THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
October 21, 2011
Volume V, Edition CCXXII
~~~~~~~~~~
NEW PODCAST! Don't forget our new FREE weekly audio segments hosted by Doug Turnbull. Click here for the October 21st edition that features Timothy Peters as our main racing guest.
~~~~~~~~~~
Top News
by Summer Dreyer
NASCAR Honoring Dan Wheldon in Talladega
Following the tragic death of IZOD IndyCar series driver Dan Wheldon in last Sunday's championship race, NASCAR will honor the fallen driver with a special B-post decal that will run on all NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars and Camping World Truck Series trucks during the weekend's events.
The decal is a Lionheart Knight image that was present on all of Wheldon's helmets, and drivers will have the choice to place the decal on their helmets too.
A moment of silence will be held in Wheldon's honor during pre-race ceremonies on Saturday and Sunday.
JTG Daugherty Racing Announcing 2012 Plans
This coming Saturday at Talladega Superspeedway, JTG Daugherty Racing will announce the sponsors for their No. 47 entry currently driven by Bobby Labonte in 2012, along with next year's driver lineup and other changes for the organization.
Labonte is currently 29th in Sprint Cup Series points with an average finish of 24th.
Camping World Truck Series Team Expanding Program
Winfield Motorsports, who began fielding the No. 27 Dodge in the Camping World Truck Series earlier this season, will be expanding their program into the Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series in 2012.
In addition to moving up to the upper echelons of the sport, Winfield Motorsports is switching manufacturers from Dodge to Toyota.
"Our plans are to run full time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, with a partial NASCAR Sprint Cup Series effort next year" said CEO / Principal Partner Robert Winfield. "Winfield Motorsports looks forward to working with TRD / Toyota Motorsports who will be supplying technical and engineering support for our programs in an effort to compete at the highest level."
Sponsorship and a driver lineup will be announced in the coming weeks.
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.
~~~~~~~~~~
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 special 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.
~~~~~~~~~~
In Case You Missed It
by Brett Poirier
Gordon Honored With Interstate; Fights for Cause
On Tuesday, Mecklenburg County, NC Commissioners approved that a stretch of highway on the Mecklenburg / Cabarras County line be named after four-time Sprint Cup champion Jeff Gordon. The "Jeff Gordon Expressway" will be on Interstate 85, representing Gordon's 85th career victory earlier this season at Atlanta.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation still has to approve the designation. Gordon is being honored for his charity work and work with children in the state. In 2006, Gordon opened the Jeff Gordon Children's Hospital at Carolinas Medical Center-Northeast in Concord.
On Wednesday, Gordon visited the hospital to unveil the "Sound of Pertussis" quilt in an effort to educate the public about whooping cough. The quilt has 2,400 squares. Jeff Gordon and wife Ingrid designed one square together and Jeff Gordon designed one square himself. Fans can visit soundsofpertussis.com to design a square on the quilt for free. For each square designed, $1 will be donated to the March of Dimes.
Martinsville Paints Curbs Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness
The curbs at Martinsville Speedway were painted pink on Tuesday by four women involved with the "Ladies First" Martinsville and Henry County Breast Cancer Initiative. They had help from the Martinsville track crew.
"Martinsville Speedway continues to demonstrate their concern, involvement and commitment to our local community," said Rita Winbush, project director of the "Ladies First" MHC Community Breast Health Initiative. "By painting the curbs pink, they bring attention to not only a national program like the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure but also to local programs like our "Ladies First: MHC Community Breast Cancer Initiative. We commend NASCAR and Martinsville Speedway for all they do to help raise breast cancer awareness throughout the year."
The curbs will debut to the public on Oct. 28 for NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and Sprint Cup Series practice day and will be highlighted by the TUMS Fast Relief 500 on Oct. 30.
Homestead Winner Will Take Home Boat
Homestead-Miami Speedway and Contender Boats have partnered up to offer a special prize to the winner of the Ford 400 Sprint Cup Series finale on Nov. 20. The winner will receive a 25-foot Tournament Model Contender finishing boat with a 300-horsepower Yamaha engine, trailer and other custom options. The prize is valued at $115,000. Contender Boats will run the same promotion in 2012 and 2013.
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
October 21, 2011
Volume V, Edition CCXXII
~~~~~~~~~~
NEW PODCAST! Don't forget our new FREE weekly audio segments hosted by Doug Turnbull. Click here for the October 21st edition that features Timothy Peters as our main racing guest.
~~~~~~~~~~
Top News
by Summer Dreyer
NASCAR Honoring Dan Wheldon in Talladega
Following the tragic death of IZOD IndyCar series driver Dan Wheldon in last Sunday's championship race, NASCAR will honor the fallen driver with a special B-post decal that will run on all NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars and Camping World Truck Series trucks during the weekend's events.
The decal is a Lionheart Knight image that was present on all of Wheldon's helmets, and drivers will have the choice to place the decal on their helmets too.
A moment of silence will be held in Wheldon's honor during pre-race ceremonies on Saturday and Sunday.
JTG Daugherty Racing Announcing 2012 Plans
This coming Saturday at Talladega Superspeedway, JTG Daugherty Racing will announce the sponsors for their No. 47 entry currently driven by Bobby Labonte in 2012, along with next year's driver lineup and other changes for the organization.
Labonte is currently 29th in Sprint Cup Series points with an average finish of 24th.
Camping World Truck Series Team Expanding Program
Winfield Motorsports, who began fielding the No. 27 Dodge in the Camping World Truck Series earlier this season, will be expanding their program into the Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series in 2012.
In addition to moving up to the upper echelons of the sport, Winfield Motorsports is switching manufacturers from Dodge to Toyota.
"Our plans are to run full time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, with a partial NASCAR Sprint Cup Series effort next year" said CEO / Principal Partner Robert Winfield. "Winfield Motorsports looks forward to working with TRD / Toyota Motorsports who will be supplying technical and engineering support for our programs in an effort to compete at the highest level."
Sponsorship and a driver lineup will be announced in the coming weeks.
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.
~~~~~~~~~~
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 special 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.
~~~~~~~~~~
In Case You Missed It
by Brett Poirier
Gordon Honored With Interstate; Fights for Cause
On Tuesday, Mecklenburg County, NC Commissioners approved that a stretch of highway on the Mecklenburg / Cabarras County line be named after four-time Sprint Cup champion Jeff Gordon. The "Jeff Gordon Expressway" will be on Interstate 85, representing Gordon's 85th career victory earlier this season at Atlanta.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation still has to approve the designation. Gordon is being honored for his charity work and work with children in the state. In 2006, Gordon opened the Jeff Gordon Children's Hospital at Carolinas Medical Center-Northeast in Concord.
On Wednesday, Gordon visited the hospital to unveil the "Sound of Pertussis" quilt in an effort to educate the public about whooping cough. The quilt has 2,400 squares. Jeff Gordon and wife Ingrid designed one square together and Jeff Gordon designed one square himself. Fans can visit soundsofpertussis.com to design a square on the quilt for free. For each square designed, $1 will be donated to the March of Dimes.
Martinsville Paints Curbs Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness
The curbs at Martinsville Speedway were painted pink on Tuesday by four women involved with the "Ladies First" Martinsville and Henry County Breast Cancer Initiative. They had help from the Martinsville track crew.
"Martinsville Speedway continues to demonstrate their concern, involvement and commitment to our local community," said Rita Winbush, project director of the "Ladies First" MHC Community Breast Health Initiative. "By painting the curbs pink, they bring attention to not only a national program like the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure but also to local programs like our "Ladies First: MHC Community Breast Cancer Initiative. We commend NASCAR and Martinsville Speedway for all they do to help raise breast cancer awareness throughout the year."
The curbs will debut to the public on Oct. 28 for NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and Sprint Cup Series practice day and will be highlighted by the TUMS Fast Relief 500 on Oct. 30.
Homestead Winner Will Take Home Boat
Homestead-Miami Speedway and Contender Boats have partnered up to offer a special prize to the winner of the Ford 400 Sprint Cup Series finale on Nov. 20. The winner will receive a 25-foot Tournament Model Contender finishing boat with a 300-horsepower Yamaha engine, trailer and other custom options. The prize is valued at $115,000. Contender Boats will run the same promotion in 2012 and 2013.
~~~~~~~~~~
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 Amy Henderson discuss Dan Wheldon, Talladega Chase ramifications and much more! Check it out here!
~~~~~~~~~~
Keepin' It Short: Remembering Bubba
by Mike Neff
There are hundreds of short tracks across the United States and every one of them has "that" guy. A long time official, a flagman, a promoter, a chaplain, some guy or girl who is always there and makes the experience so much better. At Ukiah Speedway that was Mike "Bubba" Silva. He passed away after an illness in 2009 at the age of 44. He was a racer turned official and flagman. No matter what the role, he was also a friend to every person who ever raced at Ukiah. As a result, after his passing, the track decided to have a race in his honor, the Bubba Silva Memorial.
The show will be free to all fans this weekend thanks to the generosity of Lake and Mendocino County businesses who are sponsoring the tribute event. There will be T-shirts available for purchase during the event. The racing begins on Saturday with time trials for all of the divisions along with trophy dashes and qualifying races. Sunday will host the feature races for every division and wraps up with boat racing.
The main event for the Memorial is a $2,000 to win Late Model race. It will be run in conjunction with a $1,500 to win Modified show, and a $750 to win Street Stock main event. Along with those races will be features for Bombers, Legends an Pro-4 Modifieds that will pay $500 to the winner.
Gates open on Saturday at 4:00 pm with racing at 6:00 pm. Gates open on Sunday at 11:00 am with racing at 1:00 pm. All spectators coming through the front gate will get in free both days. Call the speedway office at 707-274-1354 for more information.
If you're in Northern California this weekend and want to see some good racing for free, head over to Ukiah Speedway. Bubba would appreciate the sentiment.
Upcoming Short Track Schedule
Fri : Oct. 21st - Canyon Speedway Park ; Peoria : AZ - ASCS / Southwest Region
Fri : Oct. 21st - Thunderbowl Raceway ; Tulare : CA - Trophy Cup
Fri : Oct. 21st – Delaware International Speedway ; Delmar : DE – Delaware State Championships
Fri : Oct. 21st – Waycross Motor Speedway ; Waycross : GA – National Late Models
Fri : Oct. 21st - Humboldt Speedway ; Humboldt : KS - USMTS Modifieds
Fri : Oct. 21st – Lake Cumberland Speedway ; Burnside : KY – Super Late Models
Fri : Oct. 21st - Ark-La-Tex Speedway ; Vivian : LA - Cajun Classic
Fri : Oct. 21st – Whynot Motorsports Park ; Meridian : MS – Fall Classic
Fri : Oct. 21st – Hesston Speedway ; Hesston : PA – UFO Super Late Models
Fri : Oct. 21st - Lernerville Speedway ; Sarver : PA - BRP Modified Tour
Fri : Oct. 21st – Roaring Knob Motorsports Complex ; Markleysburg : PA – Steel Stock Bandits
Fri : Oct. 21st – Susquehanna Speedway Park ; Newberrytown : PA – Street Stocks
Fri : Oct. 21st – Volunteer Speedway ; Bulls Gap : TN – FASTRAK Late Models
Fri : Oct. 21st - Devils Bowl Speedway ; Mesquite : TX - Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Series
Sat : Oct. 22nd – I-30 Speedway ; Little Rock : AR – IMCA Modifieds
Sat : Oct. 22nd – I-30 Speedway ; Little Rock : AR – Super Stock Nationals
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Canyon Speedway Park ; Peoria : AZ - ASCS / Canyon Region
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Infineon Raceway ; Sonoma : CA - 24 Hours of LeMons
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Thunderbowl Raceway ; Tulare : CA - Trophy Cup
Sat : Oct. 22nd – Ukiah Speedway ; Ukiah : CA – Bubba Silva Memorial
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Colorado National Speedway ; Erie : CO - Englewood Racing Association
Sat : Oct. 22nd – Delaware International Speedway ; Delmar : DE – Delaware State Championships
Sat : Oct. 22nd - North Florida Speedway ; Lake City : FL - Florida Mini-Sprints
Sat : Oct. 22nd – Waycross Motor Speedway ; Waycross : GA – National Late Models
Sat : Oct. 22nd – Tri-City Speedway ; Pontoon Beach : IL – UMP Modifieds
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Lucas Oil Raceway ; Clermont : IN - USAC National Midgets
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Lucas Oil Raceway ; Clermont : IN - USARacing Late Models
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Humboldt Speedway ; Humboldt : KS - USMTS Modifieds
Sat : Oct. 22nd – Florence Speedway ; Union : KY – Late Models
Sat : Oct. 22nd – Lake Cumberland Speedway ; Burnside : KY – Super Late Models
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Ark-La-Tex Speedway ; Vivian : LA - Cajun Classic
Sat : Oct. 22nd – Whynot Motorsports Park ; Meridian : MS – Fall Classic
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Lee USA Speedway ; Epping : NH - Modified Racing Series of New England
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Black Rock Speedway ; Dundee : NY - BRP CanAm Late Model Series
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Orange County Fair Speedway ; Middletown : NY - Capitol Region Sprintcar Association
Sat : Oct. 22nd – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Super Trucks
Sat : Oct. 22nd – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Whelen Southern Modified Tour
Sat : Oct. 22nd – Coastal Plains Speedway ; Jacksonville : NC – Southeast Limited Late Models
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Hallett Motorsports Park ; Hallett : OK - ChumpCar World Series
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Tri-State Speedway ; Pocola : OK - Show-Me Racin Series
Sat : Oct. 22nd – Hesston Speedway ; Hesston : PA – UFO Super Late Models
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Lernerville Speedway ; Sarver : PA - BRP Modified Tour
Sat : Oct. 22nd – Roaring Knob Motorsports Complex ; Markleysburg : PA – Steel Stock Bandits
Sat : Oct. 22nd – Susquehanna Speedway Park ; Newberrytown : PA – Street Stocks
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Williams Grove Speedway ; Mechanicsburg : PA - Super Sportsmen
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Dillon Motor Speedway ; Dillon : SC - Allison Legacy Race Series
Sat : Oct. 22nd – Florence Motor Speedway ; Timmonsville : SC – Limited Late Models
Sat : Oct. 22nd – Myrtle Beach Speedway ; Myrtle Beach : SC – CARS Pro Cup Series
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Newport Speedway ; Newport : TN - United Auto Racing Association
Sat : Oct. 22nd – Volunteer Speedway ; Bulls Gap : TN – FASTRAK Late Models
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Devils Bowl Speedway ; Mesquite : TX - Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Series
Sat : Oct. 22nd – South Boston Speedway ; South Boston : VA – Late Models
Sun : Oct. 23rd - Infineon Raceway ; Sonoma : CA - 24 Hours of LeMons
Sun : Oct. 23rd – Ukiah Speedway ; Ukiah : CA – Bubba Silva Memorial
Sun : Oct. 23rd - Lee USA Speedway ; Epping : NH - Modified Racing Series of New England
Sun : Oct. 23rd - Hallett Motorsports Park ; Hallett : OK - ChumpCar World Series
Thu : Oct. 27th - I-30 Speedway ; Benton : AR - Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Series
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
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Hey Frontstretch Readers!
Get THE ANNUAL, 2011 Racing Preview for your mobile device!
Go to Frontstretch.com and click on "The Annual" link on the right side to order and download this special issue that includes: Track Information, Driver profiles and In-Depth Features.
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Frontstretch Folio: Good Sam Club 500
by Summer Dreyer
This weekend, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to Talladega Superspeedway for the Good Sam Club 500. Sunday's race will be the 32nd of 36 races this season and sixth in the Chase for the Sprint Cup and will be broadcast live Sunday, October 23rd, at 2 PM ET on ESPN. Drivers will compete for 188 laps (500.08 miles) before taking the checkered flag.
Records and Facts
Bill Elliott holds the track qualifying record, with a lap of 44.998 sec at 212.809 mph during qualifying for the 1987 Winston 500. Elliott failed to finish the race after crashing, being scored in the 22nd position and 28 laps down when the checkered flag flew. He was also unable to lead any laps in the race and instead saw Davey Allison heading to Victory Lane.
Mark Martin holds the record for the fastest race run at Talladega Superspeedway, with a speed of 188.354 mph in the 1997 Winston 500. Martin led 47 of the 188 laps to win by 0.146 sec over Dale Earnhardt. Bobby Labonte finished third, followed by John Andretti and Jeff Gordon to round out the top 5. Martin won a total of four races in the 1997 season and finished third in points.
Clint Bowyer is the defending race winner of this event, leading 19 of the 188 laps to win the 2010 Amp Energy Juice 500. The race ended under caution, with Bowyer's teammate Kevin Harvick finishing in the second position. Juan Pablo Montoya, David Reutimann, and Joey Logano rounded out the top 5.
Track Facts
Track/Race Length: 2.66-mile quad oval, 188 laps (500.08 miles)
Pit Road Speed: 55 mph
Degree of Banking: 33 degrees in the corner, 18 degrees in the tri-oval
Frontstretch: 4,300 ft., 16.5 degrees of banking
Backstretch: 4,000 ft., 2 degrees of banking
Grandstand Seating: 143,231
Pre-race Schedule
Practice: Friday, October 21st, 2:30 – 3:15 PM ET on SPEED
Happy Hour: Friday, October 21, 4:00 – 5:00 PM ET on SPEED
Qualifying: Saturday, October 22, 12:15 PM ET on SPEED
VIPs
National Anthem: 82nd Airborne All-American Chorus
Military Flyover: 2 F-22 Raptors, 325th Fighter Wing, 43rd Fighter Squadron, Tyndall AFB, FL
Race Day Forecast
Sunday: Partly cloudy, 10% chance of rain
High: 71
Low: 43
Say What?!
"While the drivers might not always be thrilled and sometimes the fans aren't always thrilled about the type of racing going on out there, I do feel very safe inside the cars. That's something that's evolved over the years and something that we all have worked together on through experience, through seeing wrecks, going through wrecks, understanding how to contain the cars inside the racetrack, trying to keep the cars on the ground with new aerodynamics, with the roof flaps. I think the spoiler is a plus versus the wing when the cars get turned backwards. I feel very confident in that going to the racetrack this weekend at Talladega." -Jeff Gordon
"We're halfway through the Chase. We find ourselves in a decent position, yet we know we have to work harder to get back up there in the points lead where we want to be. Talladega is a great weekend for us to hopefully find our way up to the top and not get caught up in the big wreck that can happen." -Kurt Busch
"I think that it's a good thing opening up the plates. I think they should open them up more and I think that small amount that they open it up -- it's not going to make that big of a difference. We're still going to be pushing. If you open it up enough to where it really will make a horsepower difference to where we're running a decent speed by ourselves then we can't push. The truth is that if we still go out there and push, we're going to be running faster than we would be in the pack. I would like to see them open it up more. It would eliminate the push quite a bit. Right now you're just relying on so many different factors to finish well in those types of races. I would like to see a change and don't mind the change." -Denny Hamlin on the Talladega rules changes
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:
Better Half Dash Adds a Little Fun to a Serious Game
by Amy Henderson
Four Burning Questions: The One to Watch, New Rules, and the Lead Change Bonus
by Mike Lovecchio
Voices From the Heartland: 'Open Letter' Based on Emotion Not Reality
by Jeff Meyer
Casey Mears Driver Diary: Looking Ahead, Keeping Busy, and the Better Half Dash
as told to Amy Henderson
Tearing Apart the Trucks: Hornaday Re-Emerges as a Title Threat
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Frontstretch Podcast: October 21st Edition
hosted by Doug Turnbull
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: Even 20 years ago, "The Big One" was a threat to drivers at Talladega. In the 1991 DieHard 500, this wreck occurred in Turn 1 just after halfway. What happened to cause it?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: Earlier in the 1990 DieHard 500, there was a notable incident that set the wheels in motion for the insane pit rules instituted for the beginning of the 1991 season (and the more sane pit road speed limits that followed). What happened?
A: Stanley Smith, who was making his Winston Cup debut, qualified a divine 12th in his Interstate Batteries Pontiac. Under the second and final caution of the race on Lap 55, Smith brought his No. 68 onto pit road for a stop that went OK. It is unclear what happened from the replays, but Smith claimed that another car exited from their pit stall and hit him, pushing Smith out into the grass. Smith tried to save the car, but was unable to do so and the car then spun across pit road and hit the parked No. 72 of Tracy Leslie. Five members of Leslie's crew were injured and both cars were damaged enough to have to retire from the race. The incident can be seen at the 14:00 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:
-- Good Sam Club 500 Race Recap by TBA
-- Running Their Mouth: Good Sam Club 500 by Brody Jones
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
Monday on the Frontstretch:
Matt McLaughlin's Thinkin' Out Loud: Good Sam Club 500 by Matt McLaughlin
Matt will be here with his overall thoughts about the action from Sunday afternoon's action from the Talladega.
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 Talladega.
Monday Morning Teardown by Ron Lemasters
Ron returns for a website look at one of the big stories from Sunday's race from Talladega.
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 Talladega.
Big Six: Bank of America 500 by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving the sixth race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing at Talladega.
Tracking the Trucks: Mountain Dew 250 powered by Fred's by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth has all the post-race analysis you need after Saturday afternoon's Camping World Truck Series race from Talladega.
-----------------------------
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
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 Amy Henderson discuss Dan Wheldon, Talladega Chase ramifications and much more! Check it out here!
~~~~~~~~~~
Keepin' It Short: Remembering Bubba
by Mike Neff
There are hundreds of short tracks across the United States and every one of them has "that" guy. A long time official, a flagman, a promoter, a chaplain, some guy or girl who is always there and makes the experience so much better. At Ukiah Speedway that was Mike "Bubba" Silva. He passed away after an illness in 2009 at the age of 44. He was a racer turned official and flagman. No matter what the role, he was also a friend to every person who ever raced at Ukiah. As a result, after his passing, the track decided to have a race in his honor, the Bubba Silva Memorial.
The show will be free to all fans this weekend thanks to the generosity of Lake and Mendocino County businesses who are sponsoring the tribute event. There will be T-shirts available for purchase during the event. The racing begins on Saturday with time trials for all of the divisions along with trophy dashes and qualifying races. Sunday will host the feature races for every division and wraps up with boat racing.
The main event for the Memorial is a $2,000 to win Late Model race. It will be run in conjunction with a $1,500 to win Modified show, and a $750 to win Street Stock main event. Along with those races will be features for Bombers, Legends an Pro-4 Modifieds that will pay $500 to the winner.
Gates open on Saturday at 4:00 pm with racing at 6:00 pm. Gates open on Sunday at 11:00 am with racing at 1:00 pm. All spectators coming through the front gate will get in free both days. Call the speedway office at 707-274-1354 for more information.
If you're in Northern California this weekend and want to see some good racing for free, head over to Ukiah Speedway. Bubba would appreciate the sentiment.
Upcoming Short Track Schedule
Fri : Oct. 21st - Canyon Speedway Park ; Peoria : AZ - ASCS / Southwest Region
Fri : Oct. 21st - Thunderbowl Raceway ; Tulare : CA - Trophy Cup
Fri : Oct. 21st – Delaware International Speedway ; Delmar : DE – Delaware State Championships
Fri : Oct. 21st – Waycross Motor Speedway ; Waycross : GA – National Late Models
Fri : Oct. 21st - Humboldt Speedway ; Humboldt : KS - USMTS Modifieds
Fri : Oct. 21st – Lake Cumberland Speedway ; Burnside : KY – Super Late Models
Fri : Oct. 21st - Ark-La-Tex Speedway ; Vivian : LA - Cajun Classic
Fri : Oct. 21st – Whynot Motorsports Park ; Meridian : MS – Fall Classic
Fri : Oct. 21st – Hesston Speedway ; Hesston : PA – UFO Super Late Models
Fri : Oct. 21st - Lernerville Speedway ; Sarver : PA - BRP Modified Tour
Fri : Oct. 21st – Roaring Knob Motorsports Complex ; Markleysburg : PA – Steel Stock Bandits
Fri : Oct. 21st – Susquehanna Speedway Park ; Newberrytown : PA – Street Stocks
Fri : Oct. 21st – Volunteer Speedway ; Bulls Gap : TN – FASTRAK Late Models
Fri : Oct. 21st - Devils Bowl Speedway ; Mesquite : TX - Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Series
Sat : Oct. 22nd – I-30 Speedway ; Little Rock : AR – IMCA Modifieds
Sat : Oct. 22nd – I-30 Speedway ; Little Rock : AR – Super Stock Nationals
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Canyon Speedway Park ; Peoria : AZ - ASCS / Canyon Region
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Infineon Raceway ; Sonoma : CA - 24 Hours of LeMons
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Thunderbowl Raceway ; Tulare : CA - Trophy Cup
Sat : Oct. 22nd – Ukiah Speedway ; Ukiah : CA – Bubba Silva Memorial
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Colorado National Speedway ; Erie : CO - Englewood Racing Association
Sat : Oct. 22nd – Delaware International Speedway ; Delmar : DE – Delaware State Championships
Sat : Oct. 22nd - North Florida Speedway ; Lake City : FL - Florida Mini-Sprints
Sat : Oct. 22nd – Waycross Motor Speedway ; Waycross : GA – National Late Models
Sat : Oct. 22nd – Tri-City Speedway ; Pontoon Beach : IL – UMP Modifieds
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Lucas Oil Raceway ; Clermont : IN - USAC National Midgets
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Lucas Oil Raceway ; Clermont : IN - USARacing Late Models
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Humboldt Speedway ; Humboldt : KS - USMTS Modifieds
Sat : Oct. 22nd – Florence Speedway ; Union : KY – Late Models
Sat : Oct. 22nd – Lake Cumberland Speedway ; Burnside : KY – Super Late Models
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Ark-La-Tex Speedway ; Vivian : LA - Cajun Classic
Sat : Oct. 22nd – Whynot Motorsports Park ; Meridian : MS – Fall Classic
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Lee USA Speedway ; Epping : NH - Modified Racing Series of New England
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Black Rock Speedway ; Dundee : NY - BRP CanAm Late Model Series
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Orange County Fair Speedway ; Middletown : NY - Capitol Region Sprintcar Association
Sat : Oct. 22nd – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Super Trucks
Sat : Oct. 22nd – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Whelen Southern Modified Tour
Sat : Oct. 22nd – Coastal Plains Speedway ; Jacksonville : NC – Southeast Limited Late Models
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Hallett Motorsports Park ; Hallett : OK - ChumpCar World Series
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Tri-State Speedway ; Pocola : OK - Show-Me Racin Series
Sat : Oct. 22nd – Hesston Speedway ; Hesston : PA – UFO Super Late Models
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Lernerville Speedway ; Sarver : PA - BRP Modified Tour
Sat : Oct. 22nd – Roaring Knob Motorsports Complex ; Markleysburg : PA – Steel Stock Bandits
Sat : Oct. 22nd – Susquehanna Speedway Park ; Newberrytown : PA – Street Stocks
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Williams Grove Speedway ; Mechanicsburg : PA - Super Sportsmen
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Dillon Motor Speedway ; Dillon : SC - Allison Legacy Race Series
Sat : Oct. 22nd – Florence Motor Speedway ; Timmonsville : SC – Limited Late Models
Sat : Oct. 22nd – Myrtle Beach Speedway ; Myrtle Beach : SC – CARS Pro Cup Series
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Newport Speedway ; Newport : TN - United Auto Racing Association
Sat : Oct. 22nd – Volunteer Speedway ; Bulls Gap : TN – FASTRAK Late Models
Sat : Oct. 22nd - Devils Bowl Speedway ; Mesquite : TX - Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Series
Sat : Oct. 22nd – South Boston Speedway ; South Boston : VA – Late Models
Sun : Oct. 23rd - Infineon Raceway ; Sonoma : CA - 24 Hours of LeMons
Sun : Oct. 23rd – Ukiah Speedway ; Ukiah : CA – Bubba Silva Memorial
Sun : Oct. 23rd - Lee USA Speedway ; Epping : NH - Modified Racing Series of New England
Sun : Oct. 23rd - Hallett Motorsports Park ; Hallett : OK - ChumpCar World Series
Thu : Oct. 27th - I-30 Speedway ; Benton : AR - Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Series
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
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Hey Frontstretch Readers!
Get THE ANNUAL, 2011 Racing Preview for your mobile device!
Go to Frontstretch.com and click on "The Annual" link on the right side to order and download this special issue that includes: Track Information, Driver profiles and In-Depth Features.
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Frontstretch Folio: Good Sam Club 500
by Summer Dreyer
This weekend, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to Talladega Superspeedway for the Good Sam Club 500. Sunday's race will be the 32nd of 36 races this season and sixth in the Chase for the Sprint Cup and will be broadcast live Sunday, October 23rd, at 2 PM ET on ESPN. Drivers will compete for 188 laps (500.08 miles) before taking the checkered flag.
Records and Facts
Bill Elliott holds the track qualifying record, with a lap of 44.998 sec at 212.809 mph during qualifying for the 1987 Winston 500. Elliott failed to finish the race after crashing, being scored in the 22nd position and 28 laps down when the checkered flag flew. He was also unable to lead any laps in the race and instead saw Davey Allison heading to Victory Lane.
Mark Martin holds the record for the fastest race run at Talladega Superspeedway, with a speed of 188.354 mph in the 1997 Winston 500. Martin led 47 of the 188 laps to win by 0.146 sec over Dale Earnhardt. Bobby Labonte finished third, followed by John Andretti and Jeff Gordon to round out the top 5. Martin won a total of four races in the 1997 season and finished third in points.
Clint Bowyer is the defending race winner of this event, leading 19 of the 188 laps to win the 2010 Amp Energy Juice 500. The race ended under caution, with Bowyer's teammate Kevin Harvick finishing in the second position. Juan Pablo Montoya, David Reutimann, and Joey Logano rounded out the top 5.
Track Facts
Track/Race Length: 2.66-mile quad oval, 188 laps (500.08 miles)
Pit Road Speed: 55 mph
Degree of Banking: 33 degrees in the corner, 18 degrees in the tri-oval
Frontstretch: 4,300 ft., 16.5 degrees of banking
Backstretch: 4,000 ft., 2 degrees of banking
Grandstand Seating: 143,231
Pre-race Schedule
Practice: Friday, October 21st, 2:30 – 3:15 PM ET on SPEED
Happy Hour: Friday, October 21, 4:00 – 5:00 PM ET on SPEED
Qualifying: Saturday, October 22, 12:15 PM ET on SPEED
VIPs
National Anthem: 82nd Airborne All-American Chorus
Military Flyover: 2 F-22 Raptors, 325th Fighter Wing, 43rd Fighter Squadron, Tyndall AFB, FL
Race Day Forecast
Sunday: Partly cloudy, 10% chance of rain
High: 71
Low: 43
Say What?!
"While the drivers might not always be thrilled and sometimes the fans aren't always thrilled about the type of racing going on out there, I do feel very safe inside the cars. That's something that's evolved over the years and something that we all have worked together on through experience, through seeing wrecks, going through wrecks, understanding how to contain the cars inside the racetrack, trying to keep the cars on the ground with new aerodynamics, with the roof flaps. I think the spoiler is a plus versus the wing when the cars get turned backwards. I feel very confident in that going to the racetrack this weekend at Talladega." -Jeff Gordon
"We're halfway through the Chase. We find ourselves in a decent position, yet we know we have to work harder to get back up there in the points lead where we want to be. Talladega is a great weekend for us to hopefully find our way up to the top and not get caught up in the big wreck that can happen." -Kurt Busch
"I think that it's a good thing opening up the plates. I think they should open them up more and I think that small amount that they open it up -- it's not going to make that big of a difference. We're still going to be pushing. If you open it up enough to where it really will make a horsepower difference to where we're running a decent speed by ourselves then we can't push. The truth is that if we still go out there and push, we're going to be running faster than we would be in the pack. I would like to see them open it up more. It would eliminate the push quite a bit. Right now you're just relying on so many different factors to finish well in those types of races. I would like to see a change and don't mind the change." -Denny Hamlin on the Talladega rules changes
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:
Better Half Dash Adds a Little Fun to a Serious Game
by Amy Henderson
Four Burning Questions: The One to Watch, New Rules, and the Lead Change Bonus
by Mike Lovecchio
Voices From the Heartland: 'Open Letter' Based on Emotion Not Reality
by Jeff Meyer
Casey Mears Driver Diary: Looking Ahead, Keeping Busy, and the Better Half Dash
as told to Amy Henderson
Tearing Apart the Trucks: Hornaday Re-Emerges as a Title Threat
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Frontstretch Podcast: October 21st Edition
hosted by Doug Turnbull
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: Even 20 years ago, "The Big One" was a threat to drivers at Talladega. In the 1991 DieHard 500, this wreck occurred in Turn 1 just after halfway. What happened to cause it?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: Earlier in the 1990 DieHard 500, there was a notable incident that set the wheels in motion for the insane pit rules instituted for the beginning of the 1991 season (and the more sane pit road speed limits that followed). What happened?
A: Stanley Smith, who was making his Winston Cup debut, qualified a divine 12th in his Interstate Batteries Pontiac. Under the second and final caution of the race on Lap 55, Smith brought his No. 68 onto pit road for a stop that went OK. It is unclear what happened from the replays, but Smith claimed that another car exited from their pit stall and hit him, pushing Smith out into the grass. Smith tried to save the car, but was unable to do so and the car then spun across pit road and hit the parked No. 72 of Tracy Leslie. Five members of Leslie's crew were injured and both cars were damaged enough to have to retire from the race. The incident can be seen at the 14:00 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:
-- Good Sam Club 500 Race Recap by TBA
-- Running Their Mouth: Good Sam Club 500 by Brody Jones
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
Monday on the Frontstretch:
Matt McLaughlin's Thinkin' Out Loud: Good Sam Club 500 by Matt McLaughlin
Matt will be here with his overall thoughts about the action from Sunday afternoon's action from the Talladega.
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 Talladega.
Monday Morning Teardown by Ron Lemasters
Ron returns for a website look at one of the big stories from Sunday's race from Talladega.
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 Talladega.
Big Six: Bank of America 500 by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving the sixth race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing at Talladega.
Tracking the Trucks: Mountain Dew 250 powered by Fred's by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth has all the post-race analysis you need after Saturday afternoon's Camping World Truck Series race from Talladega.
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