late Model Association
Sat: Sept. 10th - Scotland County Speedway ; Memphis : MO - United Late Models
Sat: Sept. 10th - Gallatin Speedway ; Belgrade : MT - Big Sky Sprints
Sat: Sept. 10th - Junction Motor Speedway ; McCool Junction : NE - ASCS / Midwest Series
Sat: Sept. 10th - Star Speedway ; Epping : NH - International Super Modified Association
Sat: Sept. 10th - Wall Speedway ; Belmar : NJ - ATQMRA TQ Midgets
Sat: Sept. 10th - Scotia Speedworld ; Halifax : Nova Scotia - Parts For Trucks Pro Stock Tour
Sat: Sept. 10th - Orange County Fair Speedway ; Middletown : NY - Capitol Region Sprintcar Association
Sat: Sept. 10th - Woodhull Raceway ; Woodhull : NY - BRP CanAm Late Model Series
Sat: Sept. 10th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Super Trucks
Sat: Sept. 10th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Late Models
Sat: Sept. 10th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat: Sept. 10th – River Cities Speedway ; Grand Forks : ND – NOSA Outlaw Sprints
Sat: Sept. 10th – River Cities Speedway ; Grand Forks : ND – WISSOTA Late Models
Sat: Sept. 10th – River Cities Speedway ; Grand Forks : ND – WISSOTA Modifieds
Sat: Sept. 10th - Celina Fairgrounds ; Celina : OH - Antique Auto Racing Association
Sat: Sept. 10th - Eldora Speedway ; Rossburg : OH - World 100
Sat: Sept. 10th - Sandusky Speedway ; Sandusky : OH - Buckeye Super Sprints
Sat: Sept. 10th - West Siloam Speedway ; West Siloam Springs : OK - Oil Capital Racing Series
Sat: Sept. 10th - Barrie Speedway ; Barrie : Ontario - NASCAR Canadian Tire Late Models
Sat: Sept. 10th - Douglas County Speedway ; Roseburg : OR - Northwest Pro-4 Alliance
Sat: Sept. 10th - Sunset Speedway ; Banks : OR - Northwest Wingless Sprint Tour
Sat: Sept. 10th - Sunset Speedway ; Banks : OR - Washington Econo Sprint Car Organization
Sat: Sept. 10th - Motordrome Speedway ; Smithton : PA - Midwest Supermodified Association
Sat: Sept. 10th - Port Royal Speedway ; Port Royal : PA - Tuscarora 50
Sat: Sept. 10th - Roaring Knob Speedway ; Markleysburg : PA - Three State Flyers
Sat: Sept. 10th - Roaring Knob Speedway ; Markleysburg : PA - Unified Force Race Championship Tour
Sat: Sept. 10th - Susquehanna Speedway ; Newberrytown : PA - PA Sprint Series
Sat: Sept. 10th - Susquehanna Speedway ; Newberrytown : PA - PA 410 Sprint Series
Sat: Sept. 10th - Williams Grove Speedway ; Mechanicsburg : PA - Super Sportsmen
Sat: Sept. 10th - Autodrome Chaudiere ; Vallee-Jonction : Quebec - ACT US Tour
Sat: Sept. 10th - Autodrome Chaudiere ; Vallee-Jonction : Quebec – Castrol Late Models
Sat: Sept. 10th – Florence Motor Speedway ; Timmonsville : SC – Limited Late Models
Sat: Sept. 10th – Greenville-Pickens Speedway ; Greenville : SC – K&N East reschedule
Sat: Sept. 10th – Newport Speedway ; Newport : TN – Super Late Models 2x
Sat: Sept. 10th – Thunderhill Raceway ; Summertown : TN – Limited Late Models
Sat: Sept. 10th – Thunderhill Raceway ; Summertown : TN – Winged Outlaw Sprint Cars
Sat: Sept. 10th - Volunteer Speedway ; Bulls Gap : TN - Carolina Clash Late Model Series
Sat: Sept. 10th - C C Speedway ; Corpus Christi : TX - Dwarf Car Series of Texas
Sat: Sept. 10th - Lone Star Speedway ; Kilgore : TX - SUPR Late Models
Sat: Sept. 10th - Bear Ridge Speedway ; Bradford : VT - Granite State Mini-Sprint Race Club
Sat: Sept. 10th – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Late Models
Sat: Sept. 10th – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Limited Late Models
Sat: Sept. 10th – Natural Bridge Speedway ; Natural Bridge : VA – Steel Stock Bandits
Sat: Sept. 10th - Wenatchee Valley Super Oval ; East Wenatchee : WA - Washington Midget Racing Association
Sat: Sept. 10th - Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI - Interstate Racing Association
Sat: Sept. 10th - Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI - Upper Midwest Sprints
Sat: Sept. 10th - Plymouth Dirt Track ; Plymouth : WI - Midwest Sprintcar Association
Sat: Sept. 10th - Plymouth Dirt Track ; Plymouth : WI - Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Sun: Sept. 11th - Thompson International Speedway ; Thompson : CT - NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour
Sun: Sept. 11th - Thompson International Speedway ; Thompson : CT - NASCAR Southern Modified Tour
Sun: Sept. 11th - Angola Motor Speedway ; Angola : IN - Great Lakes Outlaw Late Models
Sun: Sept. 11th - Angola Motor Speedway ; Angola : IN - Outlaw Late Models
Sun: Sept. 11th - Valley Speedway ; Grain Valley : MO - ASCS / Warriors Region
Sun: Sept. 11th - Eagle Raceway ; Eagle : NE - ASCS / Midwest Series
Sun: Sept. 11th - Big Daddys Speedbowl ; Wentworth : NH - Granite State Mini-Sprint Race Club
Sun: Sept. 11th - Big Daddys Speedbowl ; Wentworth : NH - Northeast Mini-Sprints
Sun: Sept. 11th – Wake County Speedway ; Raleigh : NC – Super Late Models
Sun: Sept. 11th – Wake County Speedway ; Raleigh : NC – Limited Late Models
Sun: Sept. 11th – Lonesome Pine Raceway ; Coeburn : VA – USAR Pro Cup
Sun: Sept. 11th - Slinger Super Speedway ; Slinger : WI - American Super Cup Series
Mon: Sept. 12th - Allegan County Fairgrounds ; Allegan : Michigan - Unique Bump and Run
Wed: Sept. 14th – Farley Speedway ; Farley : IA – Yankee Dirt Classic
Wed: Sept. 14th – Dakota State Fair Speedway ; Huron : SD – WISSOTA Late Models
Wed: Sept. 14th – Dakota State Fair Speedway ; Huron : SD – WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds
Wed: Sept. 14th – Dakota State Fair Speedway ; Huron : SD – WISSOTA Modifieds
Thu: Sept. 15th – Farley Speedway ; Farley : IA – Yankee Dirt Classic
Thu: Sept. 15th - Ohsweken Speedway ; Ohsweken : Ontario - ASCS / Sprints on Dirt
Thu: Sept. 15th - Ohsweken Speedway ; Ohsweken : Ontario - NRA SprintInvaders
Thu: Sept. 15th – Dakota State Fair Speedway ; Huron : SD – WISSOTA Late Models
Thu: Sept. 15th – Dakota State Fair Speedway ; Huron : SD – WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds
Thu: Sept. 15th – Dakota State Fair Speedway ; Huron : SD – WISSOTA Modifieds
Thu: Sept. 15th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Late Models
Thu: Sept. 15th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Modifieds
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: Wonderful Pistachios 400
by Beth Lunkenheimer
This weekend, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to Richmond International Raceway for the Wonderful Pistachios 400. Saturday's race will be the 26th race of the season, the final "regular season" event for this division. The race will be broadcast live Saturday, September 10th, on ABC at 7:30 PM ET and MRN Radio starting at 6:30 PM ET. Drivers will compete for 400 laps (300 miles) before taking the checkered flag.
Records and Facts
Brian Vickers holds the track qualifying record with a lap of 20.772 sec at 129.983 mph in qualifying for the 2004 Chevy American Revolution 400. Vickers finished eighth in the race after leading 32 laps. The pole was Vickers' first of the season, and he would go on to win one more. He finished out the 2004 season with four top 10s and an average finish of 22nd in 36 races that year, ending it 25th in the series standings.
Dale Jarrett holds the record for the fastest race run at Richmond International Raceway with a speed of 109.047 mph in the 1997 Exide NASCAR Select Batteries 400. Jarrett led 39 of the 400 laps run and had a margin of victory of 1.802 seconds over second-place Jeff Burton. Jeff Gordon finished third, followed by Geoffrey Bodine and Rusty Wallace. The win was Jarrett's fifth of the season and he would go on to win two more. In the 32 races that year, Jarrett grabbed 20 top 5s, 23 top 10s, and an average finish of 10th. He finished second in points.
Denny Hamlin is the defending race winner of this event, leading 251 of the 400 laps to win the 2010 Air Guard 400 by 0.537 seconds over teammate Kyle Busch. Jimmie Johnson finished third, followed by Joey Logano and Marcos Ambrose to round out the top 5. The win was Hamlin's sixth of eight wins during the 2010 season. In 36 starts, Hamlin grabbed 14 top 5s and 18 top-10 finishes on his way to a runner-up effort in the standings.
Track Facts
Track/Race Length: 0.75-mile oval, 400 laps (300 miles)
Pit Road Speed: 45 mph
Degree of Banking: 14 degrees in the turns
Frontstretch: 1,290 ft., banked 8 degrees
Backstretch: 860 ft., banked 2 degrees
Grandstand Seating: 97,912
Pre-race Schedule
Practice: Friday, September 9th, 12:10 - 2:00 PM ET on SPEED
Qualifying: Friday, September 9th, 5:35 PM ET on SPEED
Happy Hour: Friday, September 9th, 2:45 - 3:30 PM ET on SPEED
Race Day Forecast
Saturday: Isolated Thunderstoms
High: 84
Low: 64
Chance of Rain: 30%
Say What?!
"As much as you're racing everybody else, you have to race the racetrack. It just seems like a place where if you can get the balance right, it makes it an extremely fun day. With the two ends of the track being different like they are, it seems like you're always fighting something, but that's what always makes the racing good, too. You never really get anybody who gets their car perfect. Even the guy that gets the lead still isn't happy with his car. So, it's really trying to find that balance and trying to figure out how to balance both ends of the track together." Tony Stewart
"Richmond is definitely a driver's track. I think that's one of the biggest reasons I have always liked it. It allows for really good racing and the night race this weekend will be exciting for the fans no matter what." Greg Biffle
"Richmond has been a tricky place to hit that balance just right where you can still get through the middle of the corner with reasonable enough speed, but have enough traction to get off the corner where you can drive up alongside of people to pass. Richmond's about the right size--it's three-quarters of a mile, so we still get going pretty fast, but it acts like a short track where you need a lot of brakes. The pavement is getting worn out and slick. Whenever you get a worn out track like Atlanta, Michigan or Phoenix used to be be before they paved it, I think it just creates so much better racing. I just think that Richmond's more fun to drive." Matt Kenseth
Beth Lunkenheimer is an Assistant Editor for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via email at beth.lunkenheimer@frontstretch.com.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Did You Notice? ... Sponsor Collectors, A Lucky Break & The Anti-Chase Climax
by Tom Bowles
Four Burning Questions: Analyzing Your 2011 Chase Picture
by Mike Lovecchio
Rain, Rain You Can Stay: Easy Solutions To NASCAR's Water Problems
by Garrett Horton
Kenny Wallace Driver Diary: Things Happen in Threes
as told to Amy Henderson
Tearing Apart the Trucks: Silly Season Finally Underway
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Frontstretch Podcast: September 9th Edition
hosted by Doug Turnbull
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: After Neil Bonnett was fatally injured at Daytona in 1994, NASCAR's TV partners were sent scrambling for people to take Bonnett's place in the broadcast booth (at the time of his death, Bonnett did color commentary for CBS, TNN and TBS). For the Daytona 500, CBS made more use of Chris Economaki. However, when the series moseyed into Richmond for the Pontiac Excitement 400, who was the second color commentator in the booth?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: In 1988, Richmond was renovated from the old .542-mile Fairgrounds Speedway to the current three-quarter mile Richmond International Raceway. However, there was substantial shifting in the starting grid the day of the Miller High Life 400. Why?
A: At the time, there was a tire war going on between Goodyear and Hoosier. At times, one tire would either be completely deficient at the track, or one would simply dominate and the other tire would be just OK. Either scenario would cause mass switchovers. The 1989 Daytona 500 is one example of that.
At Richmond, you had a case of a completely deficient tire. That tire was the Hoosier which was very fast but badly blistered within 40 laps. The Goodyears weren't quite as fast but could last longer. Switching brands before the race meant you moved to the back of the field, and 24 teams, a full two-thirds of the field, qualified on Hoosiers, then switched to Goodyears for the race (switching brands during the race was permitted). Dave DeSpain covers the issue very well at the 3:05 mark of this clip.
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:
-- Wonderful Pistachios 400 Race Recap by Brody Jones
-- Running Their Mouth: Wonderful Pistachios 400 by Brody Jones
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
Monday on the Frontstretch:
Matt McLaughlin's Thinkin' Out Loud: Wonderful Pistachios 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 Saturday night's action from Richmond.
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 Saturday's race from Richmond.
Monday Morning Teardown by Ron Lemasters
Ron returns for a website look at one of the big stories from Saturday's race from Richmond.
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 Richmond.
Big Six: Wonderful Pistachios 400 by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving the 26th and final Race to the Chase? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing at Richmond.
Nationwide Series Breakdown: Virginia 529 College Savings 250 by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan has all the post-race analysis you need after Friday night's Nationwide Series race from Richmond.
-----------------------------
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 9th, 2011
Volume V, Edition CLXXXIX
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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 Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Cole Whitt as our main racing guests.
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What To Watch For: Friday
The end of the regular season is here! Both the NASCAR Sprint Cup and NASCAR Nationwide Series take to the track at Richmond, and for the Cup side it's their final event before the ten-race Chase to the Championship begins. Press conferences and news bits will pop up throughout the day; check out our main page, Twitter @TheFrontstretch and Frontstretch Writers on Facebook for more info!
Nationwide Series Practice #1 has been completed. Here are your top 15 results:
1) 6 - Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., Ford, 123.950 MPH.
2) 22 - Brad Keselowski, Dodge, 123.842 MPH.
3) 09 - Kenny Wallace, Toyota, 123.649 MPH.
4) 16 - Trevor Bayne, Ford, 123.581 MPH.
5) 60 - Carl Edwards, Ford, 123.367 MPH.
6) 18 - Kyle Busch, Toyota, 123.091 MPH
7) 1 - Jamie McMurray, Chevrolet, 122.934 MPH.
8) 19 - Mike Bliss, Chevrolet, 122.906 MPH.
9) 33 - Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet, 122.766 MPH.
10) 11 - Brian Scott, Toyota, 122.694 MPH.
11) 32 - Reed Sorenson, Chevrolet 122.638 MPH.
12) 38 - Jason Leffler, Chevrolet, 122.549 MPH.
13) 87 - Joe Nemechek, Toyota, 122.327 MPH.
14) 2 - Elliott Sadler, Chevrolet, 122.316 MPH.
15) 66 - Steve Wallace, Toyota, 122.283 MPH.
--
Notables: Ryan Truex 18th, Justin Allgaier 19th, Danica Patrick 28th (eight-tenths of a second behind Stenhouse's fast lap), Casey Roderick 30th
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Top News
by Summer Dreyer and Brody Jones
Note: Additional news this morning... as previously reported by our Phil Allaway, David Newton and others ESPN has officially announced they'll go silent from Laps 9-11 Saturday night in remembrance of the tenth anniversary of 9/11. Radio outlets will follow suit, and even the public address announcer at the track will go silent.
Clint Bowyer, Richard Childress Doubtful on Contract Negotiations
In a press conference held on Thursday at Richmond International Raceway, questions regarding Clint Bowyer's future at Richard Childress Racing persisted amongst the NASCAR media. But based upon comments from team owner Richard Childress on Sirius XM NASCAR Radio the day before, combined with statements from Bowyer himself the deal appears on the verge of falling through the floorboards.
"We've tried and we've really worked really hard to put the deal together to keep Clint," said Childress. "It's not 100 percent off the table but it's getting tougher and tougher as the day goes by."
"That's fair. We're just working on everything," Bowyer responded when made aware of Childress' comments. "That's the biggest thing, just trying to get everything done as far as the future."
"There's opportunities and stuff we're just trying to weigh out, and you've got to have all the stars line up. You can't just have one piece of the puzzle or a couple pieces of the puzzle. You have to have the whole puzzle pieced together. Until you do that in today's world, you're wasting your time talking about it to any media because you don't really have anything to deliver to them."
Bowyer, who reportedly has a majority-race deal with 5-Hour Energy to shop around, has spoken with several teams this year including Joe Gibbs Racing and Richard Petty Motorsports. However, the driver saw his Chance chances fall by the wayside after contact with Juan Pablo Montoya knocked him out of the race at Atlanta. Bowyer is currently 14th in points, 54 points out of the top 10 and without a victory. He would need to win Richmond to even have a shot at the wild card, and will almost certainly miss the postseason for the second time in three years - making it harder to sign a long-term deal without a dreaded pay cut.
KHI Sued By Former Crew Chief
After he was let go from Kevin Harvick, Inc. last week, former crew chief David Hyder has sued the team for breach of contract, according to SceneDaily.com. Hyder, who was the crew chief for the organization's No. 33 car, had a $300,000 annual salary which included consulting fees and claimed that there was no reason for the race team to fire him. However, the Nationwide Series team has struggled this season, with only one victory this year in the season-opening race at Daytona, and team owner Harvick has been vocal about issues with pit stops.
KHI is merging with Richard Childress Racing for next season's Nationwide Series schedule in order to improve the performance of their race teams. They had no comment on the lawsuit at press time, while Hyder refused to comment further through SceneDaily.com.
Crafton, Sauter Re-Sign with ThorSport
One of the Truck Series' top teams will have its driver lineup intact for next season. Matt Crafton and Johnny Sauter have both signed contract extensions with ThorSport Racing, keeping them with the organization through 2012. Both veterans have been strong contenders in the Camping World Truck Series this season, with a combined 2 wins, 10 top 5s, and 19 top 10s in 17 races this season. Sauter is also in strong contention for the series championship, just 12 points out of the lead in second place. Crafton, who is seventh, 53 points behind has also been a yearly contender to earn the big trophy.
"We have three quality drivers in our stable at ThorSport Racing, and that's great for the Series as well as our growing sponsorship and partnership programs," said Vice President of Motorsports Partnerships Matt LaNeve. "We're looking forward to seeing Matt, Johnny and Dakoda (Armstrong, development driver) continue a strong tradition of excellence in 2012."
ThorSport Racing opened up a new, expanded race shop in Sandusky, Ohio earlier this season; they've competed in the series since 1996. The team will expand to three trucks next year with new rookie Armstrong joining their stable full-time.
Have news for Summer, Brody 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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In Case You Missed It
by Brett Poirier
The U.S. Army Honors the Victims of the Pentagon Attacks
The U.S. Army announced that its NASCAR and NHRA teams will honor the victims of the 2001 Pentagon attack with special paint schemes. In the Wonderful Pistachios 400 at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday, Ryan Newman's No. 39 car will carry the names of 75 Army personnel who were killed at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.
The inscription, "We Will Never Forget" will sit beside a logo on the car that features the World Trade Center towers, Pentagon and American Flag. NHRA driver Tony Schumacher carried a similar paint scheme last weekend at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis.
Richmond Plans Patriotic Ceremony on Eve of 10th Anniversary of 9/11
Richmond International Raceway will hold a large pre-race ceremony in honor of the 10th anniversary of September 11th on Saturday. The "Salute to America" concert will begin at 6:15 p.m. and will feature a variety of acts including: Mike Corrado, an active duty Marine stationed in Virginia; the U.S. Army's 29th Infantry Division Band from Fort Belvoir; and the Newport News (Va.) Police Pipe and Drums.
"Richmond International Raceway is unique in that every year since the 9/11 attacks our September race weekend has fallen on the weekend closest to 9/11. It has always been important to us to recognize 9/11 and remember the victims and survivors, but even more so this weekend as we remember the 10th anniversary of 9/11," Richmond International Raceway President Dennis Bickmeier said. "We are proud of our military and first responders; active, former and retired, and we are honored to have so many join us this weekend. I think our fans will find that this will be the most patriotic pre-race ceremony they have ever been a part of at Richmond International Raceway."
During driver introductions, the drivers will exit the stage through a tunnel of first responders from the Pentagon attack. The drivers will then each take their spot in the back of a Chevrolet Silverado where they will be joined by a member of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. Danny Rodriguez, known as the "singing policeman from New York City," will recite the Pledge of Allegiance and the 29th Infantry Division Band from Fort Belvoir will re-take the stage for the National Anthem.
Atlanta Will Hold Christmas Lights Show
Atlanta Motor Speedway will hold "The Gift of Lights," animated Christmas lights display for the first time this year. From November 18th through January 1st, the speedway will charge $15 per vehicle to see more than a million LED lights and hundreds of Christmas displays around the 1.5-mile track. 3 Dudes Productions will coordinate the winter lights display; a portion of the proceeds will benefit Speedway Children's Charities.
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Hey, Frontstretch Readers!
We know you love the roar of raw horsepower under the hood that powers 43 of the best drivers in the world every weekend, but did you ever wonder how the sponsor on top of that hood also contributes to keeping the sport moving? What about the contributions of official NASCAR companies? If you think they are simply writing checks, think again. Check out our newest feature - Sunday Money. This weekly Frontstretch exclusive provides you with a behind the scenes look at how NASCAR, its affiliates and team sponsors approach the daunting task of keeping fans interested and excited about the sport for 38 weeks of the year.
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Tweet 'N' Greet
by Summer Dreyer
Editor's Note: With the NASCAR Twitter community expanding by leaps and bounds, it remains a place for instantaneous news, reactions, and a whole lot of inside jokes. We understand if you don't want to join the Twitter community - but as a fan, it's important to know the news and info you're missing out on! This week, Summer Dreyer fills in for Jay Pennell with a special Friday edition that features the drivers in a mostly-uncensored version of expression.
So, without further ado, here's a look at what those in NASCAR were thinking over the past seven days...
@DeLanaHarvick: Cars still riding around under caution as the mist is back. I don't think mother nature is a race fan this week.
@AllWaltrip (Darrell Waltrip): I started watching this race Sunday morning, it's Tuesday afternoon and this baby still isn't over!
@AllWaltrip: Congrats to Jeff Gordon,he's now the winningest driver in the modern era with his 85 wins and third all time,quite an accomplishment !
@AllWaltrip: Jeff Gordon is worthy of all the praise he is getting for what he has accomplished,not only a true champion but a great person as well !
@KevinHamlin (Clint Bowyer's spotter): Pretty perturbed we stayed for 2 extra days for that. Had a fast car too.
@RCR31Jeff Burton: Steady day. We are making gains. Long way to go but going in the right direction
@RCR31JeffBurton: Congrats to JG. It's amazing the # of races he has won. He is surely one of our sport's all-time best drivers.
@JeffGordonWeb: Best things about a big win like today is coming home & seeing my family & looking at all the congrats from fans on #twitter. Thank u #JG
@Kenny_Wallace: Very Sad for Clint Bowyer's chase to be Over because of "Juan Problem"
@kaseykahne: Wish I wasn't watching the ending but i was.
@David_Ragan: Well Damn. That one hurt. We had a car that could have won today. @drewblick and the UPS had a great car. We will pick up at Richmond.
@KevinHarvick: Solid day just too tight last 100 laps.
@JimmieJohnson: Congrats @JeffGordonWeb, that was one hell of a race. I thought we were racing dirt cars coming to the checkered.
@scottspeed: That was Painful!!! Lol part of the learning process tho... We will get better
@jpmontoya (Juan Pablo Montoya): We made some real progress with car. I heard that bowyer wasn't too happy. I guess next time he'll give me a little room.
@jjyeley1: Thank you everyone for the nice comments. It was a fun but a long race in the Vampt #38 Ford Fusion. Biggest issue was finding forward bite!
@BrianLVickers: Pretty good day in Atlanta. Headed to LA for a taping of Hart of Dixie tomorrow.
@JimmieJohnson: What a shout out! "@MarioAndretti: Watching@JeffGordonWeb and @JimmieJohnson at the end in Atlanta was a classic duel of the titans!"
@Regan_Smith_: Not too happy about what happened today, hardest hit I've had in a long time... Pretty sure there were no safer barriers in that section
@maxpapis: Just met @RyanBriscoe6 and wife at dinner and talked about ... being married and compromises sure u all know what I'm talking about
@31n2Spotter (Brett Griffin): No more testing at Rockingham, huh? Guessin they can still test "Little Rock" tho.
@bscottracing (Brian Scott): Congratulations to my crew chief Kevin Kidd and Mary Kathryn on the birth of their new baby girl Kathryn!
@jpmontoya: 3 kids and no mom its a lot of work.
@matt_kenseth17: On the way to the white house with katie k. Just found out POTUS will be in Richmond Friday, so the airport there will be closed.....
@matt_kenseth17: I Wonder why he couldn't have just stopped at the track and said hi, since he's going to be there anyway?
@matt_kenseth17: Well that was fun, headed back home. It's cool to be able to walk through the white house, I love getting the tour and hearing the stories.
@JimmieJohnson: What an honor today in DC. It was surreal standing on stage next to POTUS while he spoke about my family & what I've accomplished in racing.
@dennyhamlin: Had fun at the white house today. Big honor. Now on the the hometown!!
@KyleBusch: Awesome day at the #whitehouse. Got to see some great history and what our nation was built on! Can't wait to come back as champion one day.
KurtBusch22: @whitehouse today w/ my mom for the Nascar visit. She's never been to WH. Now off to have dinner w @ArmedForcesDC yfrog.com/nz8a9jj
KurtBusch22: Just left Richmond VA hosp w/ 22 crew. met spinal chord & brain injury vets @ArmedForcesDC @penskeracing @shellracingus yfrog.com/gyvsjtij
Summer Dreyer is a Senior Writer for Frontsretch.com. She can be reached via email at summer.dreyer@frontstretch.com.
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How to Beat the Chase System
Shakedown Session
by Brody Jones
Since 2004, the Sprint Cup Chase For The Cup has been heavily hyped in an attempt to generate additional interest into the sport during football season, a time when NASCAR viewership suffers a noticeable decline. Since 2004, NASCAR has been trying endlessly to keep their viewers rather than lose them to College Football or the NFL by claiming the "Chase For The Cup" is a fresh, new, and foolproof idea in a motorsports world that has gotten more stale than day-old bread. But the truth is, the Chase has changed very little, if anything in the NASCAR landscape. Despite the sanctioning body's best efforts to make wins more important, consistency, or even "stroking" has proven to win championships in the seven years under the current playoff format.
Case in point: Jimmie Johnson, who has won the last five championships by, more or less, running seventh every week during the final ten races. He and crew chief Chad Knaus have figured out a way to beat the system, and for that, they should be commended. But when other teams try to rely on the hell-bent, pedal to the metal, go-for-broke style to win races, the thing lost in the true art of chasing for a championship is the word "consistency." These days, a driver leading the points after the first 26 races means about as much as the Harlem Globetrotters continually beating the hell out of the hapless Washington Generals.
It's almost as if a team can generally "stroke" the first 26 races to coast their way into the "Chase" (see, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., last 11 races). Oh sure, the wins a driver gets in the first 26 races do help in the overall standings once the playoffs begin. But so many of those teams who peter out in the last ten races start off with a bang, peaking in April or May before ending their season with a whimper. Fans want to know why Jimmie's dominance has yet to be stopped? Simple. The driver of the No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet and crew chief Chad Knaus have figured out that they don't have to punish their equipment to make the top 10 in the first 26 races, so they save their stuff for the final ten and run about seventh each week of the Chase, generally without any hiccups. Then, at the end of the year, Johnson hoists up yet another championship. Sure, they've earned their share of wins and second-place finishes, but it's their ability to finish in the top 10 under any circumstance, not pushing a ninth-place car to eighth and taking that risk which has helped put them over the hump.
Is it thrilling? Not by any means. But it's smart racing. Hell, it's "points racing" at it's finest and that, dear readers, is what wins championships.
Drivers like Carl Edwards, Kevin Harvick, Denny Hamlin, and (to an extent) Brad Keselowski have all piled on impressive consistency streaks for a spell of time. But the Achilles' heel with these drivers is that it generally doesn't last forever (although the jury is still out on whether Keselowski can perhaps parlay his consistency as of late into a championship.) Johnson can stretch out his consistency over the course of an entire NASCAR season, peaking at the right time and for those that decry his lack of victories, know he's not alone in that talent; remember that drivers such as Terry Labonte (1984 & 1996) and Matt Kenseth (2003) had two victories or less all season and still wound up winning the national championship.
The "Just win, baby!" mantra so famously attributed to Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis, at least in the world of NASCAR should truly be "Just score points, baby!"
Brody Jones is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at brody.jones@frontstretch.com.
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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 Atlanta, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is on our podcast and much more! Check it out here!
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Keepin' It Short: Marching North With the Modifieds
by Mike Neff
This weekend at Thompson International Speedway, the Southern Modified Tour will be making a historic start. For the first time in the history of the division, they will be holding a race north of the Mason-Dixon line when they run a 125-lap event as a prelude to the UNOH Showdown at Thompson. The Modified Tour has ventured to the South many times in its history, but now they are welcoming the southern cousins to their home turf.
The race weekend will include a 125-lap race for the Modified Tour to go along with the first; then, the top 12 finishers in each of the races will be locked into the 50-lap feature event. In addition to those 24 drivers, there will be 12 additional drivers slotted into the starting lineup based on the provisional system. The 50-lap finale will have a purse of $50,000 and the winner will walk away with a sweet $15,000.
The prize money and uniqueness of the event has resulted in not only the normal field of contenders from the tours showing up for the races, it has also enticed two Modified Racing Legends to make an appearance. Jeff Fuller, a former Modified Tour Champion and winner of the 1994 Thompson 300 will return to his racing roots to compete in the event. Steve Park, long-time popular NASCAR driver and two-time runner-up in the Modified Tour season point chase is also coming back to Thompson to race.
Park was interested in coming back to his old stomping grounds for the UNOH Showdown from the time it was announced and is excited to take part.
"Getting guys like Jeff Fuller back here at Thompson where he has won a lot of races, and myself to come back up here … we didn't have to have our arm twisted to do this," Park said. "As soon as we heard about this, we wanted to figure out how we could be a part of it."
Not only is this an event that Fuller wanted to support and participate in, he's excited about the format that will bring both Modified Tours to Connecticut and pit them head-to-head.
"I really do think that Don [Hoenig] deserves kudos for doing this," Fuller said. "I think it is going to be a really, really good show."
Modified racing has been around since the beginning of NASCAR and has been run all over the country, but its de facto home is in the Northeast. This weekend will be a celebration of the roots of Modified racing with a battle between the best racers from the North and the South. Qualifying will take place on Saturday and the feature races will occur on Sunday. If you're in the Northeast this weekend, I fully recommend making the trip to Thompson to see Modified racing at its best.
Whelen All-American National Championship Update
Two weeks are left in the NASCAR Whelen All-American National Championship and, for all intents and purposes, it is down to two drivers. Philip Morris leads Keith Rocco by 10 points going into this weekend's races. In his top 18 finishes, Morris has two races that scored 38 points. If he is able to score a victory in a race with 17 or more cars in the starting lineup, he'll add to his point total. Rocco's two worst finishes in his top 18 are 39-point races so, for him to make any more points he'll need to score wins in a race with at least 18 cars on the grid. It is going to be a tough row to hoe for last year's champion to catch the three-time champion from Virginia.
This past weekend, Lee Pulliam made the trip to South Boston to try and get a leg up on Morris at Morris' home track for this season. The two drivers traded the lead eight times before Morris moved Pulliam out of the way on the final lap to score his 19th win of the year at South Boston, which is an all-time record for the Late Model division at the historic race track. The win added seven points to Morris' season total, which is now at 782 points. Rocco ran one race this past weekend at Waterford Speedbowl, but only managed a seventh-place finish which didn't improve his point total at all.
This coming weekend will see Morris making the return trip against Pulliam, heading to Motor Mile Speedway in Radford, Virginia where Pulliam has already secured the season championship. While Pulliam's quest for the National Title has come up short, he can put a crimp in his rival's efforts which would suit him just fine after the way the race ended this past weekend. It should be quite the duel between the two combatants at the track where Morris has scored seven track championships.
For Rocco, there are two race days available for him to add points to his season total; he'll be running at Stafford Springs, CT on Friday and Waterford, CT on Saturday. Rocco will need a strong effort to overcome Morris' lead as he's been struggling the last couple of weeks to get to the front.
Whelen National Championship Standings
1) Philip Morris – 27 races – 19 wins – 22 top 5s – 24 top 10s – 782 points
2) Keith Rocco – 46 races – 23 wins – 35 top 5s – 42 top 10s – 772 points
3) Lee Pulliam – 30 races – 17 wins – 26 top 5s – 28 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 – 31 races – 7 wins – 25 top 5s – 28 top 10s – 623 points
7) Woody Pitkat – 26 races – 5 wins – 20 top 5s – 23 top 10s – 623 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. – 23 races – 1 win – 17 top 5s – 21 top 10s – 603 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 Short Track Schedule
Fri: Sept. 9th - Northeast Arkansas Speedway ; Harrisburg : AR – COMP Cams Super Dirt Series
Fri: Sept. 9th - Silver Dollar Speedway ; Chico : California - BCRA Midgets
Fri: Sept. 9th - Silver Dollar Speedway ; Chico : CA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Fri: Sept. 9th - High Plains Raceway ; Byers : CO - 24 Hours of LeMons
Fri: Sept. 9th - Stafford Motor Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT - Modified Racing Series of New England
Fri: Sept. 9th – Five Flags Speedway ; Pensacola : FL – Pro Late Models
Fri: Sept. 9th - Boone Speedway ; Boone : IA - IMCA Supernationals
Fri: Sept. 9th – Davenport Speedway ; Davenport : IA – Deery Brothers Late Models
Fri: Sept. 9th - Meridian Motor Speedway ; Meridian : ID - ASA Northwest Sprint Car Racing Association
Fri: Sept. 9th - Humboldt Speedway ; Humboldt : KS - NCRA / Southern SportMod Series
Fri: Sept. 9th - Hartford Motor Speedway ; Hartford : MI - ASCS / Sprints on Dirt
Fri: Sept. 9th - Callaway Raceways ; Fulton : MO - United Late Model Association
Fri: Sept. 9th – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Late Models
Fri: Sept. 9th – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Limited Late Models
Fri: Sept. 9th – River Cities Speedway ; Grand Forks : ND – NOSA Outlaw Sprints
Fri: Sept. 9th – River Cities Speedway ; Grand Forks : ND – WISSOTA Late Models
Fri: Sept. 9th – River Cities Speedway ; Grand Forks : ND – WISSOTA Modifieds
Fri: Sept. 9th - Celina Fairgrounds ; Celina : OH - Antique Auto Racing Association
Fri: Sept. 9th - Eldora Speedway ; Rossburg : OH - World 100
Fri: Sept. 9th - Merrittville Speedway ; Thorold : Ontario - BRP CanAm Late Model Series
Fri: Sept. 9th - Bedford Speedway ; Bedford : PA - Three State Flyers
Fri: Sept. 9th - Williams Grove Speedway ; Mechanicsburg : PA - Super Sportsmen
Fri: Sept. 9th – Anderson Speedway ; Anderson : SC – Late Models
Fri: Sept. 9th – Eastside Speedway ; Rossburg : OH – Steel Block Bandits
Sat: Sept. 10th – South Alabama Speedway ; Kinston : AL – Viper Pro Late Models
Sat: Sept. 10th – Centerville Speedway ; Centerville : AR – Show-Me Late Models
Sat: Sept. 10th - Northeast Arkansas Speedway ; Harrisburg : AR – COMP Cams Super Dirt Series
Sat: Sept. 10th - Canyon Speedway Park ; Peoria : AZ - ASCS / Southwest Region
Sat: Sept. 10th - Bakersfield Speedway ; Oildale : CA - National 3/4 Midget Association
Sat: Sept. 10th - Bakersfield Speedway ; Oildale : CA - USAC Western Midgets
Sat: Sept. 10th - Giant Chevrolet Speedway ; Hanford : CA - ASCS SoCal Sprint Series
Sat: Sept. 10th - Giant Chevrolet Speedway ; Hanford : CA - USAC 360 Sprint Series
Sat: Sept. 10th - Silver Dollar Speedway ; Chico : CA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sat: Sept. 10th - Stockton 99 Speedway ; Stockton : CA - NCMA Sprints
Sat: Sept. 10th – Ukiah Speedway ; Ukiah : CA – Airport Auto Brokers Late Models
Sat: Sept. 10th - El Paso County Speedway ; Calhan : CO - United Rebel Sprint Series
Sat: Sept. 10th - High Plains Raceway ; Byers : CO - 24 Hours of LeMons
Sat: Sept. 10th - Lanier National Speedway ; Brasenton : GA - MMRA / Mini-Cups
Sat: Sept. 10th - 34 Raceway ; Burlington : IA - Sprint Invaders
Sat: Sept. 10th - Boone Speedway ; Boone : IA - IMCA Supernationals
Sat: Sept. 10th - Magic Valley Speedway ; Twin Falls : ID - Rocky Mountain Challenge Series
Sat: Sept. 10th - Meridian Motor Speedway ; Meridian : ID - ASA Northwest Sprint Car Racing Association
Sat: Sept. 10th - Stateline Stadium ; Post Falls : ID - ICAR Late Model Series
Sat: Sept. 10th - Stateline Stadium ; Post Falls : ID - MMRA - Baby Grands
Sat: Sept. 10th - Stateline Stadium ; Post Falls : ID - Northwest Pro 4 Trucks
Sat: Sept. 10th - Angola Motor Speedway ; Angola : IN - MCR Dwarf Cars
Sat: Sept. 10th - Brownstown Speedway ; Brownstown : IN - Midwest Mini-Sprint Association
Sat: Sept. 10th - Indianapolis Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN - World Figure 8 Championship
Sat: Sept. 10th - Montpelier Speedway ; Montpelier : IN - USAC Mopar D1 Midgets
Sat: Sept. 10th - Shelby County Speedway ; Shelbyville : IN - Midwest TQ Racing League
Sat: Sept. 10th - Terre Haute Action Track ; Terre Haute : IN - USAC National Sprint Cars
Sat: Sept. 10th – Caney Valley Speedway ; Caney : KS – Midwest Dirt Late Models
Sat: Sept. 10th - Ark-La-Tex Speedway ; Vivian : LA - Southern Thunder Sprints
Sat: Sept. 10th - Champion Park Speedway ; Haughton : LA - Ark-La-Tex Winged Modifieds
Sat: Sept. 10th - Auto City Speedway ; Mount Morris : MI - Mudslinger 100
Sat: Sept. 10th – Berlin Raceway ; Marne : MI – CRA All-Star Tour
Sat: Sept. 10th - Flat Rock Speedway ; Flat Rock : MI - Michigan Legend Cars
Sat: Sept. 10th – Jackson Motor Speedway ; Byram : MS – Super Late Models
Sat: Sept. 10th - Central Missouri Speedway ; Warrensburg : MO - United Late Model Association
Sat: Sept. 10th - Scotland County Speedway ; Memphis : MO - United Late Models
Sat: Sept. 10th - Gallatin Speedway ; Belgrade : MT - Big Sky Sprints
Sat: Sept. 10th - Junction Motor Speedway ; McCool Junction : NE - ASCS / Midwest Series
Sat: Sept. 10th - Star Speedway ; Epping : NH - International Super Modified Association
Sat: Sept. 10th - Wall Speedway ; Belmar : NJ - ATQMRA TQ Midgets
Sat: Sept. 10th - Scotia Speedworld ; Halifax : Nova Scotia - Parts For Trucks Pro Stock Tour
Sat: Sept. 10th - Orange County Fair Speedway ; Middletown : NY - Capitol Region Sprintcar Association
Sat: Sept. 10th - Woodhull Raceway ; Woodhull : NY - BRP CanAm Late Model Series
Sat: Sept. 10th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Super Trucks
Sat: Sept. 10th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Late Models
Sat: Sept. 10th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat: Sept. 10th – River Cities Speedway ; Grand Forks : ND – NOSA Outlaw Sprints
Sat: Sept. 10th – River Cities Speedway ; Grand Forks : ND – WISSOTA Late Models
Sat: Sept. 10th – River Cities Speedway ; Grand Forks : ND – WISSOTA Modifieds
Sat: Sept. 10th - Celina Fairgrounds ; Celina : OH - Antique Auto Racing Association
Sat: Sept. 10th - Eldora Speedway ; Rossburg : OH - World 100
Sat: Sept. 10th - Sandusky Speedway ; Sandusky : OH - Buckeye Super Sprints
Sat: Sept. 10th - West Siloam Speedway ; West Siloam Springs : OK - Oil Capital Racing Series
Sat: Sept. 10th - Barrie Speedway ; Barrie : Ontario - NASCAR Canadian Tire Late Models
Sat: Sept. 10th - Douglas County Speedway ; Roseburg : OR - Northwest Pro-4 Alliance
Sat: Sept. 10th - Sunset Speedway ; Banks : OR - Northwest Wingless Sprint Tour
Sat: Sept. 10th - Sunset Speedway ; Banks : OR - Washington Econo Sprint Car Organization
Sat: Sept. 10th - Motordrome Speedway ; Smithton : PA - Midwest Supermodified Association
Sat: Sept. 10th - Port Royal Speedway ; Port Royal : PA - Tuscarora 50
Sat: Sept. 10th - Roaring Knob Speedway ; Markleysburg : PA - Three State Flyers
Sat: Sept. 10th - Roaring Knob Speedway ; Markleysburg : PA - Unified Force Race Championship Tour
Sat: Sept. 10th - Susquehanna Speedway ; Newberrytown : PA - PA Sprint Series
Sat: Sept. 10th - Susquehanna Speedway ; Newberrytown : PA - PA 410 Sprint Series
Sat: Sept. 10th - Williams Grove Speedway ; Mechanicsburg : PA - Super Sportsmen
Sat: Sept. 10th - Autodrome Chaudiere ; Vallee-Jonction : Quebec - ACT US Tour
Sat: Sept. 10th - Autodrome Chaudiere ; Vallee-Jonction : Quebec – Castrol Late Models
Sat: Sept. 10th – Florence Motor Speedway ; Timmonsville : SC – Limited Late Models
Sat: Sept. 10th – Greenville-Pickens Speedway ; Greenville : SC – K&N East reschedule
Sat: Sept. 10th – Newport Speedway ; Newport : TN – Super Late Models 2x
Sat: Sept. 10th – Thunderhill Raceway ; Summertown : TN – Limited Late Models
Sat: Sept. 10th – Thunderhill Raceway ; Summertown : TN – Winged Outlaw Sprint Cars
Sat: Sept. 10th - Volunteer Speedway ; Bulls Gap : TN - Carolina Clash Late Model Series
Sat: Sept. 10th - C C Speedway ; Corpus Christi : TX - Dwarf Car Series of Texas
Sat: Sept. 10th - Lone Star Speedway ; Kilgore : TX - SUPR Late Models
Sat: Sept. 10th - Bear Ridge Speedway ; Bradford : VT - Granite State Mini-Sprint Race Club
Sat: Sept. 10th – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Late Models
Sat: Sept. 10th – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Limited Late Models
Sat: Sept. 10th – Natural Bridge Speedway ; Natural Bridge : VA – Steel Stock Bandits
Sat: Sept. 10th - Wenatchee Valley Super Oval ; East Wenatchee : WA - Washington Midget Racing Association
Sat: Sept. 10th - Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI - Interstate Racing Association
Sat: Sept. 10th - Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI - Upper Midwest Sprints
Sat: Sept. 10th - Plymouth Dirt Track ; Plymouth : WI - Midwest Sprintcar Association
Sat: Sept. 10th - Plymouth Dirt Track ; Plymouth : WI - Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Sun: Sept. 11th - Thompson International Speedway ; Thompson : CT - NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour
Sun: Sept. 11th - Thompson International Speedway ; Thompson : CT - NASCAR Southern Modified Tour
Sun: Sept. 11th - Angola Motor Speedway ; Angola : IN - Great Lakes Outlaw Late Models
Sun: Sept. 11th - Angola Motor Speedway ; Angola : IN - Outlaw Late Models
Sun: Sept. 11th - Valley Speedway ; Grain Valley : MO - ASCS / Warriors Region
Sun: Sept. 11th - Eagle Raceway ; Eagle : NE - ASCS / Midwest Series
Sun: Sept. 11th - Big Daddys Speedbowl ; Wentworth : NH - Granite State Mini-Sprint Race Club
Sun: Sept. 11th - Big Daddys Speedbowl ; Wentworth : NH - Northeast Mini-Sprints
Sun: Sept. 11th – Wake County Speedway ; Raleigh : NC – Super Late Models
Sun: Sept. 11th – Wake County Speedway ; Raleigh : NC – Limited Late Models
Sun: Sept. 11th – Lonesome Pine Raceway ; Coeburn : VA – USAR Pro Cup
Sun: Sept. 11th - Slinger Super Speedway ; Slinger : WI - American Super Cup Series
Mon: Sept. 12th - Allegan County Fairgrounds ; Allegan : Michigan - Unique Bump and Run
Wed: Sept. 14th – Farley Speedway ; Farley : IA – Yankee Dirt Classic
Wed: Sept. 14th – Dakota State Fair Speedway ; Huron : SD – WISSOTA Late Models
Wed: Sept. 14th – Dakota State Fair Speedway ; Huron : SD – WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds
Wed: Sept. 14th – Dakota State Fair Speedway ; Huron : SD – WISSOTA Modifieds
Thu: Sept. 15th – Farley Speedway ; Farley : IA – Yankee Dirt Classic
Thu: Sept. 15th - Ohsweken Speedway ; Ohsweken : Ontario - ASCS / Sprints on Dirt
Thu: Sept. 15th - Ohsweken Speedway ; Ohsweken : Ontario - NRA SprintInvaders
Thu: Sept. 15th – Dakota State Fair Speedway ; Huron : SD – WISSOTA Late Models
Thu: Sept. 15th – Dakota State Fair Speedway ; Huron : SD – WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds
Thu: Sept. 15th – Dakota State Fair Speedway ; Huron : SD – WISSOTA Modifieds
Thu: Sept. 15th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Late Models
Thu: Sept. 15th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Modifieds
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
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.
~~~~~~~~~~
Frontstretch Folio: Wonderful Pistachios 400
by Beth Lunkenheimer
This weekend, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to Richmond International Raceway for the Wonderful Pistachios 400. Saturday's race will be the 26th race of the season, the final "regular season" event for this division. The race will be broadcast live Saturday, September 10th, on ABC at 7:30 PM ET and MRN Radio starting at 6:30 PM ET. Drivers will compete for 400 laps (300 miles) before taking the checkered flag.
Records and Facts
Brian Vickers holds the track qualifying record with a lap of 20.772 sec at 129.983 mph in qualifying for the 2004 Chevy American Revolution 400. Vickers finished eighth in the race after leading 32 laps. The pole was Vickers' first of the season, and he would go on to win one more. He finished out the 2004 season with four top 10s and an average finish of 22nd in 36 races that year, ending it 25th in the series standings.
Dale Jarrett holds the record for the fastest race run at Richmond International Raceway with a speed of 109.047 mph in the 1997 Exide NASCAR Select Batteries 400. Jarrett led 39 of the 400 laps run and had a margin of victory of 1.802 seconds over second-place Jeff Burton. Jeff Gordon finished third, followed by Geoffrey Bodine and Rusty Wallace. The win was Jarrett's fifth of the season and he would go on to win two more. In the 32 races that year, Jarrett grabbed 20 top 5s, 23 top 10s, and an average finish of 10th. He finished second in points.
Denny Hamlin is the defending race winner of this event, leading 251 of the 400 laps to win the 2010 Air Guard 400 by 0.537 seconds over teammate Kyle Busch. Jimmie Johnson finished third, followed by Joey Logano and Marcos Ambrose to round out the top 5. The win was Hamlin's sixth of eight wins during the 2010 season. In 36 starts, Hamlin grabbed 14 top 5s and 18 top-10 finishes on his way to a runner-up effort in the standings.
Track Facts
Track/Race Length: 0.75-mile oval, 400 laps (300 miles)
Pit Road Speed: 45 mph
Degree of Banking: 14 degrees in the turns
Frontstretch: 1,290 ft., banked 8 degrees
Backstretch: 860 ft., banked 2 degrees
Grandstand Seating: 97,912
Pre-race Schedule
Practice: Friday, September 9th, 12:10 - 2:00 PM ET on SPEED
Qualifying: Friday, September 9th, 5:35 PM ET on SPEED
Happy Hour: Friday, September 9th, 2:45 - 3:30 PM ET on SPEED
Race Day Forecast
Saturday: Isolated Thunderstoms
High: 84
Low: 64
Chance of Rain: 30%
Say What?!
"As much as you're racing everybody else, you have to race the racetrack. It just seems like a place where if you can get the balance right, it makes it an extremely fun day. With the two ends of the track being different like they are, it seems like you're always fighting something, but that's what always makes the racing good, too. You never really get anybody who gets their car perfect. Even the guy that gets the lead still isn't happy with his car. So, it's really trying to find that balance and trying to figure out how to balance both ends of the track together." Tony Stewart
"Richmond is definitely a driver's track. I think that's one of the biggest reasons I have always liked it. It allows for really good racing and the night race this weekend will be exciting for the fans no matter what." Greg Biffle
"Richmond has been a tricky place to hit that balance just right where you can still get through the middle of the corner with reasonable enough speed, but have enough traction to get off the corner where you can drive up alongside of people to pass. Richmond's about the right size--it's three-quarters of a mile, so we still get going pretty fast, but it acts like a short track where you need a lot of brakes. The pavement is getting worn out and slick. Whenever you get a worn out track like Atlanta, Michigan or Phoenix used to be be before they paved it, I think it just creates so much better racing. I just think that Richmond's more fun to drive." Matt Kenseth
Beth Lunkenheimer is an Assistant Editor for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via email at beth.lunkenheimer@frontstretch.com.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Did You Notice? ... Sponsor Collectors, A Lucky Break & The Anti-Chase Climax
by Tom Bowles
Four Burning Questions: Analyzing Your 2011 Chase Picture
by Mike Lovecchio
Rain, Rain You Can Stay: Easy Solutions To NASCAR's Water Problems
by Garrett Horton
Kenny Wallace Driver Diary: Things Happen in Threes
as told to Amy Henderson
Tearing Apart the Trucks: Silly Season Finally Underway
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Frontstretch Podcast: September 9th Edition
hosted by Doug Turnbull
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: After Neil Bonnett was fatally injured at Daytona in 1994, NASCAR's TV partners were sent scrambling for people to take Bonnett's place in the broadcast booth (at the time of his death, Bonnett did color commentary for CBS, TNN and TBS). For the Daytona 500, CBS made more use of Chris Economaki. However, when the series moseyed into Richmond for the Pontiac Excitement 400, who was the second color commentator in the booth?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: In 1988, Richmond was renovated from the old .542-mile Fairgrounds Speedway to the current three-quarter mile Richmond International Raceway. However, there was substantial shifting in the starting grid the day of the Miller High Life 400. Why?
A: At the time, there was a tire war going on between Goodyear and Hoosier. At times, one tire would either be completely deficient at the track, or one would simply dominate and the other tire would be just OK. Either scenario would cause mass switchovers. The 1989 Daytona 500 is one example of that.
At Richmond, you had a case of a completely deficient tire. That tire was the Hoosier which was very fast but badly blistered within 40 laps. The Goodyears weren't quite as fast but could last longer. Switching brands before the race meant you moved to the back of the field, and 24 teams, a full two-thirds of the field, qualified on Hoosiers, then switched to Goodyears for the race (switching brands during the race was permitted). Dave DeSpain covers the issue very well at the 3:05 mark of this clip.
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!
~~~~~~~~~~
Coming Monday in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Wonderful Pistachios 400 Race Recap by Brody Jones
-- Running Their Mouth: Wonderful Pistachios 400 by Brody Jones
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
Monday on the Frontstretch:
Matt McLaughlin's Thinkin' Out Loud: Wonderful Pistachios 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 Saturday night's action from Richmond.
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 Saturday's race from Richmond.
Monday Morning Teardown by Ron Lemasters
Ron returns for a website look at one of the big stories from Saturday's race from Richmond.
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 Richmond.
Big Six: Wonderful Pistachios 400 by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving the 26th and final Race to the Chase? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing at Richmond.
Nationwide Series Breakdown: Virginia 529 College Savings 250 by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan has all the post-race analysis you need after Friday night's Nationwide Series race from Richmond.
-----------------------------
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