THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
March 14th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition XXXVIII
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
March 14th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition XXXVIII
~~~~~~~~~~
Top News
by Brad Morgan
Top News
by Brad Morgan
Penalties On No. 48 Team Stand… For Now
Hendrick Motorsports lost another battle in the war to determine the fate of the No. 48 on Tuesday. The National Stock Racing Appeals Panel reconstituted every penalty given to the team after the committee reviewed a series of illegal alterations that were made to the "C posts" – sections of sheet metal that connect the back of the roof and the rear window – of Jimmie Johnson's car prior to the Daytona 500. Following that race, Johnson was docked 25 driver points, car owner Jeff Gordon had 25 owner points, while crew chief Chad Knaus and car chief Ron Malec each received a six-week suspension, with Knaus also getting fined $100,000. The voting members of the three-person panel consisted of former Goodyear/IRL racing head Leo Mehl, Bowman-Gray track operator Dale Pinilis and former USAC Chairman John Capels.
The violations upheld were in regard to Section 12-1 of the NASCAR Rule Book (Actions detrimental to stock car racing); Section 12-4(J): (Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the Race Equipment used in the Event does not conform to NASCAR rules detailed in Section 20 of the NASCAR Rule Book, or has not been approved by NASCAR prior to the Event); and Section 20-2.1(E): (If in the judgment of NASCAR Officials, any part or component of the car not previously approved by NASCAR that has been installed or modified to enhance aerodynamic performance, will not be permitted: Unapproved car body modifications).
Shortly after the committee unanimously decided to uphold the punishment, Rick Hendrick chose to exercise his right for one last appeal before an absolute verdict is made. A judgment will now be made by National Stock Car Racing Commissioner, John Middlebrook, whose decision will be final. According to Scene Daily writer Bob Pockrass, the commissioner's procedure is different from the appeals panel's process because NASCAR and team officials will sit in a room together while the commissioner asks questions directed at both parties, instead of handling matters separately. Knaus and Malec may remain in their respective positions at the track until the final appeal is heard.
If Middlebrook reaches the same conclusion as the three-member panel reached Tuesday, the penalties will be set into action, and Knaus and Malec will be barred from the grounds of the following six racetracks in any capacity. That even includes paying for a ticket and watching from the stands as a fan.
This is not the first time that Knaus has been involved with rules violations while working with the No. 48 Lowe's machine, although NASCAR's penalties have progressively increased in severity with each infraction. In March 2005, the crew chief was suspended for two races and fined $35,000 for failing a post race inspection, and while the suspension was overturned by the appeals board, the monetary and points fines were upheld. The following year, he was suspended for four races and fined $25,000 after being ejected from the Daytona 500 for fabricating an illegal rear window device. Most recently, he was suspended for six races, fined $100,000, and placed on probation for altering fenders in June 2007.
Chase Card Services Reunites with Gordon
JPMorgan Chase & Co. has decided to restore its commitment to Hendrick Motorsports and Jeff Gordon's No. 24 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet. The global financial company works with the AARP Foundation in an effort to fight hunger by providing meals to impoverished families; now, they'll provide funding in the form of primary backing of Gordon's Chevy.
"We're excited to continue supporting AARP Foundation through Drive to End Hunger and we are looking forward to having a greater presence through Jeff Gordon and the sponsorship of the No. 24 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet," said Ralph Pinto, Senior Director of Chase Card Services.
Chase's AARP Visa card logo first appeared on Gordon's car during two events (Dover and Richmond) in 2011. According to a press release on the HMS website, the badge will be present on the No. 24 for five races this season: Bristol Motor Speedway (March 18), Charlotte Motor Speedway (May 27), Indianapolis Motor Speedway (July 29), Richmond International Raceway (Sept. 8), and Dover International Speedway (Sept. 30).
AARP Drive to End Hunger will sponsor Gordon for a total of 22 races this season, while Dupont Finishes and Pepsi Max will split time serving as the primary sponsor for the remainder of the schedule.
Stacy Compton to Attempt Food City 500 at Bristol
Perhaps the biggest surprise on the entry list for Sunday's Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol is the inclusion of Stacy Compton. The 44-year-old's last race in NASCAR's premier series was the 2003 Pepsi 400 at Daytona.
Compton will attempt to make his first start of the year with Turn One Racing, a team that he founded in 2006. According to Scene Daily writer Bob Pockrass, the Virginia native will try to qualify for each remaining event this season and will make a commitment to run 8-10 full-length races.
"It has always been our objective to grow the team and this is just the next step in that plan. We have a great group of partners behind us and feel like we are taking all the right steps to build a very competitive Sprint Cup team," Compton said.
The former Truck Series veteran has just one top-10 finish (10th at Daytona) in 88 Sprint Cup Series starts.
Hendrick Motorsports lost another battle in the war to determine the fate of the No. 48 on Tuesday. The National Stock Racing Appeals Panel reconstituted every penalty given to the team after the committee reviewed a series of illegal alterations that were made to the "C posts" – sections of sheet metal that connect the back of the roof and the rear window – of Jimmie Johnson's car prior to the Daytona 500. Following that race, Johnson was docked 25 driver points, car owner Jeff Gordon had 25 owner points, while crew chief Chad Knaus and car chief Ron Malec each received a six-week suspension, with Knaus also getting fined $100,000. The voting members of the three-person panel consisted of former Goodyear/IRL racing head Leo Mehl, Bowman-Gray track operator Dale Pinilis and former USAC Chairman John Capels.
The violations upheld were in regard to Section 12-1 of the NASCAR Rule Book (Actions detrimental to stock car racing); Section 12-4(J): (Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the Race Equipment used in the Event does not conform to NASCAR rules detailed in Section 20 of the NASCAR Rule Book, or has not been approved by NASCAR prior to the Event); and Section 20-2.1(E): (If in the judgment of NASCAR Officials, any part or component of the car not previously approved by NASCAR that has been installed or modified to enhance aerodynamic performance, will not be permitted: Unapproved car body modifications).
Shortly after the committee unanimously decided to uphold the punishment, Rick Hendrick chose to exercise his right for one last appeal before an absolute verdict is made. A judgment will now be made by National Stock Car Racing Commissioner, John Middlebrook, whose decision will be final. According to Scene Daily writer Bob Pockrass, the commissioner's procedure is different from the appeals panel's process because NASCAR and team officials will sit in a room together while the commissioner asks questions directed at both parties, instead of handling matters separately. Knaus and Malec may remain in their respective positions at the track until the final appeal is heard.
If Middlebrook reaches the same conclusion as the three-member panel reached Tuesday, the penalties will be set into action, and Knaus and Malec will be barred from the grounds of the following six racetracks in any capacity. That even includes paying for a ticket and watching from the stands as a fan.
This is not the first time that Knaus has been involved with rules violations while working with the No. 48 Lowe's machine, although NASCAR's penalties have progressively increased in severity with each infraction. In March 2005, the crew chief was suspended for two races and fined $35,000 for failing a post race inspection, and while the suspension was overturned by the appeals board, the monetary and points fines were upheld. The following year, he was suspended for four races and fined $25,000 after being ejected from the Daytona 500 for fabricating an illegal rear window device. Most recently, he was suspended for six races, fined $100,000, and placed on probation for altering fenders in June 2007.
Chase Card Services Reunites with Gordon
JPMorgan Chase & Co. has decided to restore its commitment to Hendrick Motorsports and Jeff Gordon's No. 24 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet. The global financial company works with the AARP Foundation in an effort to fight hunger by providing meals to impoverished families; now, they'll provide funding in the form of primary backing of Gordon's Chevy.
"We're excited to continue supporting AARP Foundation through Drive to End Hunger and we are looking forward to having a greater presence through Jeff Gordon and the sponsorship of the No. 24 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet," said Ralph Pinto, Senior Director of Chase Card Services.
Chase's AARP Visa card logo first appeared on Gordon's car during two events (Dover and Richmond) in 2011. According to a press release on the HMS website, the badge will be present on the No. 24 for five races this season: Bristol Motor Speedway (March 18), Charlotte Motor Speedway (May 27), Indianapolis Motor Speedway (July 29), Richmond International Raceway (Sept. 8), and Dover International Speedway (Sept. 30).
AARP Drive to End Hunger will sponsor Gordon for a total of 22 races this season, while Dupont Finishes and Pepsi Max will split time serving as the primary sponsor for the remainder of the schedule.
Stacy Compton to Attempt Food City 500 at Bristol
Perhaps the biggest surprise on the entry list for Sunday's Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol is the inclusion of Stacy Compton. The 44-year-old's last race in NASCAR's premier series was the 2003 Pepsi 400 at Daytona.
Compton will attempt to make his first start of the year with Turn One Racing, a team that he founded in 2006. According to Scene Daily writer Bob Pockrass, the Virginia native will try to qualify for each remaining event this season and will make a commitment to run 8-10 full-length races.
"It has always been our objective to grow the team and this is just the next step in that plan. We have a great group of partners behind us and feel like we are taking all the right steps to build a very competitive Sprint Cup team," Compton said.
The former Truck Series veteran has just one top-10 finish (10th at Daytona) in 88 Sprint Cup Series starts.
Have news for Brad and the Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com with a promising lead or tip.
~~~~~~~~~~
Got NASCAR-related questions or comments?
Send them John Potts' way at john.potts@frontstretch.com; and, if you're lucky, you'll get your name in print when he does his weekly column answering back to you – the fans that keep Frontstretch afloat. Potts' Shots will run on Thursday with a whole new set of Fan Questions and Answers!
~~~~~~~~~~
Today's Featured Commentary
The Appeal Process Isn't Broken, So Don't Fix It
Full Throttle
by Mike Neff
Everyone knows the general premise of the story by now: The No. 48 car had its C-posts confiscated during the initial inspection process for the Daytona 500. The resulting penalties are set to cost Jimmie Johnson 25 driver points, Jeff Gordon 25 owner points, car chief Ron Malec six weeks from the racetrack, and crew chief Chad Knaus a whopping $100K (as well as a six-week suspension of his own). But before the fine is paid and the suspensions are served, the folks at Hendrick Motorsports have the option to appeal the decision to the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel, which they did Tuesday. The four "judges" selected, three of which voted unanimously upheld all consequences. Yet while some people might contend that the appeal process is antiquated - a reason they claim Hendrick Motorsports "never had a chance" of getting anything reduced - it serves the purpose for which it is designed and does not need to be altered.
The appeals panel has a Chief Appellate Officer, a position currently held by retired General Motors executive John Middlebrook. He does not hear initial appeals, but is the final word should a team decide to appeal the panel's decision further. Ed Bennett serves as the Appellate Administrator, and while he participates in the appeals process he does not vote.
The 40 remaining eligible members of the panel come from a variety of different backgrounds but are all associated with auto racing. The panel members are:
Mark Arute: Stafford Motor Speedway Chief Operating Officer and General Manager
Christiane Ayotte: world-renowned expert on performance-enhancing substances
Buddy Baker: retired driver
Lee Baumgarten: Phoenix International Raceway Director of Operations
Jeff Belskus: Indianapolis Motor Speedway President and CEO
John Bishop: founder, IMSA (International Motor Sports Association)
Clay Campbell: Martinsville Speedway President
John Capels: former USAC Chairman
Joie Chitwood III: Daytona International Speedway President
John Cooper: former President, Daytona International Speedway and Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Barbara Cromarty: Riverhead Raceway (NY) owner
Doug Fritz: Richmond International Raceway President
John Gall
Harry Gant: retired driver
Richard Gore: Old Dominion Speedway (VA) owner
Janet Guthrie: retired driver
Russell Hackett: Caraway Speedway (NC) owner
David Hall: co-founder and former President, TNN/CMT
Hurley Haywood: driver
Jack Housby: President, Housby Trucking
Bill Lester: driver
Shane Lewis: driver
Grant Lynch: Talladega Superspeedway President
Denis McGlynn: Dover International Speedway President and CEO
Leo Mehl: former Goodyear Racing Director, former Indy Racing League Executive Director
Bud Moore: retired car owner
Steve Page: Infineon Raceway President
Dale Pinilis: Bowman-Gray Stadium (NC) operator
Cathy Rice: South Boston Speedway (VA) General Manager
Shawna Robinson: former driver
Doug Rollins
Jay Signore: former IROC Series owner
Lyn St. James: retired driver
Mike Straubel
H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler, Jr.: former Lowe's Motor Speedway President
Kevin Whitaker: Greenville-Pickens Speedway (SC) operator
Jim Williams: Irwindale Speedway (CA) President
Jo DeWitt Wilson: former North Carolina Speedway President
Waddell Wilson: former crew chief / engine builder
Robert Yates: retired car owner
While the number of administrators potentially on the panel is greater than the former competitors in the sport, there is no question that they are mostly successful in their fields of expertise. Success in business requires any professional to understand how to handle people while still treating them fairly in situations where there are differences of opinion. Leaders don't necessarily need that ability, but those who are truly successful have risen to the tops of their professions. Otherwise, how would they make it to those lofty heights?
When an appeal goes before the board, three of the potential members are selected and sit in on the panel that decides the fate of the parties making the appeal. At one time there were NASCAR employees eligible to sit on the panel but that potential conflict of interest has been removed and the remaining people who can be seated, while some might argue are cronies with NASCAR, are not NASCAR employees.
Some people would suggest that a jury of peers should judge appeals or possibly an arbitrator would be better suited to sit in judgment. The problem with a jury of your peers is that pool is quite limited, and the potential for bias in the decision of the panel would be simply too great. Having an arbiter hear the arguments would simply be too time consuming. The fact that the people who can be seated on these panels have experience with racing avoids the need to explain the entire process to the person hearing the appeal.
By having people who participated in the sport, presided over facilities and races, or owned racing operations, appellants are assured that they'll have a fair hearing. Not having a NASCAR employee on the panel assures that the sanctioning body's side of the discussion is not given an unfair weight in the overall process.
NASCAR is a dictatorship--there is no disputing that fact. In order for competitors to have any chance of questioning their rulings, there has to be some form of appeal process. While it might not be perfect, the process that is in place works, offers a fair opportunity for participants to have their grievances heard, and avoids dragging the process into the legal system which would potentially prolong rulings over multiple years.
While NASCAR hasn't always lived by the philosophy, the process ain't broke, so don't fix it.
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via e-mail at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
COME JOIN THE FRONTSTRETCH FAMILY!
~~~~~~~~~~
Got NASCAR-related questions or comments?
Send them John Potts' way at john.potts@frontstretch.com; and, if you're lucky, you'll get your name in print when he does his weekly column answering back to you – the fans that keep Frontstretch afloat. Potts' Shots will run on Thursday with a whole new set of Fan Questions and Answers!
~~~~~~~~~~
Today's Featured Commentary
The Appeal Process Isn't Broken, So Don't Fix It
Full Throttle
by Mike Neff
Everyone knows the general premise of the story by now: The No. 48 car had its C-posts confiscated during the initial inspection process for the Daytona 500. The resulting penalties are set to cost Jimmie Johnson 25 driver points, Jeff Gordon 25 owner points, car chief Ron Malec six weeks from the racetrack, and crew chief Chad Knaus a whopping $100K (as well as a six-week suspension of his own). But before the fine is paid and the suspensions are served, the folks at Hendrick Motorsports have the option to appeal the decision to the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel, which they did Tuesday. The four "judges" selected, three of which voted unanimously upheld all consequences. Yet while some people might contend that the appeal process is antiquated - a reason they claim Hendrick Motorsports "never had a chance" of getting anything reduced - it serves the purpose for which it is designed and does not need to be altered.
The appeals panel has a Chief Appellate Officer, a position currently held by retired General Motors executive John Middlebrook. He does not hear initial appeals, but is the final word should a team decide to appeal the panel's decision further. Ed Bennett serves as the Appellate Administrator, and while he participates in the appeals process he does not vote.
The 40 remaining eligible members of the panel come from a variety of different backgrounds but are all associated with auto racing. The panel members are:
Mark Arute: Stafford Motor Speedway Chief Operating Officer and General Manager
Christiane Ayotte: world-renowned expert on performance-enhancing substances
Buddy Baker: retired driver
Lee Baumgarten: Phoenix International Raceway Director of Operations
Jeff Belskus: Indianapolis Motor Speedway President and CEO
John Bishop: founder, IMSA (International Motor Sports Association)
Clay Campbell: Martinsville Speedway President
John Capels: former USAC Chairman
Joie Chitwood III: Daytona International Speedway President
John Cooper: former President, Daytona International Speedway and Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Barbara Cromarty: Riverhead Raceway (NY) owner
Doug Fritz: Richmond International Raceway President
John Gall
Harry Gant: retired driver
Richard Gore: Old Dominion Speedway (VA) owner
Janet Guthrie: retired driver
Russell Hackett: Caraway Speedway (NC) owner
David Hall: co-founder and former President, TNN/CMT
Hurley Haywood: driver
Jack Housby: President, Housby Trucking
Bill Lester: driver
Shane Lewis: driver
Grant Lynch: Talladega Superspeedway President
Denis McGlynn: Dover International Speedway President and CEO
Leo Mehl: former Goodyear Racing Director, former Indy Racing League Executive Director
Bud Moore: retired car owner
Steve Page: Infineon Raceway President
Dale Pinilis: Bowman-Gray Stadium (NC) operator
Cathy Rice: South Boston Speedway (VA) General Manager
Shawna Robinson: former driver
Doug Rollins
Jay Signore: former IROC Series owner
Lyn St. James: retired driver
Mike Straubel
H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler, Jr.: former Lowe's Motor Speedway President
Kevin Whitaker: Greenville-Pickens Speedway (SC) operator
Jim Williams: Irwindale Speedway (CA) President
Jo DeWitt Wilson: former North Carolina Speedway President
Waddell Wilson: former crew chief / engine builder
Robert Yates: retired car owner
While the number of administrators potentially on the panel is greater than the former competitors in the sport, there is no question that they are mostly successful in their fields of expertise. Success in business requires any professional to understand how to handle people while still treating them fairly in situations where there are differences of opinion. Leaders don't necessarily need that ability, but those who are truly successful have risen to the tops of their professions. Otherwise, how would they make it to those lofty heights?
When an appeal goes before the board, three of the potential members are selected and sit in on the panel that decides the fate of the parties making the appeal. At one time there were NASCAR employees eligible to sit on the panel but that potential conflict of interest has been removed and the remaining people who can be seated, while some might argue are cronies with NASCAR, are not NASCAR employees.
Some people would suggest that a jury of peers should judge appeals or possibly an arbitrator would be better suited to sit in judgment. The problem with a jury of your peers is that pool is quite limited, and the potential for bias in the decision of the panel would be simply too great. Having an arbiter hear the arguments would simply be too time consuming. The fact that the people who can be seated on these panels have experience with racing avoids the need to explain the entire process to the person hearing the appeal.
By having people who participated in the sport, presided over facilities and races, or owned racing operations, appellants are assured that they'll have a fair hearing. Not having a NASCAR employee on the panel assures that the sanctioning body's side of the discussion is not given an unfair weight in the overall process.
NASCAR is a dictatorship--there is no disputing that fact. In order for competitors to have any chance of questioning their rulings, there has to be some form of appeal process. While it might not be perfect, the process that is in place works, offers a fair opportunity for participants to have their grievances heard, and avoids dragging the process into the legal system which would potentially prolong rulings over multiple years.
While NASCAR hasn't always lived by the philosophy, the process ain't broke, so don't fix it.
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via e-mail at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
COME JOIN THE FRONTSTRETCH FAMILY!
Hey Frontstretch Readers,
We are looking for someone who shares our enthusiasm for NASCAR and has an experienced background in web design. Specifically, we are looking for someone who can help maintain and enhance our website, increase our SEO, and upgrade our publishing platform while producing a limited amount of content throughout the season. This job presents a perfect opportunity for someone with a technical background, a person who wants their work to gain national exposure.
If you are interested, contact frontstretcheditors@googlegroups.com. Please include references to your past work in your e-mail.
~~~~~~~~~~
Tweet 'N' Greet
by Summer Dreyer
Editor's Note: With the NASCAR Twitter community expanding by leaps and bounds, it remains a place for instantaneous news, reactions, and a whole lot of inside jokes. We understand if you don't want to join the Twitter community - but as a fan, it's important to know the news and info you're missing out on! That's why, every week, Summer Dreyer will sort through the thousands of messages and give us a little taste of what's going on each Wednesday.
So, without further ado, here's a look at what those in NASCAR were thinking over the past seven days...
@DeLanaHarvick: I swear if uncle smoke wins this race he's cut off! he stopped by to see me on the grid before the race and did his usual grab a$$. #wth
@ClintBowyer: BP (Brian Pattie) rolled the dice and came up pretty damn good, proud of all my guys for digging ourselves outta last weeks hole. Can't wait for Bristol...
@dennyhamlin: Today was a struggle with our car.. A little team dinner tonight should fix it right up
@JimmieJohnson: We are getting close... Thanks to my boys for all of their hard work. Come on @BMSupdates! #6Pack"
@JimmieJohnson: Thanks. Second sucks though. "@novapittman: Second in a back up car! Good Job! @jimmiejohnson #GO48"
@gbiffle (Greg Biffle): "@DanielBuhrmeste: @gbiffle. I thought teams worked together!!!" the teams do, because they r the ones working on the cars, not me and Carl
@keselowski (Brad Keselowski): Just to be clear. On the last restart, the engine ran out of fuel, the fuel tank still had gas. This means, the fuel system had a problem
@keselowski: Wearing my shocked face... @lhager52: @keselowski thanks Brad. TV didn't really tell us what happened."
@JeffGordonWeb: Tough day for 24 team. Had to fight through a lot of obstacles to get 12th. Not the day we were hoping for but looking forward to Bristol.
@JeffGordonWeb: Yesterday during @DuPont_News hospitality I was asked why I was named Jeff, told them I would asked my mom. She said she just liked the name.
@DeLanaHarvick: #onegoal RT @KevinHarvick Fast car just got behind on the track position game...on to Bristol!
@Samantha_Busch: Officially over Vegas
@55MarkMartin: My code of driving ethics is MORE IMPORTANT 2 me than results. I was within that code while passing yesterday JR but was outside of his.
@55MarkMartin: Just 2 guys racing hard. No harm. What the fans want 2 c. RT @RonnStephens: @55MarkMartin u think NASCAR will review the bump JR gave you?
@55MarkMartin: Talked 2 JR. We both regret what happened. I ask my fans 2 lay off being so rough on him. He is 1 of the most respectful guys n racing. We r good.
@KyleBusch: Never thought I'd say I'm glad Vegas is over. New meaning for rough weekend. Thanks for the upbeat posts. On to Bristol!
@tomjensen100: That's what you get for using french fry oil in the engines. Whopper, Part II @speed @nascar @lvmotorspeedway
@TheOrangeCone: Crop dusted by @landoncassill. Both BK cars got me. Will go to In-n-Out tonight in protest.
@jeff_gluck: Getting tweets asking abt Kurt Busch "meltdown." He threw a water bottle after leaving infield care center. That's it. #notmuchofameltdown
@acheckeredflag: I need @JennaFryer to break the "yes he did" "no he didn't" tantrum debate. I trust her.
@JennaFryer: For @acheckeredflag ... I wasn't there, but I think he's (unfairly) held to a higher standard. Who cares if he threw a water bottle?
@JennaFryer: Let's not forget KuBu's flaw is that he's insanely competitive. He's started the season 39th-15th-35th with 2 laps led. (cont)
@JennaFryer: The fact he's NOT blown every gasket is far more interesting than he maybe threw a water bottle and cursed a little bit.
@Jimmie Johnson: Happy bday @CJMearsGang! I kinda miss the old days of pullin' all nighters in Vegas to celebrate the occasion. #Old #Kids
@TheOrangeCone: I see former @NASCAR_Trucks owner Randy Moss is trending. What, did he get busted by NASCAR for cheating too?
@TheOrangeCone: @NASCARESPN I had better chances at surviving entire season w/out @kylebusch hitting me than Chad had at beating the rap.
@DeLanaHarvick: lady @ store: "OH MY GOD YOU shop @ target?" me: "oh my god, I need stuff too!"
@keselowski: @KevinHarvick Claims men drink Bud. Idk about that, but I do know hot women drink miller lite. #JustSaying know who I wanna be liked by...
@KevinHarvick: @keselowski we hear you comparing your beer to hot women a lot?? Why don't we ever see you with any hot women? Where you hiding them?
@keselowski: Away from other drivers, 2 many babies. #somethinginthewater @KevinHarvick hear you comparing your beer to hot women? Where you hiding them?
~~~~~~~~~~
Tweet 'N' Greet
by Summer Dreyer
Editor's Note: With the NASCAR Twitter community expanding by leaps and bounds, it remains a place for instantaneous news, reactions, and a whole lot of inside jokes. We understand if you don't want to join the Twitter community - but as a fan, it's important to know the news and info you're missing out on! That's why, every week, Summer Dreyer will sort through the thousands of messages and give us a little taste of what's going on each Wednesday.
So, without further ado, here's a look at what those in NASCAR were thinking over the past seven days...
@DeLanaHarvick: I swear if uncle smoke wins this race he's cut off! he stopped by to see me on the grid before the race and did his usual grab a$$. #wth
@ClintBowyer: BP (Brian Pattie) rolled the dice and came up pretty damn good, proud of all my guys for digging ourselves outta last weeks hole. Can't wait for Bristol...
@dennyhamlin: Today was a struggle with our car.. A little team dinner tonight should fix it right up
@JimmieJohnson: We are getting close... Thanks to my boys for all of their hard work. Come on @BMSupdates! #6Pack"
@JimmieJohnson: Thanks. Second sucks though. "@novapittman: Second in a back up car! Good Job! @jimmiejohnson #GO48"
@gbiffle (Greg Biffle): "@DanielBuhrmeste: @gbiffle. I thought teams worked together!!!" the teams do, because they r the ones working on the cars, not me and Carl
@keselowski (Brad Keselowski): Just to be clear. On the last restart, the engine ran out of fuel, the fuel tank still had gas. This means, the fuel system had a problem
@keselowski: Wearing my shocked face... @lhager52: @keselowski thanks Brad. TV didn't really tell us what happened."
@JeffGordonWeb: Tough day for 24 team. Had to fight through a lot of obstacles to get 12th. Not the day we were hoping for but looking forward to Bristol.
@JeffGordonWeb: Yesterday during @DuPont_News hospitality I was asked why I was named Jeff, told them I would asked my mom. She said she just liked the name.
@DeLanaHarvick: #onegoal RT @KevinHarvick Fast car just got behind on the track position game...on to Bristol!
@Samantha_Busch: Officially over Vegas
@55MarkMartin: My code of driving ethics is MORE IMPORTANT 2 me than results. I was within that code while passing yesterday JR but was outside of his.
@55MarkMartin: Just 2 guys racing hard. No harm. What the fans want 2 c. RT @RonnStephens: @55MarkMartin u think NASCAR will review the bump JR gave you?
@55MarkMartin: Talked 2 JR. We both regret what happened. I ask my fans 2 lay off being so rough on him. He is 1 of the most respectful guys n racing. We r good.
@KyleBusch: Never thought I'd say I'm glad Vegas is over. New meaning for rough weekend. Thanks for the upbeat posts. On to Bristol!
@tomjensen100: That's what you get for using french fry oil in the engines. Whopper, Part II @speed @nascar @lvmotorspeedway
@TheOrangeCone: Crop dusted by @landoncassill. Both BK cars got me. Will go to In-n-Out tonight in protest.
@jeff_gluck: Getting tweets asking abt Kurt Busch "meltdown." He threw a water bottle after leaving infield care center. That's it. #notmuchofameltdown
@acheckeredflag: I need @JennaFryer to break the "yes he did" "no he didn't" tantrum debate. I trust her.
@JennaFryer: For @acheckeredflag ... I wasn't there, but I think he's (unfairly) held to a higher standard. Who cares if he threw a water bottle?
@JennaFryer: Let's not forget KuBu's flaw is that he's insanely competitive. He's started the season 39th-15th-35th with 2 laps led. (cont)
@JennaFryer: The fact he's NOT blown every gasket is far more interesting than he maybe threw a water bottle and cursed a little bit.
@Jimmie Johnson: Happy bday @CJMearsGang! I kinda miss the old days of pullin' all nighters in Vegas to celebrate the occasion. #Old #Kids
@TheOrangeCone: I see former @NASCAR_Trucks owner Randy Moss is trending. What, did he get busted by NASCAR for cheating too?
@TheOrangeCone: @NASCARESPN I had better chances at surviving entire season w/out @kylebusch hitting me than Chad had at beating the rap.
@DeLanaHarvick: lady @ store: "OH MY GOD YOU shop @ target?" me: "oh my god, I need stuff too!"
@keselowski: @KevinHarvick Claims men drink Bud. Idk about that, but I do know hot women drink miller lite. #JustSaying know who I wanna be liked by...
@KevinHarvick: @keselowski we hear you comparing your beer to hot women a lot?? Why don't we ever see you with any hot women? Where you hiding them?
@keselowski: Away from other drivers, 2 many babies. #somethinginthewater @KevinHarvick hear you comparing your beer to hot women? Where you hiding them?
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:
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ADVERTISEMENT
Are you looking to advertise your website, product or brand? A good way to get your name out there is via direct advertising here in the Frontstretch Newsletter! Interested parties can contact us at tony.lumbis@frontstretch.com for details.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
BREAKING: Johnson Penalty Upheld
by Tom Bowles
Did You Notice?... New Teams "Drive" Pressure, Know Your Judges & Quirky Stats
by Tom Bowles
Beyond the Cockpit: Andy Lally Looks Back On NASCAR, Moves Forward With Career
by Phil Allaway
Bread and Circuses Surround No. 48 Appeal... But Did It Matter?
by Matt McLaughlin
Mirror Driving: Crew Chief Competitions, Fuel Fixes And The Biff? Really?
by the Frontstretch Staff
NASCAR Sprint Cup Power Rankings: Top 15 After Las Vegas
compiled by Summer Dreyer
Top Ten Unsuccessful Arguments Used by the No. 48 Team in Their Appeal Hearing
by the Frontstretch Staff
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: In 2000, Sterling Marlin won the Cheez-It 250 at Bristol Motor Speedway, but he wasn't even supposed to drive in the race at all. Why was he in the seat?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Tuesday's Answer:
Tuesday's Answer:
Q: The 2002 Channelock 250 for the Busch Series is probably best known for Kevin Harvick and Greg Biffle crashing late in the event and Harvick angrily confronting Biffle after the race. However, the final lap of the event also featured a really nasty crash involving Mark Green. What happened?
A: Just as the white flag flew, Mark Green spun in Turn 1 while racing with Kevin Grubb for 12th. Mark Green was able to keep the No. 38 out of the wall as the Taurus slid down the banking. However, drivers behind the No. 38 began to scatter. When Mark's car got onto the apron, he was hit flush in the driver's door by Larry Foyt's Harrah's Chevrolet in a truly ugly impact.
Now, the leaders approached this wreck on the final lap and also scattered. Jimmy Spencer almost ran in the back of leader Jeff Green, then dove for the apron in an attempt to win the race (just missing Foyt and Mark Green in the process). Spencer lost all of his momentum while running on the apron, dropping to fourth. Then, possibly out of frustration, Spencer dumped the lapped car of Jack Sprague into the inside wall on the frontstretch.
Now, Sprague was none too pleased and went after Spencer, but NASCAR officials stepped in to prevent a direct confrontation. Meanwhile, at the same time, Kevin Harvick infamously confronted Greg Biffle in the aftermath of their earlier crash, with rousing approval from the crowd. You can see everything mentioned here and more in this clip. Thankfully, Mark Green was OK after the wreck, but the hit constricted movement for Mark so much that crews had to basically take the car apart so that he could get out.
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!
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Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- What's Vexing Vito by Vito Pugliese
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, the Line of the Week and more!
~~~~~~~~~~
Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
Potts' Shots by John Potts
Fanning the Flames has become Potts' Shots, and John Potts is here to answer your questions in our weekly Fan Q & A. Do you have something you'd like to ask John? Don't sit on the sidelines! Send it to john.potts@frontstretch.com and you just may see your question in print next week!
Professor Of Speed by Mark Howell
Our professor of racing history "has at it" with another column pertinent to the sport at large.
Going Green by Garrett Horton
This week, Garrett takes a look at the success Tony Stewart and Jimmie Johnson have found over the last few years and what, if any, impact it has on Jeff Gordon's legacy.
Dollars and Sense by Jesse Medford
The newest addition to the Frontstretch family will take a look at the business side of NASCAR.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth is back this year on a new night, but it's the same great commentary you've come to enjoy! This week, Beth takes a look at the possibility that road course racing will return to the Truck Series in 2013.
Now, the leaders approached this wreck on the final lap and also scattered. Jimmy Spencer almost ran in the back of leader Jeff Green, then dove for the apron in an attempt to win the race (just missing Foyt and Mark Green in the process). Spencer lost all of his momentum while running on the apron, dropping to fourth. Then, possibly out of frustration, Spencer dumped the lapped car of Jack Sprague into the inside wall on the frontstretch.
Now, Sprague was none too pleased and went after Spencer, but NASCAR officials stepped in to prevent a direct confrontation. Meanwhile, at the same time, Kevin Harvick infamously confronted Greg Biffle in the aftermath of their earlier crash, with rousing approval from the crowd. You can see everything mentioned here and more in this clip. Thankfully, Mark Green was OK after the wreck, but the hit constricted movement for Mark so much that crews had to basically take the car apart so that he could get out.
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!
~~~~~~~~~~
Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- What's Vexing Vito by Vito Pugliese
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, the Line of the Week and more!
~~~~~~~~~~
Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
Potts' Shots by John Potts
Fanning the Flames has become Potts' Shots, and John Potts is here to answer your questions in our weekly Fan Q & A. Do you have something you'd like to ask John? Don't sit on the sidelines! Send it to john.potts@frontstretch.com and you just may see your question in print next week!
Professor Of Speed by Mark Howell
Our professor of racing history "has at it" with another column pertinent to the sport at large.
Going Green by Garrett Horton
This week, Garrett takes a look at the success Tony Stewart and Jimmie Johnson have found over the last few years and what, if any, impact it has on Jeff Gordon's legacy.
Dollars and Sense by Jesse Medford
The newest addition to the Frontstretch family will take a look at the business side of NASCAR.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth is back this year on a new night, but it's the same great commentary you've come to enjoy! This week, Beth takes a look at the possibility that road course racing will return to the Truck Series in 2013.
-----------------------------
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!
©2012 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!
©2012 Frontstretch.com
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