THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
December 6th, 2011
Volume IV, Edition CCLII
Today's Top News
by Tom Bowles
Busch, Penske Mutually Agree To Part Ways
The six-year NASCAR marriage between Kurt Busch and Roger Penske is over. The duo agreed to part ways Monday, ending an internal review began two weeks prior when a confrontation between Busch and ESPN's Dr. Jerry Punch was captured on YouTube. That video, combined with a separate, obscene hand gesture captured on camera drew a $50,000 fine from NASCAR and became the final straw in a year defined by the driver angrily lashing out both on and off the track.
"I appreciate the victories that Kurt has brought Penske Racing and our sponsors over the past six years," said Roger Penske in a statement. "While I am disappointed that Kurt will not be racing for our team in the future, both Kurt and I felt that separating at this time was best for all parties, including our team and sponsors. I wish Kurt the best in his future racing endeavors."
"I am grateful to Penske Racing for six very productive years," was Busch's company line. "Together we won a lot of races - 16 in all. Leaving a great organization and a lucrative contract is not easy, but it's an important step for me and allows me to take a deep breath to work on things that can make me a better driver and a better person. I want to personally thank Roger Penske for the opportunity that he has given me."
Busch, who is seeing a sports psychologist had made a habit of verbally abusing his Penske crew weekly over the radio, behavior sources say helped convince former crew chief Steve Addington to move on following the season. He had also caused several confrontations with the media in 2011, once following his divorce going public in July and twice at Richmond in September, where he tried to physically fight one reporter while tearing a transcript in half out of the hands of another.
Also on Monday, Busch took to his personal website where he released an additional statement focused on recovery from his anger problems.
"I never want to take for granted that it's a privilege to earn a living as a NASCAR driver," he said, claiming the fun for him had been taken out of racing in the past year. "As I begin this new chapter in my career, I'm excited about the future and committed to making the changes necessary for me to enjoy racing again, to compete for championships and to better represent NASCAR, my sponsors, my team and my fans."
The driver was signed for several more years at the No. 22 Dodge, but neither side would confirm if additional money changed hands to finalize the divorce and if so, how much. The future for both sides is cloudy at this point; for Busch, there's no top-tier rides available and little funding at this point in the Silly Season process. Penske, meanwhile, has received several inquiries about the open seat and while David Ragan remains the frontrunner, according to sources several other candidates are in play. Brian Vickers, Casey Mears, and Sam Hornish, Jr. are among those expected to get a serious look before a final decision is made by the team and approved by Shell/Pennzoil.
As for Penske himself, beyond his statement was out of the country and unavailable for additional comment. Teammate Brad Keselowski did offer this statement via his Twitter feed: "Kurt has been a great teammate and friend to me over the last 2 seasons. I truly do wish him the best, wherever and whatever he does."
Brian Pattie Named Crew Chief For Clint Bowyer
In other news this busy NASCAR offseason, Juan Pablo Montoya's former crew chief has a home. Brian Pattie was name to head up Clint Bowyer's new No. 15 Toyota at Michael Waltrip Racing Monday; the head wrench had been seeking work ever since Earnhardt Ganassi Racing let him go this past July.
"Brian is someone whose been on our radar for a very long time," said team owner Waltrip in a release. "He brings a strong technical background, along with great leadership and Chase experience. We have high hopes for Brian, Clint and the 5-Hour Energy team heading into 2012 and we think this is the perfect mix of talent, experience and leadership."
"Michael Waltrip Racing is an up-and-coming team making improvements every day," added Pattie. "I know how close it is to joining the upper echelon of the Sprint Cup Series. When I started talking with Michael about opportunities at MWR I really did my research and was impressed by their commitment to getting to the top of the sport. I feel like this is a great opportunity to join a new team with a new driver and start building something special. Clint's proven how good he is and I know that will get even better in 2012."
Pattie, who had one career victory with Montoya, at Watkins Glen was widely praised for the Colombian's 2009 season where the driver toned down his aggression and made the Chase. He also has 18 career Nationwide Series victories to his credit.
Busch, Penske Mutually Agree To Part Ways
The six-year NASCAR marriage between Kurt Busch and Roger Penske is over. The duo agreed to part ways Monday, ending an internal review began two weeks prior when a confrontation between Busch and ESPN's Dr. Jerry Punch was captured on YouTube. That video, combined with a separate, obscene hand gesture captured on camera drew a $50,000 fine from NASCAR and became the final straw in a year defined by the driver angrily lashing out both on and off the track.
"I appreciate the victories that Kurt has brought Penske Racing and our sponsors over the past six years," said Roger Penske in a statement. "While I am disappointed that Kurt will not be racing for our team in the future, both Kurt and I felt that separating at this time was best for all parties, including our team and sponsors. I wish Kurt the best in his future racing endeavors."
"I am grateful to Penske Racing for six very productive years," was Busch's company line. "Together we won a lot of races - 16 in all. Leaving a great organization and a lucrative contract is not easy, but it's an important step for me and allows me to take a deep breath to work on things that can make me a better driver and a better person. I want to personally thank Roger Penske for the opportunity that he has given me."
Busch, who is seeing a sports psychologist had made a habit of verbally abusing his Penske crew weekly over the radio, behavior sources say helped convince former crew chief Steve Addington to move on following the season. He had also caused several confrontations with the media in 2011, once following his divorce going public in July and twice at Richmond in September, where he tried to physically fight one reporter while tearing a transcript in half out of the hands of another.
Also on Monday, Busch took to his personal website where he released an additional statement focused on recovery from his anger problems.
"I never want to take for granted that it's a privilege to earn a living as a NASCAR driver," he said, claiming the fun for him had been taken out of racing in the past year. "As I begin this new chapter in my career, I'm excited about the future and committed to making the changes necessary for me to enjoy racing again, to compete for championships and to better represent NASCAR, my sponsors, my team and my fans."
The driver was signed for several more years at the No. 22 Dodge, but neither side would confirm if additional money changed hands to finalize the divorce and if so, how much. The future for both sides is cloudy at this point; for Busch, there's no top-tier rides available and little funding at this point in the Silly Season process. Penske, meanwhile, has received several inquiries about the open seat and while David Ragan remains the frontrunner, according to sources several other candidates are in play. Brian Vickers, Casey Mears, and Sam Hornish, Jr. are among those expected to get a serious look before a final decision is made by the team and approved by Shell/Pennzoil.
As for Penske himself, beyond his statement was out of the country and unavailable for additional comment. Teammate Brad Keselowski did offer this statement via his Twitter feed: "Kurt has been a great teammate and friend to me over the last 2 seasons. I truly do wish him the best, wherever and whatever he does."
Brian Pattie Named Crew Chief For Clint Bowyer
In other news this busy NASCAR offseason, Juan Pablo Montoya's former crew chief has a home. Brian Pattie was name to head up Clint Bowyer's new No. 15 Toyota at Michael Waltrip Racing Monday; the head wrench had been seeking work ever since Earnhardt Ganassi Racing let him go this past July.
"Brian is someone whose been on our radar for a very long time," said team owner Waltrip in a release. "He brings a strong technical background, along with great leadership and Chase experience. We have high hopes for Brian, Clint and the 5-Hour Energy team heading into 2012 and we think this is the perfect mix of talent, experience and leadership."
"Michael Waltrip Racing is an up-and-coming team making improvements every day," added Pattie. "I know how close it is to joining the upper echelon of the Sprint Cup Series. When I started talking with Michael about opportunities at MWR I really did my research and was impressed by their commitment to getting to the top of the sport. I feel like this is a great opportunity to join a new team with a new driver and start building something special. Clint's proven how good he is and I know that will get even better in 2012."
Pattie, who had one career victory with Montoya, at Watkins Glen was widely praised for the Colombian's 2009 season where the driver toned down his aggression and made the Chase. He also has 18 career Nationwide Series victories to his credit.
Have news for Tom and the Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at ashland10@mail.com with a promising lead or tip.
What do you think of the Kurt Busch firing? Send us your opinion and we'll put your feedback in the next edition of the Newsletter on Monday!
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
The Only Thing Mutual? Penske, Kurt Busch Both Stand to Lose Big
by Bryan Keith
Who Gets An Early Christmas Gift? Sorting Through Potential Busch Replacements
by Tom Bowles
Burned At The YouTube Stake: How Technology Brought Busch Down
by Mike Neff
DON'T FORGET OUR DRIVER REVIEWS! STOP ON BY IF YOU DIDN'T SEE THEM YESTERDAY... TODAY'S SCHEDULED REVIEWS, OF MARCOS AMBROSE AND ARIC ALMIROLA HAVE BEEN PUSHED BACK A DAY DUE TO BUSCH COVERAGE.
2011 NASCAR Driver Review: Justin Allgaier
The Only Thing Mutual? Penske, Kurt Busch Both Stand to Lose Big
by Bryan Keith
Who Gets An Early Christmas Gift? Sorting Through Potential Busch Replacements
by Tom Bowles
Burned At The YouTube Stake: How Technology Brought Busch Down
by Mike Neff
DON'T FORGET OUR DRIVER REVIEWS! STOP ON BY IF YOU DIDN'T SEE THEM YESTERDAY... TODAY'S SCHEDULED REVIEWS, OF MARCOS AMBROSE AND ARIC ALMIROLA HAVE BEEN PUSHED BACK A DAY DUE TO BUSCH COVERAGE.
2011 NASCAR Driver Review: Justin Allgaier
by Mike Neff
by Toni Montgomery
AND DON'T MISS OUR CHASER DRIVER REVIEWS FROM THE PAST WEEK! JUST HEAD HERE AND YOU'LL FIND THEM ALL LISTED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE.
AND DON'T MISS OUR CHASER DRIVER REVIEWS FROM THE PAST WEEK! JUST HEAD HERE AND YOU'LL FIND THEM ALL LISTED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE.
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: For 1985, new rules in touring car racing saw the introduction of new "Group A" rules for the Australian Touring Car Championship (now the V8 Supercar Championship Series) and the Australian Endurance Championship. What was the aim of these new rules?
Check back next Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Wednesday's Answer:
Q. This weekend is the Sydney Telstra 500, the season finale for the V8 Supercar Championship Series on a street course in the Homebush section of Sydney near Olympic Park. What track did this relatively new venue replace on the schedule?
A. The Homebush Street Circuit replaced Oran Park Raceway, a 1.62-mile road course near Sydney on the schedule. Oran Park was unique in that the track crossed over itself using a bridge. Like many racetracks here in the United States, Oran Park fell victim to development and was forced to close. As a result, the race was moved to the area surrounding Olympic Park in Sydney in order to keep a race on the V8 Supercar schedule near Sydney.
The final V8 Supercar round at Oran Park was in 2008. The track itself closed in January of last year, having been sold to the government of New South Wales for redevelopment as a housing project.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: If we mess up, you get 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!
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.
Coming Monday, December 5th in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more ... including our 2011 Driver Reviews!
All this week on the Frontstretch:
2011 Driver Reviews by the Frontstretch Staff
Now that we've covered the 12 Chasers, and the champions from the Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series, we're going to cover the remaining drivers in alphabetical order, starting with the A's. Note that Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series drivers will be lumped in with the Sprint Cup drivers, instead of separately.
Check out the full Driver Review Schedule here.
Schedule:
Today: Justin Allgaier and A.J. Allmendinger
Today: Justin Allgaier and A.J. Allmendinger
Tuesday: Aric Almirola and Marcos Ambrose (pushed back to Wednesday due to Busch coverage)
Wednesday: Michael Annett, Trevor Bayne and Greg Biffle (plus our Mirror Driving roundtable)
Thursday: Dave Blaney, Clint Bowyer and James Buescher.
Friday: Jeff Burton and David Gilliland
------------------------------
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©2011 Frontstretch.com
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
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