THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
November 11th, 2011
Volume V, Edition CCXLI
HAPPY VETERANS' DAY!
~~~~~~~~~~
Top News
by Summer Dreyer
Kyle Busch Saga Continues
The drama continues surrounding Kyle Busch's actions at Texas Motor Speedway in which he intentionally crashed Camping World Truck Series championship contender Ron Hornaday, Jr. after the caution flag had flown for contact between the two. In reaction to the move, NASCAR decided to park Busch for the Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series events the rest of the weekend and later fined him $50,000 and placed him on probation until the end of the year.
NASCAR has since cleared Busch to compete in other events through the end of 2011, but his sponsors have reacted to his bad behavior.
According to an Associated Press report, Nationwide Series sponsor Z-Line Designs has asked for Busch to be replaced with Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin in the season-ending race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
But it doesn't end there. Last weekend, M&M Mars expressed their displeasure with Busch's actions and have continued to send a message with a release sent out late Thursday evening. M&Ms will not be featured on the No. 18 Toyota for the remainder of the season but does plan to return with the younger Busch brother behind the wheel in 2012 barring any further incidents.
"As a proud member of the racing community, Mars and the M&Ms brand strongly support the partnership we have with Joe Gibbs Racing and are committed to NASCAR. Yet, Kyle's recent actions are unacceptable and do not reflect the values of Mars," said Dabra A. Sandler, Chief Consumer Officer for Mars Chocolate North America. "While we do not condone Kyle's recent actions, we do believe that he has shown remorse and has expressed a desire to change. We believe out decision will have a positive impact on Kyle and will help him return next season ready to win."
In their place, the No. 18 has been rewrapped and will be backed by Interstate Batteries for the remaining two race this season.
"We strongly support Mars' decision," said JGR Team Owner Joe Gibbs. "This gives us all time to work together to foster a positive change where Kyle can continue racing in a way we can all be proud of."
Busch and Joe Gibbs are expected to address the media on Friday morning.
Kid Rock to Open NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Award Ceremony
by Brett Poirier
NASCAR announced last week that country superstar Reba McEntire will host the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Award Ceremony, and on Thursday they announced another big name performer for the end-of-the-year celebration. Kid Rock will open the show with his single "Born Free" on Dec. 2 at Wynn Las Vegas. Kid Rock narrated the documentary, "Tony Stewart: Smoke," in 2002 and remains close with championship contender Tony Stewart. He also attends many NASCAR races.
The ceremony will cap off Champions Week, a week-long celebration involving fans and the 12 teams that qualified for the 2011 Chase for the Sprint Cup.
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
NCAA Wrestling Champion Named Honorary Race Official at Phoenix
Arizona State University NCAA wrestling champion Anthony Robles has been named an Honorary Race Official for Sunday's Kobalt Tools 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix. Robles, who was born without a right leg, won the 2010-11 NCAA national championship at the 125-pound weight class.
"With the support of my family and my coaches, I believed I could one day be a champion wrestler … I believed that I could be unstoppable," Robles said. "I am honored to have been chosen to stand in front of my hometown crowd as an Honorary Race Official for the Kobalt Tools 500."
Kurt Busch To Visit Oil Rig Following Sunday's Race
Penske Racing driver Kurt Busch will travel to New Orleans on Monday on an invitation from sponsor Shell Oil Company. Busch will take an hour-and-a-half helicopter ride to visit one of Shell's biggest and newest oil rig platforms: Brutus, which is located 165 miles southwest of New Orleans. The eight-slot platform has a processing capacity to produce 120,000 barrels of oil in a single day.
Busch will be briefed about safety in the morning. Upon arrival, Busch will be given a tour of the control room, well bay, drilling rig, crane cab and underwater hull. The driver will then join employees for lunch and will sign autographs afterward.
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
November 11th, 2011
Volume V, Edition CCXLI
HAPPY VETERANS' DAY!
~~~~~~~~~~
Top News
by Summer Dreyer
Kyle Busch Saga Continues
The drama continues surrounding Kyle Busch's actions at Texas Motor Speedway in which he intentionally crashed Camping World Truck Series championship contender Ron Hornaday, Jr. after the caution flag had flown for contact between the two. In reaction to the move, NASCAR decided to park Busch for the Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series events the rest of the weekend and later fined him $50,000 and placed him on probation until the end of the year.
NASCAR has since cleared Busch to compete in other events through the end of 2011, but his sponsors have reacted to his bad behavior.
According to an Associated Press report, Nationwide Series sponsor Z-Line Designs has asked for Busch to be replaced with Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin in the season-ending race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
But it doesn't end there. Last weekend, M&M Mars expressed their displeasure with Busch's actions and have continued to send a message with a release sent out late Thursday evening. M&Ms will not be featured on the No. 18 Toyota for the remainder of the season but does plan to return with the younger Busch brother behind the wheel in 2012 barring any further incidents.
"As a proud member of the racing community, Mars and the M&Ms brand strongly support the partnership we have with Joe Gibbs Racing and are committed to NASCAR. Yet, Kyle's recent actions are unacceptable and do not reflect the values of Mars," said Dabra A. Sandler, Chief Consumer Officer for Mars Chocolate North America. "While we do not condone Kyle's recent actions, we do believe that he has shown remorse and has expressed a desire to change. We believe out decision will have a positive impact on Kyle and will help him return next season ready to win."
In their place, the No. 18 has been rewrapped and will be backed by Interstate Batteries for the remaining two race this season.
"We strongly support Mars' decision," said JGR Team Owner Joe Gibbs. "This gives us all time to work together to foster a positive change where Kyle can continue racing in a way we can all be proud of."
Busch and Joe Gibbs are expected to address the media on Friday morning.
Kid Rock to Open NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Award Ceremony
by Brett Poirier
NASCAR announced last week that country superstar Reba McEntire will host the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Award Ceremony, and on Thursday they announced another big name performer for the end-of-the-year celebration. Kid Rock will open the show with his single "Born Free" on Dec. 2 at Wynn Las Vegas. Kid Rock narrated the documentary, "Tony Stewart: Smoke," in 2002 and remains close with championship contender Tony Stewart. He also attends many NASCAR races.
The ceremony will cap off Champions Week, a week-long celebration involving fans and the 12 teams that qualified for the 2011 Chase for the Sprint Cup.
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
NCAA Wrestling Champion Named Honorary Race Official at Phoenix
Arizona State University NCAA wrestling champion Anthony Robles has been named an Honorary Race Official for Sunday's Kobalt Tools 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix. Robles, who was born without a right leg, won the 2010-11 NCAA national championship at the 125-pound weight class.
"With the support of my family and my coaches, I believed I could one day be a champion wrestler … I believed that I could be unstoppable," Robles said. "I am honored to have been chosen to stand in front of my hometown crowd as an Honorary Race Official for the Kobalt Tools 500."
Kurt Busch To Visit Oil Rig Following Sunday's Race
Penske Racing driver Kurt Busch will travel to New Orleans on Monday on an invitation from sponsor Shell Oil Company. Busch will take an hour-and-a-half helicopter ride to visit one of Shell's biggest and newest oil rig platforms: Brutus, which is located 165 miles southwest of New Orleans. The eight-slot platform has a processing capacity to produce 120,000 barrels of oil in a single day.
Busch will be briefed about safety in the morning. Upon arrival, Busch will be given a tour of the control room, well bay, drilling rig, crane cab and underwater hull. The driver will then join employees for lunch and will sign autographs afterward.
~~~~~~~~~~
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 Beth Lunkenheimer as the two discuss the Kyle Busch fiasco, what to expect from Phoenix and much more! Check it out here!
~~~~~~~~~~
Keepin' It Short: Crowing a Champ in the World Crown 300
by Mike Neff
There are several races that occur during the short track racing season that show up on most local track fans' bucket lists. The Snowball Derby, the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300, the TD Bank 250, the Chili Bowl, the Knoxville Nationals, the Rattler and the Dream are some of the biggest. Another huge race is this weekend at Gresham Motorsports Park. The 28th annual World Crown 300 kicked off Thursday night with a free practice session and will conclude on Sunday with the 200 green flag lap 300. In between the practice session and the 300 will be quite a bit of racing highlighted by the Beau Slocumb 100.
In the 1983, the first ever 300 was contested and featured a starting lineup littered with well known names: Bobby, Donnie and Davey Allison, Rusty Wallace, Alan Kulwicki, Darrell Waltrip, Neil Bonnett and Mark Martin. When the checkered flag flew at the end of the event none of those names celebrated. Instead it was Dick Trickle who took home the big trophy at the end of the day. Over the years there have been many famous names etched on the winners' trophy including: Waltrip, Rich Bickle, Rick Crawford, and most recently Justin Wakefield.
Rheem is going all out with its sponsorship of the racing weekend with exciting giveaways and prizes for race attendees including a Daytona Fan Dream Package, which includes four tickets to the Gatorade Duel at Daytona, as well as the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series®, NASCAR Nationwide Series® and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series® races taking place Feb. 23-26, 2012. Rheem is also going to give away 100 T-shirts every day to the first 100 ticketed boys and girls under the age of 12 who enter the gates. The commemorative shirts will feature Rheem race drivers Spencer Davis, Brandon Jones and Kristen Wallace. All three of those drivers will be participating in this years event.
"Rheem supports racing programs at various levels—from the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series to short track racing in local communities," said Ed Raniszeski, Rheem's Corporate Director of Strategic Relationships. "Rheem appreciates the determination and competitive excellence associated with racing, and there's no better year-end, short track race that illustrates this better than the World Crown 300. We're proud to partner with Gresham Motorsports Park to sponsor the Rheem World Crown 300, and look forward to seeing three great days of competitive short track racing."
With the race taking place on Veteran's Day weekend, Kipper Tool, located in Gainesville, Ga., will give 500 Rheem World Crown 300 tickets for Sunday's race event at GMP to active military and veterans (with proof of Military ID). Kipper Tool will also conduct an exciting raffle on-site at the race where proceeds will go to the Wounded Warrior Project, Homes for Our Troops and the Fisher Foundation. Plus, GMP and Rheem will recognize veterans in attendance at the race.
The weekend's schedule includes Thursday's free practice session which will include Super Late Models and Pro Late Models. Friday night's activity will include the Rheem 75 Truck race along with qualifying for the World Crown 300. There will also be Mini-Cup and Sportsman races and an on-track autograph session. Saturday will see the Beau Slocumb Memorial 100 which will honor the life of race driver Beau Slocumb who lost his battle to cancer earlier this year. The Pro Late Model race will be 100 green flag laps broken into two segments. Saturday's racing program will also include Renegades, Mini Stocks, Outlaw Late Models and an on-track autograph session.
Sunday will be the culmination of the racing weekend with the 28th annual World Crown 300. The race will consist of 200 green flag laps broken into three segments. The race will be preceded by an on-track autograph session with the drivers.
"Over the years, drivers have flocked to GMP—'Georgia's Fastest Short Track'—for the annual World Crown 300, and thanks to recent renovations at the track, drivers are more excited than ever to race at GMP," said Dan Elliott, GMP's General Manager. "The Rheem World Crown 300 gives short track racers the opportunity to not only compete at a paramount event with both regional and national significance, but it also enables them to drive at one of the country's best short tracks."
The racing season is winding down with only a handful of big races left on the schedules throughout the country. One of the biggest is this weekend in Jefferson, Georgia. If you're in the Southeast and have a chance to head to one of the finest racing facilities in the country you won't be disappointed.
This Weekend's Race Schedule
Fri : Nov. 11th - Ocala Speedway ; Ocala : FL - Top Gun Sprint Car Series
Fri : Nov. 11th - Pike County Speedway ; Magnolia : MS - SUPR Late Models
Fri : Nov. 11th - Southern NM Speedway ; Las Cruces : NM - ASCS / Southwest Region
Fri : Nov. 11th - Southern NM Speedway ; Las Cruces : NM - Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Series
Fri : Nov. 11th - Tennessee National Speedway ; Hohenwald : TN - Southern Regional Racing Series
Sat : Nov. 12th – Phoenix International Raceway ; Avondale : AZ – K&N West Series
Sat : Nov. 12th - Giant Chevrolet Speedway ; Hanford : CA - USAC/CRA 410
Sat : Nov. 12th – Ventura Speedway ; Ventura : CA – VRA Sprints
Sat : Nov. 12th - Georgetown Speedway ; Georgetown : DE - Big Block Modified Special
Sat : Nov. 12th - Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA - MMRA / Mini-Cups
Sat : Nov. 12th - Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA – World Crown 300 Super Late Models
Sat : Nov. 12th - Pike County Speedway ; Magnolia : MS - SUPR Late Models
Sat : Nov. 12th - Southern NM Speedway ; Las Cruces : NM - ASCS / Southwest Region
Sat : Nov. 12th - Southern NM Speedway ; Las Cruces : NM - Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Cars
Sat : Nov. 12th - Tulsa Raceway Park ; Tulsa : OK - All American Track Racing Series
Sat : Nov. 12th - Susquehanna Speedway ; Newberrytown : PN - 358 Sprint Special
Sat : Nov. 12th - Susquehanna Speedway ; Newberrytown : PN - 410 Sprint Special
Sat : Nov. 12th – Florence Motor Speedway ; Timmonsville : SC – Limited Late Models
Sat : Nov. 12th - Tennessee National Speedway ; Hohenwald : TN - Southern Regional Racing Series
Sun : Nov. 13th - East Alabama Motor Speedway ; Phenix City : AL - National 100
Sun : Nov. 13th - Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA – World Crown 300 Super Late Models
Sun : Nov. 13th – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – Oktoberfest Late Models
Sun : Nov. 13th – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – Oktoberfest Modifieds
Sun : Nov. 13th – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – Oktoberfest Sprint Cars
Sun : Nov. 13th - Tulsa Raceway Park ; Tulsa : OK - All American Track Racing Series
Thu : Nov. 17th - USA Race Park ; Tucson : AZ - ASCS / Canyon Region
Thu : Nov. 17th - USA Race Park ; Tucson : AZ - ASCS / Southwest Region
Thu : Nov. 17th - USA Race Park ; Tucson : AZ - Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Series
Thu : Nov. 17th - Royal Purple Raceway ; Houston : TX - USMTS 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: Kobalt Tools 500
by Summer Dreyer
This weekend, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to Phoenix International Raceway for the semi-final race of the season. The Kobalt Tools 500 will be the 35th race of the season and ninth in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Sunday's race will be broadcast live November 13th at 3PM ET on ESPN. Drivers will compete for 312 laps (312 miles) before taking the checkered flag.
Records and Facts
Carl Edwards holds the track qualifying record, with a lap of 26.224 sec at 137.279 mph during qualifying for the 2011 Subway Fresh Fit 500. Edwards finished 28th in the race after leading 21 of the 312 laps. Jeff Gordon went on to win the race. With two races left in the season, Edwards currently has three poles through 34 races this year.
Tony Stewart holds the record for the fastest race run at Phoenix International Raceway, with a speed of 118.132mph in the 1999 Checker Auto Parts/Dura Lube 500. Stewart led 154 of the 312 laps to win by 2.081 sec over second-place Mark Martin. Bobby Labonte, Jeff Burton, and Ricky Rudd rounded out the top 5. Stewart won a total of three races during the 1999 season and finished fourth in points.
Carl Edwards is the defending race winner of this event, leading 93 of the 312 laps to win by 4.770 sec over second-place Ryan Newman. Joey Logano, Greg Biffle, and Jimmie Johnson rounded out the top 5. Edwards won a total of two races during the 2010 season and finished fourth in points.
Track Facts
Track/Race Length: 1.0-mile oval, 312 laps (312 miles)
Pit Road Speed: 45 mph
Degree of Banking: 9-11 degrees in the corners
Frontstretch: 1,179 ft., banked 3 degrees
Backstretch: 1,151 ft., banked 9 degrees
Grandstand Seating: 76,812
Pre-race Schedule
Practice: Friday, November 11th, 1:30 – 3:30 PM ET on ESPN2
Happy Hour: Friday, November 11th, 5:30 – 7:30 PM ET on ESPN2
Qualifying: Saturday, November 12th, 1:40 PM ET on SPEED
VIPs
Grand Marshal: Adrian Fernandez
National Anthem: Catchpenny
Race Day Forecast
Sunday: Partly cloudy, 20% chance of rain
High: 70
Low: 48
Say What?
"I think the championship very well may come down to a car that gets the outside lane on the restart at Phoenix. If it's the last restart, that could be a death sentence." -Brad Keselowski
"There are a lot of unknowns. But I expect to have a good race every time we go to [Phoenix]. This weekend will be no different." -Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
"Phoenix is like a home track to me. I raced there a bunch back in the West Series and had a win where we started from the pole. So I love going there and feel comfortable going there. Of course, it's going to be different this time because they've reconfigured the track so it's going to be kind of like going to a whole new track." -David Gilliland
Summer Dreyer is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via email at summer.dreyer@frontstretch.com.
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COME JOIN THE FRONTSTRETCH FAMILY!
~~~~~~~~~~
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Kyle Busch Will Race, But Can Anybody Win?
by Amy Henderson
Four Burning Questions: Another Slap on the Wrist for Kyle Busch, the Championship Edge, and Red Bull Flip Flops
by Bryan Davis Keith and Brody Jones
Regan Smith Driver Diary: Evaluating Plate Races, Snowboarding, Season Review and the Off-Season
as told to Tony Lumbis
Beyond the Cockpit: Sean Corr on 2011 and Racing with his Heroes
by Bryan Davis Keith
Frontstretch Podcast: November 11th Edition
hosted by Doug Turnbull
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: Today, Phoenix International Raceway has a state-of-the-art catchfence and a typical flagstand. However, this was not the case back in the early 1980's. What was PIR's flag stand like back then?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: In the 1994 Slick 50 200 for CART at Phoenix, the Marlboro-sponsored Penske cars dominated the proceedings, leading a combined 172 of the 200 laps. Emerson Fittipaldi won by 13.5 seconds over teammate Al Unser, Jr., the only other driver on the lead lap. Third driver Paul Tracy was also a strong contender from pole before being eliminated in a big crash. What happened?
A: Hiro Matsushita had contact with the much faster Teo Fabi in Turn 3. This contact spun Fabi into the wall and took Matsushita with him. Paul Tracy was right behind the two and had nowhere to go. Roughly seven seconds after the three cars came to rest, Tracy and Matsushita were hit by Jacques Villeneuve. Dominic Dobson was also wrapped up in the crash. Amazingly, all the drivers walked away, including Matsushita, whose car was split in half. The wreck can be seen at the 9:33 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:
-- Kobalt Tools 500 Race Recap by Brody Jones
-- Running Their Mouth: Kobalt Tools 500 by Brody Jones
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
Monday on the Frontstretch:
Matt McLaughlin's Thinkin' Out Loud: Kobalt Tools 500 by Matt McLaughlin
Matt will be here with his overall thoughts about the action from Sunday afternoon's action from the Phoenix.
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 Phoenix.
Monday Morning Teardown by Ron Lemasters
Ron returns for a website look at one of the big stories from Sunday's race from Phoenix.
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 Phoenix.
Big Six: Kobalt Tools 500 by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving the ninth race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing at Phoenix.
Nationwide Series Breakdown: Wypall 200 by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan has all the post-race analysis you need after Saturday afternoon's Nationwide Series race from Phoenix.
-----------------------------
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 Beth Lunkenheimer as the two discuss the Kyle Busch fiasco, what to expect from Phoenix and much more! Check it out here!
~~~~~~~~~~
Keepin' It Short: Crowing a Champ in the World Crown 300
by Mike Neff
There are several races that occur during the short track racing season that show up on most local track fans' bucket lists. The Snowball Derby, the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300, the TD Bank 250, the Chili Bowl, the Knoxville Nationals, the Rattler and the Dream are some of the biggest. Another huge race is this weekend at Gresham Motorsports Park. The 28th annual World Crown 300 kicked off Thursday night with a free practice session and will conclude on Sunday with the 200 green flag lap 300. In between the practice session and the 300 will be quite a bit of racing highlighted by the Beau Slocumb 100.
In the 1983, the first ever 300 was contested and featured a starting lineup littered with well known names: Bobby, Donnie and Davey Allison, Rusty Wallace, Alan Kulwicki, Darrell Waltrip, Neil Bonnett and Mark Martin. When the checkered flag flew at the end of the event none of those names celebrated. Instead it was Dick Trickle who took home the big trophy at the end of the day. Over the years there have been many famous names etched on the winners' trophy including: Waltrip, Rich Bickle, Rick Crawford, and most recently Justin Wakefield.
Rheem is going all out with its sponsorship of the racing weekend with exciting giveaways and prizes for race attendees including a Daytona Fan Dream Package, which includes four tickets to the Gatorade Duel at Daytona, as well as the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series®, NASCAR Nationwide Series® and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series® races taking place Feb. 23-26, 2012. Rheem is also going to give away 100 T-shirts every day to the first 100 ticketed boys and girls under the age of 12 who enter the gates. The commemorative shirts will feature Rheem race drivers Spencer Davis, Brandon Jones and Kristen Wallace. All three of those drivers will be participating in this years event.
"Rheem supports racing programs at various levels—from the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series to short track racing in local communities," said Ed Raniszeski, Rheem's Corporate Director of Strategic Relationships. "Rheem appreciates the determination and competitive excellence associated with racing, and there's no better year-end, short track race that illustrates this better than the World Crown 300. We're proud to partner with Gresham Motorsports Park to sponsor the Rheem World Crown 300, and look forward to seeing three great days of competitive short track racing."
With the race taking place on Veteran's Day weekend, Kipper Tool, located in Gainesville, Ga., will give 500 Rheem World Crown 300 tickets for Sunday's race event at GMP to active military and veterans (with proof of Military ID). Kipper Tool will also conduct an exciting raffle on-site at the race where proceeds will go to the Wounded Warrior Project, Homes for Our Troops and the Fisher Foundation. Plus, GMP and Rheem will recognize veterans in attendance at the race.
The weekend's schedule includes Thursday's free practice session which will include Super Late Models and Pro Late Models. Friday night's activity will include the Rheem 75 Truck race along with qualifying for the World Crown 300. There will also be Mini-Cup and Sportsman races and an on-track autograph session. Saturday will see the Beau Slocumb Memorial 100 which will honor the life of race driver Beau Slocumb who lost his battle to cancer earlier this year. The Pro Late Model race will be 100 green flag laps broken into two segments. Saturday's racing program will also include Renegades, Mini Stocks, Outlaw Late Models and an on-track autograph session.
Sunday will be the culmination of the racing weekend with the 28th annual World Crown 300. The race will consist of 200 green flag laps broken into three segments. The race will be preceded by an on-track autograph session with the drivers.
"Over the years, drivers have flocked to GMP—'Georgia's Fastest Short Track'—for the annual World Crown 300, and thanks to recent renovations at the track, drivers are more excited than ever to race at GMP," said Dan Elliott, GMP's General Manager. "The Rheem World Crown 300 gives short track racers the opportunity to not only compete at a paramount event with both regional and national significance, but it also enables them to drive at one of the country's best short tracks."
The racing season is winding down with only a handful of big races left on the schedules throughout the country. One of the biggest is this weekend in Jefferson, Georgia. If you're in the Southeast and have a chance to head to one of the finest racing facilities in the country you won't be disappointed.
This Weekend's Race Schedule
Fri : Nov. 11th - Ocala Speedway ; Ocala : FL - Top Gun Sprint Car Series
Fri : Nov. 11th - Pike County Speedway ; Magnolia : MS - SUPR Late Models
Fri : Nov. 11th - Southern NM Speedway ; Las Cruces : NM - ASCS / Southwest Region
Fri : Nov. 11th - Southern NM Speedway ; Las Cruces : NM - Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Series
Fri : Nov. 11th - Tennessee National Speedway ; Hohenwald : TN - Southern Regional Racing Series
Sat : Nov. 12th – Phoenix International Raceway ; Avondale : AZ – K&N West Series
Sat : Nov. 12th - Giant Chevrolet Speedway ; Hanford : CA - USAC/CRA 410
Sat : Nov. 12th – Ventura Speedway ; Ventura : CA – VRA Sprints
Sat : Nov. 12th - Georgetown Speedway ; Georgetown : DE - Big Block Modified Special
Sat : Nov. 12th - Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA - MMRA / Mini-Cups
Sat : Nov. 12th - Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA – World Crown 300 Super Late Models
Sat : Nov. 12th - Pike County Speedway ; Magnolia : MS - SUPR Late Models
Sat : Nov. 12th - Southern NM Speedway ; Las Cruces : NM - ASCS / Southwest Region
Sat : Nov. 12th - Southern NM Speedway ; Las Cruces : NM - Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Cars
Sat : Nov. 12th - Tulsa Raceway Park ; Tulsa : OK - All American Track Racing Series
Sat : Nov. 12th - Susquehanna Speedway ; Newberrytown : PN - 358 Sprint Special
Sat : Nov. 12th - Susquehanna Speedway ; Newberrytown : PN - 410 Sprint Special
Sat : Nov. 12th – Florence Motor Speedway ; Timmonsville : SC – Limited Late Models
Sat : Nov. 12th - Tennessee National Speedway ; Hohenwald : TN - Southern Regional Racing Series
Sun : Nov. 13th - East Alabama Motor Speedway ; Phenix City : AL - National 100
Sun : Nov. 13th - Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA – World Crown 300 Super Late Models
Sun : Nov. 13th – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – Oktoberfest Late Models
Sun : Nov. 13th – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – Oktoberfest Modifieds
Sun : Nov. 13th – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – Oktoberfest Sprint Cars
Sun : Nov. 13th - Tulsa Raceway Park ; Tulsa : OK - All American Track Racing Series
Thu : Nov. 17th - USA Race Park ; Tucson : AZ - ASCS / Canyon Region
Thu : Nov. 17th - USA Race Park ; Tucson : AZ - ASCS / Southwest Region
Thu : Nov. 17th - USA Race Park ; Tucson : AZ - Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Series
Thu : Nov. 17th - Royal Purple Raceway ; Houston : TX - USMTS 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: Kobalt Tools 500
by Summer Dreyer
This weekend, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to Phoenix International Raceway for the semi-final race of the season. The Kobalt Tools 500 will be the 35th race of the season and ninth in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Sunday's race will be broadcast live November 13th at 3PM ET on ESPN. Drivers will compete for 312 laps (312 miles) before taking the checkered flag.
Records and Facts
Carl Edwards holds the track qualifying record, with a lap of 26.224 sec at 137.279 mph during qualifying for the 2011 Subway Fresh Fit 500. Edwards finished 28th in the race after leading 21 of the 312 laps. Jeff Gordon went on to win the race. With two races left in the season, Edwards currently has three poles through 34 races this year.
Tony Stewart holds the record for the fastest race run at Phoenix International Raceway, with a speed of 118.132mph in the 1999 Checker Auto Parts/Dura Lube 500. Stewart led 154 of the 312 laps to win by 2.081 sec over second-place Mark Martin. Bobby Labonte, Jeff Burton, and Ricky Rudd rounded out the top 5. Stewart won a total of three races during the 1999 season and finished fourth in points.
Carl Edwards is the defending race winner of this event, leading 93 of the 312 laps to win by 4.770 sec over second-place Ryan Newman. Joey Logano, Greg Biffle, and Jimmie Johnson rounded out the top 5. Edwards won a total of two races during the 2010 season and finished fourth in points.
Track Facts
Track/Race Length: 1.0-mile oval, 312 laps (312 miles)
Pit Road Speed: 45 mph
Degree of Banking: 9-11 degrees in the corners
Frontstretch: 1,179 ft., banked 3 degrees
Backstretch: 1,151 ft., banked 9 degrees
Grandstand Seating: 76,812
Pre-race Schedule
Practice: Friday, November 11th, 1:30 – 3:30 PM ET on ESPN2
Happy Hour: Friday, November 11th, 5:30 – 7:30 PM ET on ESPN2
Qualifying: Saturday, November 12th, 1:40 PM ET on SPEED
VIPs
Grand Marshal: Adrian Fernandez
National Anthem: Catchpenny
Race Day Forecast
Sunday: Partly cloudy, 20% chance of rain
High: 70
Low: 48
Say What?
"I think the championship very well may come down to a car that gets the outside lane on the restart at Phoenix. If it's the last restart, that could be a death sentence." -Brad Keselowski
"There are a lot of unknowns. But I expect to have a good race every time we go to [Phoenix]. This weekend will be no different." -Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
"Phoenix is like a home track to me. I raced there a bunch back in the West Series and had a win where we started from the pole. So I love going there and feel comfortable going there. Of course, it's going to be different this time because they've reconfigured the track so it's going to be kind of like going to a whole new track." -David Gilliland
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:
Kyle Busch Will Race, But Can Anybody Win?
by Amy Henderson
Four Burning Questions: Another Slap on the Wrist for Kyle Busch, the Championship Edge, and Red Bull Flip Flops
by Bryan Davis Keith and Brody Jones
Regan Smith Driver Diary: Evaluating Plate Races, Snowboarding, Season Review and the Off-Season
as told to Tony Lumbis
Beyond the Cockpit: Sean Corr on 2011 and Racing with his Heroes
by Bryan Davis Keith
Frontstretch Podcast: November 11th Edition
hosted by Doug Turnbull
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: Today, Phoenix International Raceway has a state-of-the-art catchfence and a typical flagstand. However, this was not the case back in the early 1980's. What was PIR's flag stand like back then?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: In the 1994 Slick 50 200 for CART at Phoenix, the Marlboro-sponsored Penske cars dominated the proceedings, leading a combined 172 of the 200 laps. Emerson Fittipaldi won by 13.5 seconds over teammate Al Unser, Jr., the only other driver on the lead lap. Third driver Paul Tracy was also a strong contender from pole before being eliminated in a big crash. What happened?
A: Hiro Matsushita had contact with the much faster Teo Fabi in Turn 3. This contact spun Fabi into the wall and took Matsushita with him. Paul Tracy was right behind the two and had nowhere to go. Roughly seven seconds after the three cars came to rest, Tracy and Matsushita were hit by Jacques Villeneuve. Dominic Dobson was also wrapped up in the crash. Amazingly, all the drivers walked away, including Matsushita, whose car was split in half. The wreck can be seen at the 9:33 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:
-- Kobalt Tools 500 Race Recap by Brody Jones
-- Running Their Mouth: Kobalt Tools 500 by Brody Jones
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
Monday on the Frontstretch:
Matt McLaughlin's Thinkin' Out Loud: Kobalt Tools 500 by Matt McLaughlin
Matt will be here with his overall thoughts about the action from Sunday afternoon's action from the Phoenix.
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 Phoenix.
Monday Morning Teardown by Ron Lemasters
Ron returns for a website look at one of the big stories from Sunday's race from Phoenix.
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 Phoenix.
Big Six: Kobalt Tools 500 by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving the ninth race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing at Phoenix.
Nationwide Series Breakdown: Wypall 200 by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan has all the post-race analysis you need after Saturday afternoon's Nationwide Series race from Phoenix.
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