THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
February 13th, 2012
Volume V, Edition XI
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
February 13th, 2012
Volume V, Edition XI
WELCOME TO NASCAR 2012! Starting today, the Frontstretch returns to a daily edition of the Newsletter with all your favorite columnists returning full-time by Monday, February 20th. We've got new faces, fresh ideas and a whole lot of Daytona 500 coverage headed your way, once again serving you the best way we know how: through quality, independent journalism.
Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @TheFrontstretch and Facebook at Frontstretch Writers! That way, you don't miss a beat as the action heats up down in Speedweeks.
Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @TheFrontstretch and Facebook at Frontstretch Writers! That way, you don't miss a beat as the action heats up down in Speedweeks.
Top News From The Past Week
by Tom Bowles
Landon Cassill to New, Unnamed Team with Red Bull Assets
Ten days ago, Landon Cassill announced that he was going to Front Row Motorsports to attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 in the No. 26 Ford (formerly No. 55) with sponsorship from Morristown Drivers Service. However, Cassill had an out from the deal if he was able to find a full-time ride. A day later, this apparently came to pass and Cassill was free to leave.
Last week, SiriusXM Speedway's Dave Moody reported that Cassill will drive the No. 83 formerly driven by Brian Vickers in Daytona starting this weekend. The team that he will be driving for currently does not officially have a name. However, the AP's Jenna Fryer is reporting that the team will likely be known as BK Racing, due to the fact that many of the team's investors own Burger King franchises. The investor group, which formerly supported TRG Motorsports' Cup operation is hoping to run two cars full-time throughout 2012.
In addition, Cassill stated that his crew chief will be Doug Richert, who split last season between TRG Motorsports and Rick Ware Racing's No. 15 in the Nationwide Series. The team's General Manager will be Harry McMullin, formerly of Roush Fenway Racing.
Cassill understands that everything is coming together for him very late, but he is happy to be locked into the Daytona 500.
"The guys are really hustling to get ready for Daytona, and this will be my first time going into a season knowing there's a full-time ride with my name on the door," Cassill said. "I'm going to be locked into the Daytona 500 for the first time in my life, and that's an emotional deal for me."
The team will field two cars for the full season. Cassill is confirmed in the No. 83, but no driver has been announced for the No. 93 (formerly the No. 4). Travis Kvapil, Brian Vickers and others are said to be in contention for the seat. Look for an announcement later this week for a driver for the No. 93.
Also of note, the No. 93 was previously tied in with Sinica Motorsports, the Monroe, NC team that attempted Homestead with Grant Enfinger last fall. The team has stated that they will attempt a part-time schedule in 2012, but will switch their number to avoid a conflict.
Ollie's Bargain Outlet to Sponsor Tommy Baldwin Racing at Daytona
On Friday, Tommy Baldwin Racing announced that Pennsylvania-based Ollie's Bargain Outlet has signed on to serve as the primary sponsor on the team's No. 36 Chevrolet for Speedweeks in Daytona. According to the team's press release, it is currently just a one-race deal. After the owner points switch that was designed to lock Danica Patrick into the Daytona 500, the No. 36 will have to either qualify on speed or race in through the Gatorade Duels.
Team owner Tommy Baldwin is pleased to put the sponsorship deal together for full-time driver Dave Blaney.
"We are thrilled to have Ollie's come on board for this year's Daytona 500," Baldwin said. "We were pleased with our superspeedway efforts last year and feel like we can build on that for this season. With Ollie's joining for the biggest race of the season, it is a win-win for all of us. They have worked with Dave in the past, and we are excited to have them as part of our program at TBR."
Like Baldwin said, this is not the first time that Ollie's has been involved in NASCAR, or with Blaney. In June 2004, Ollie's sponsored the No. 23 Dodge for Bill Davis Racing at Dover. Blaney ran very well in the race before getting involved in a huge 19-car wreck. Since then, Ollie's has sponsored teams like Kevin Harvick, Inc. in the Camping World Truck Series.
Townley Busted for DUI, Parked by RAB Racing
For John Wes Townley, 2012 was supposed to be his return to NASCAR after a mysterious disappearing act in the Fall of 2010. Unfortunately, it looks like his comeback will be short-lived, at least for the time being.
On Tuesday morning, Townley crashed his 2012 BMW into a telephone pole in Oconee County, Georgia. Upon crashing, Townley fled from his car and was found knocking on the back door of a home by a sheriff's deputy. According to the deputy, Townley was "swaying from side to side and bleeding from his bare feet."
Townley has been charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and weaving in the road. A mugshot posted by the Oconee County Sheriff's Department on their Facebook page and reposted on SBNation shows an incredibly inebriated Townley with what appears to be dried blood on his face.
NASCAR historically does not suspend drivers for blatant off-track incidents involving alcohol. Last year, Michael Annett was caught with a BAC four times the legal limit in North Carolina a couple of weeks before the season began. NASCAR put Annett on probation. Scott Wimmer lost his license after being involved in a crash with alcohol being involved; however, the sanctioning body usually leaves punishment up to the individual teams.
With that in mind, team owner Robby Benton was not going to sit idly by after the news broke of Townley's arrest. He immediately suspended Townley indefinitely for his conduct detrimental to the organization.
"Obviously, this is an unfortunate situation. However, we have to react to the severity of the incident accordingly. His actions do not reflect those of RAB Racing, nor the sponsors associated with the team," Benton wrote. "John Wes has accepted full responsibility, and will take the necessary personal steps in order to correct his actions, among other internal sanctions. We stand by John Wes, and will welcome him back to the team at the appropriate time."
For Townley, this is not his first alcohol-related citation, but his first (known) DUI. In 2010, the then 20-year old Townley was cited for underage possession of alcohol in Las Vegas while he was driving for Richard Childress Racing.
Bowles to MacDonald Motorsports
MacDonald Motorsports announced on Thursday that Jason Bowles, 2009 Champion of the K&N Pro Series West, will drive the No. 81 Dodge Challenger full-time in 2012 and compete for Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year. Sponsorship will be provided by American Majority Racing, described as the nation's leading conservative grassroots training organization. The main goal of their sponsorship is to engage race fans in the upcoming 2012 Presidential elections and convince them to register to vote (if they aren't already).
Bowles is very excited for his upcoming rookie campaign.
"I'm super excited about the opportunity with American Majority Racing and MacDonald Motorsports," said Bowles. "I look forward to working with them all year and a successful 2012 season. I can't thank them enough for coming on board and the support they have shown so far leading up to Daytona; it's going to be an exciting year!"
Team owner Randy MacDonald is happy to have Bowles onboard for 2012.
"I think Jason is going to be an excellent fit for our team and our sponsor, American Majority," MacDonald said. "He had an enormous amount of success running the K&N Pro Series and deserves a shot in Nationwide. I'm hoping to bring our team to the next level and compete for top-10 finishes this year with Jason, and that will be our goal on each race weekend."
Bowles replaces Blake Koch behind the wheel of the No. 81. Koch and his sponsor, Daystar, left the team at the end of 2011 and moved over to Rick Ware Racing's No. 41.
Landon Cassill to New, Unnamed Team with Red Bull Assets
Ten days ago, Landon Cassill announced that he was going to Front Row Motorsports to attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 in the No. 26 Ford (formerly No. 55) with sponsorship from Morristown Drivers Service. However, Cassill had an out from the deal if he was able to find a full-time ride. A day later, this apparently came to pass and Cassill was free to leave.
Last week, SiriusXM Speedway's Dave Moody reported that Cassill will drive the No. 83 formerly driven by Brian Vickers in Daytona starting this weekend. The team that he will be driving for currently does not officially have a name. However, the AP's Jenna Fryer is reporting that the team will likely be known as BK Racing, due to the fact that many of the team's investors own Burger King franchises. The investor group, which formerly supported TRG Motorsports' Cup operation is hoping to run two cars full-time throughout 2012.
In addition, Cassill stated that his crew chief will be Doug Richert, who split last season between TRG Motorsports and Rick Ware Racing's No. 15 in the Nationwide Series. The team's General Manager will be Harry McMullin, formerly of Roush Fenway Racing.
Cassill understands that everything is coming together for him very late, but he is happy to be locked into the Daytona 500.
"The guys are really hustling to get ready for Daytona, and this will be my first time going into a season knowing there's a full-time ride with my name on the door," Cassill said. "I'm going to be locked into the Daytona 500 for the first time in my life, and that's an emotional deal for me."
The team will field two cars for the full season. Cassill is confirmed in the No. 83, but no driver has been announced for the No. 93 (formerly the No. 4). Travis Kvapil, Brian Vickers and others are said to be in contention for the seat. Look for an announcement later this week for a driver for the No. 93.
Also of note, the No. 93 was previously tied in with Sinica Motorsports, the Monroe, NC team that attempted Homestead with Grant Enfinger last fall. The team has stated that they will attempt a part-time schedule in 2012, but will switch their number to avoid a conflict.
Ollie's Bargain Outlet to Sponsor Tommy Baldwin Racing at Daytona
On Friday, Tommy Baldwin Racing announced that Pennsylvania-based Ollie's Bargain Outlet has signed on to serve as the primary sponsor on the team's No. 36 Chevrolet for Speedweeks in Daytona. According to the team's press release, it is currently just a one-race deal. After the owner points switch that was designed to lock Danica Patrick into the Daytona 500, the No. 36 will have to either qualify on speed or race in through the Gatorade Duels.
Team owner Tommy Baldwin is pleased to put the sponsorship deal together for full-time driver Dave Blaney.
"We are thrilled to have Ollie's come on board for this year's Daytona 500," Baldwin said. "We were pleased with our superspeedway efforts last year and feel like we can build on that for this season. With Ollie's joining for the biggest race of the season, it is a win-win for all of us. They have worked with Dave in the past, and we are excited to have them as part of our program at TBR."
Like Baldwin said, this is not the first time that Ollie's has been involved in NASCAR, or with Blaney. In June 2004, Ollie's sponsored the No. 23 Dodge for Bill Davis Racing at Dover. Blaney ran very well in the race before getting involved in a huge 19-car wreck. Since then, Ollie's has sponsored teams like Kevin Harvick, Inc. in the Camping World Truck Series.
Townley Busted for DUI, Parked by RAB Racing
For John Wes Townley, 2012 was supposed to be his return to NASCAR after a mysterious disappearing act in the Fall of 2010. Unfortunately, it looks like his comeback will be short-lived, at least for the time being.
On Tuesday morning, Townley crashed his 2012 BMW into a telephone pole in Oconee County, Georgia. Upon crashing, Townley fled from his car and was found knocking on the back door of a home by a sheriff's deputy. According to the deputy, Townley was "swaying from side to side and bleeding from his bare feet."
Townley has been charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and weaving in the road. A mugshot posted by the Oconee County Sheriff's Department on their Facebook page and reposted on SBNation shows an incredibly inebriated Townley with what appears to be dried blood on his face.
NASCAR historically does not suspend drivers for blatant off-track incidents involving alcohol. Last year, Michael Annett was caught with a BAC four times the legal limit in North Carolina a couple of weeks before the season began. NASCAR put Annett on probation. Scott Wimmer lost his license after being involved in a crash with alcohol being involved; however, the sanctioning body usually leaves punishment up to the individual teams.
With that in mind, team owner Robby Benton was not going to sit idly by after the news broke of Townley's arrest. He immediately suspended Townley indefinitely for his conduct detrimental to the organization.
"Obviously, this is an unfortunate situation. However, we have to react to the severity of the incident accordingly. His actions do not reflect those of RAB Racing, nor the sponsors associated with the team," Benton wrote. "John Wes has accepted full responsibility, and will take the necessary personal steps in order to correct his actions, among other internal sanctions. We stand by John Wes, and will welcome him back to the team at the appropriate time."
For Townley, this is not his first alcohol-related citation, but his first (known) DUI. In 2010, the then 20-year old Townley was cited for underage possession of alcohol in Las Vegas while he was driving for Richard Childress Racing.
Bowles to MacDonald Motorsports
MacDonald Motorsports announced on Thursday that Jason Bowles, 2009 Champion of the K&N Pro Series West, will drive the No. 81 Dodge Challenger full-time in 2012 and compete for Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year. Sponsorship will be provided by American Majority Racing, described as the nation's leading conservative grassroots training organization. The main goal of their sponsorship is to engage race fans in the upcoming 2012 Presidential elections and convince them to register to vote (if they aren't already).
Bowles is very excited for his upcoming rookie campaign.
"I'm super excited about the opportunity with American Majority Racing and MacDonald Motorsports," said Bowles. "I look forward to working with them all year and a successful 2012 season. I can't thank them enough for coming on board and the support they have shown so far leading up to Daytona; it's going to be an exciting year!"
Team owner Randy MacDonald is happy to have Bowles onboard for 2012.
"I think Jason is going to be an excellent fit for our team and our sponsor, American Majority," MacDonald said. "He had an enormous amount of success running the K&N Pro Series and deserves a shot in Nationwide. I'm hoping to bring our team to the next level and compete for top-10 finishes this year with Jason, and that will be our goal on each race weekend."
Bowles replaces Blake Koch behind the wheel of the No. 81. Koch and his sponsor, Daystar, left the team at the end of 2011 and moved over to Rick Ware Racing's No. 41.
Have news for Phil and the Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at ashland10@mail.com with a promising lead or tip.
Just in case you missed them, we have completed our annual Driver Reviews. If you'd like to review them, JUST HEAD HERE AND YOU'LL FIND THEM ALL LISTED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE.
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Part I Of Our NASCAR Season Preview: Head Wrench Musical Chairs...And Miracles
by the Frontstretch Staff
Just in case you missed them, we have completed our annual Driver Reviews. If you'd like to review them, JUST HEAD HERE AND YOU'LL FIND THEM ALL LISTED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE.
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Part I Of Our NASCAR Season Preview: Head Wrench Musical Chairs...And Miracles
by the Frontstretch Staff
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: In 1993, Phoenix Racing had a rare relationship with a then-Winston Cup team that allowed them to stomp the rest of the ARCA field at Daytona with driver Jeff Purvis. Which team was Phoenix Racing allied with, and where did the team's winning race car that year come from?
Q: In 1993, Phoenix Racing had a rare relationship with a then-Winston Cup team that allowed them to stomp the rest of the ARCA field at Daytona with driver Jeff Purvis. Which team was Phoenix Racing allied with, and where did the team's winning race car that year come from?
Check back next Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Last Monday's Answer:
Q: The recent Rolex 24 at Daytona featured some close racing for position, some bumping and banging and well over 40 lead changes. However, Michael Shank Racing's 5.1-second margin-of-victory is not the closest ever in the event. Who had the narrowest margin of victory in the Rolex 24, and when did it occur?
A: Actually, the closest Rolex 24 finish occurred quite recently. The 2009 Rolex 24 at Daytona was won by a margin of .167 of a second by the No. 58 Porsche Riley for Brumos Racing over the No. 01 Lexus Riley for Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. Darren Law, David Donohue, Buddy Rice and Antonio Garcia did the honors behind the wheel. That year, four cars finished on the lead lap.
Coming Tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- The Return Of Fan's View by S.D. Grady
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
Coming Tomorrow On The Frontstretch:
Season Preview: Part II by the Frontstretch Staff
With 2012 on the horizon, the staff tackles the biggest issues facing NASCAR - both positive and negative - heading into the upcoming season. Part II of our preview focuses on the dwindling car count expected to hit the Sprint Cup Series at Phoenix and beyond; what, if anything can be done to solve even the big teams' recent economic and sponsor struggles?
Did You Notice... 6 Things We Learned In January, Part II by Tom Bowles
Tom finishes up his two-parter as we help get you set for the NASCAR season at hand.
Beyond the Cockpit: Boris Said as told to Phil Allaway
The curly-haired road racing veteran sat down with our own Phil Allaway for a brief conversation about the Rolex Series and his time in NASCAR's top-three series.
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