THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
March 16th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition XL
~~~~~~~~~~
Frontstretch at the Track: Hey Frontstretch readers! The Frontstretch has Bryan Davis Keith and Amy Henderson headed out to Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend, so stay tuned to the website and Twitter (@TheFrontstretch, @BryanDavisKeith and @Writer_Amy) for all you need to know as it happens at the bullring in Tennessee!
~~~~~~~~~~
Top News
by Jeff Wolfe
Darlington, Bojangles' Announce Title Sponsorship for Southern 500
Thursday afternoon, Bojangles' restaurants and Darlington Raceway announced a new title sponsor for the Southern 500 run on Mother's Day weekend. The facility had been looking for a replacement for Showtime, who had served as the title sponsor for the 2010 and 2011 seasons.
"Everyone at Darlington Raceway is extremely excited about this new long-term partnership with Bojangles. During our negotiations it was very obvious that the team at Bojangles' recognized and respected the significance of the Southern 500," Darlington Raceway President Chris Browning said. "Darlington Raceway and Bojangles' are two very recognizable Southern brands, and this relationship will be a tremendous opportunity for us to develop unique marketing programs and promotional opportunities that will benefit their customers and our race fans. I can already see we are going to do some great things together.
The agreement between ISC, Darlington Raceway and Bojangles' is set for five years.
"Just like Bojangles' famous chicken and biscuits, NASCAR is deeply rooted in the culture of the South," Bojangles' President and CEO Randy Kibler said. "We are honored to be sponsoring the only NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in South Carolina, where we have been in business for more than 30 years and operate 110 of our more than 500 restaurants. And we're equally excited to be able to provide our flavorful menu items to avid race fans, many of whom are already loyal Bojangles' fans, while they're enjoying their racing experience."
Bojangles', founded in 1977 in Charlotte, NC, has more than 500 locations across 10 states. In addition to the title sponsorship, they'll also serve their signature menu at Darlington and four other International Speedway Corp. tracks: Daytona International Speedway, Talladega Superspeedawy, Martinsville Raceway and Richmond International Raceway.
Cargill Beef To Sponsor Stenhouse, Jr. For 12 Races
Roush Fenway Racing announced Thursday that Cargill Beef had renewed its agreement with the organization to serve as primary sponsor for Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.'s No. 6 Mustang for 12 events this season. The only date currently set in stone is this weekend's Nationwide Series event at Bristol with the rest of the dates to be set by the end of this month.
"We are delighted to once again be sponsoring Ricky coming off an exciting and spectacular 2011 season in which he won the NASCAR Nationwide Series championship at Homestead, FL, while driving the Blackwell Angus Beef Roush Ford Mustang in the final race of the season," Cargill Beef Vice President of Marketing and Sales Tammy Shaw said. "The enthusiasm from our customers, employees and race fans confirmed that high quality beef products and NASCAR racing fit well together. This is a win for everyone involved and we're looking forward to another terrific season of racing."
The 2010 Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year and 2011 champion just put up an impressive victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway last weekend. This season marks the third consecutive year Cargill has served as a primary sponsor for RFR.
Have news for 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 Thursdays with a whole new set of Fan Questions and Answers!
~~~~~~~~~~
In Case You Missed It
by Nick Schwartz
Chevrolet to Unveil New model to replace Impala
Chevrolet has announced that a new Chevy model will replace the Impala in 2013. The car maker is keeping details about the mysterious new car model under wraps, but according to the Detroit Free Press, the company says the nameplate will be that of one not currently available in their stable.
"We are keeping the wraps on the new car for now and will continue to prepare for next season by testing camouflaged vehicles," Jim Campbell, vice president of Chevrolet performance vehicles and motorsports, said. "We know that Chevrolet fans are eager to see the new race car."
Chevy officials have stated that the original model, a version of which will be sold to consumers, will be unveiled after the New York auto show in April.
Richard Childress Racing to Honor Late Team Member
The Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series cars of Richard Childress Racing will honor Frankie Allen, an employee of RCR who passed away earlier this week, with a decal at Bristol Motor Speedway. Allen was a shock specialist for the No. 2 Camping World Truck Series Chevrolet, and had previously been a car chief for RCR's No. 31 ARCA Racing Series team, according to a statement released by RCR. The RCR trucks will also carry the decal when the series go to Martinsville March 31st for the Kroger 250. Allen is survived by his wife, Renee, and funeral arrangements are pending.
Mike Bliss to Make 250th Career Start
This Saturday, Mike Bliss will make his 250th career Nationwide Series start in the Ford EcoBoost 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway. He also participated in the 25th Anniversary Food City Race Night in Knoxville, TN Thursday night and will be trackside at the Food City hospitality tent Friday night from 5 PM to 7 PM signing autographs. In 249 career starts, Bliss boasts two wins and 72 top-10 finishes.
~~~~~~~~~~
COME JOIN THE FRONTSTRETCH FAMILY!
If you are interested, contact frontstretcheditors@googlegroups.com. Please include references to your past work in your e-mail.
~~~~~~~~~~
Keepin' It Short: Wearing the Crown in South Carolina
by Mike Neff
This weekend will see a new crown handed out in Lancaster, South Carolina following the Inaugural Carolina Crown Super Late Model race. The $20,000 to win event is set to be the largest of its kind in the history of dirt track racing in the state. Some of the biggest names and fastest teams in dirt Late Model racing will be making the trip to the "Fastest Dirt Track in the South" to try and take home the huge first prize.
This race was announced in early January and has already created quite a buzz in the dirt racing world. While it is an unsanctioned event, it is going to be based off of the Lucas Oil Dirt Late Model rules with some minor modifications. With open dates on both the World of Outlaws and Lucas Oil Dirt Late Model tours, the number of high profile drivers who are going to attempt to run the event is sure to include a majority of the names that all dirt track fans know.
In addition to the Super Late Model show, there will be a $3,000 to win NDRA Crate Late Model race. There will be several of the drivers that are running the Crown race who will also be participating in the Crate race. Weekly support classes will also be running with Super Street, Pure Street and Crate Sportsman divisions all running events.
In addition to the racing activities, there will be a live band performing in the Bud Tent Beer Garden Trackside both nights. The concert and beer garden are included with the price of a ticket which is a great incentive for people who were worried about spending their St. Patrick's day away from green beer.
While some people might think that St. Patrick's day should be spent in a crowded bar drinking watered down, off colored beer, race fans in the Carolinas would be best served heading to Lancaster Speedway to take in the Carolina Crown. Ticket prices for Friday are $20 for the grandstands and $30 for the pits. Saturday's entry will be $30 and $40 for the grandstands and pits respectively. For those interested in spending both days in the pits they can get in for $60 for two days.
A full event schedule and information is available online here.
Drivers expected to attend this weekend March 16th and 17th include but are not limited to:
Chris Ferguson
Donald Bradsher
Ivedent Lloyd
Jeff Smith
Johnny Pursley
John Pursley
Ricky Weeks
Ross Bailes
Tim Allen
Tyler Redd ick
Jonathan Davenport
Chris Madden
Steve Francis
Mike Gault
Dennis "Rambo" Franklin
Jared Landers
Casey Roberts
Jill George
Ricky Elliot
Walker Aurther
Tyler Ivey
Steve Shaver
Perry Brown
Brandon Overton
Jordy Nipper
Dillon Wood
Randy Smith
Zack Mitchell
Jamie Latheroum
Some other possibilities:
Josh Richards
Kennie Compton, Jr
Dean Bowen
Scott Shirley
Scott Autry
G.R. Smith
Tim McCreadie (Rumored to be there)
This Weekend's Race Schedule:
Fri : Mar 16th – Thunderbowl Raceway ; Tulare : CA – World of Outlaw Sprint Cars
Fri : Mar 16th – Humboldt Speedway ; Humboldt : KS – USMTS Casey's Cup Qualifier Modifieds
Fri : Mar 16th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Fri : Mar 16th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Late Models
Fri : Mar 16th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Open Wheel Modifieds
Fri : Mar 16th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Street Stocks
Fri : Mar 16th – Lancaster Speedway ; Lancaster : SC – Carolina Crown Late Models
Fri : Mar 16th – Cowtown Speedway ; Kennedale : TX – Rocky Mountain Midgets
Fri : Mar 16th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : Mar 16th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : Mar 16th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Stock
Fri : Mar 16th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Street Stock
Fri : Mar 16th – Richmond Coliseum ; Richmond : VA – Arena Racing
Sat : Mar 17th – East Alabama Motor Speedway ; Phenix City : AL – SRRS Super Late Models
Sat : Mar 17th – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Pro Late Models
Sat : Mar 17th – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Super Stock Trucks
Sat : Mar 17th – Bakersfield Speedway ; Oildale : CA – California Lightning Sprints
Sat : Mar 17th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Race #1 Coors Light Open Late Models
Sat : Mar 17th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Hobby Stocks
Sat : Mar 17th – Marysville Raceway Park ; Marysville : CA – California Civil War Series Sprint Cars
Sat : Mar 17th – Thunderbowl Raceway ; Tulare : CA – World of Outlaw Sprint Cars
Sat : Mar 17th – Thunderbowl Raceway ; Tulare : CA – USAC 360 Sprints
Sat : Mar 17th – Auburndale Speedway ; Winter Haven : FL – Florida United Promoters Late Models
Sat : Mar 17th – Bubba Raceway Park ; Ocala : FL – Top Gun Sprint Series
Sat : Mar 17th – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – Open Wheel Modified
Sat : Mar 17th – North Florida Speedway ; Lake City : FL – Florida Mini-Sprint Association
Sat : Mar 17th – Punta Gorda Speedway ; Punta Gorda : FL – Late Model Sportsman
Sat : Mar 17th – Waycross Motor Speedway ; Waycross : GA – Late Models
Sat : Mar 17th – Humboldt Speedway ; Humboldt : KS – USMTS Casey's Cup Qualifier Modifieds
Sat : Mar 17th – A-1 Raceway ; Saint Tammany : LA – Cajun Sprint Association
Sat : Mar 17th – No Problem Raceway ; Belle Rose : LA – Cajun Sports Nationals
Sat : Mar 17th – Sabine Motor Speedway ; Many : LA – Ark-La-Tex Winged Modifieds
Sat : Mar 17th – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – James King Memorial Super Late Models
Sat : Mar 17th – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – NeSmith Late Models
Sat : Mar 17th – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Street Stocks
Sat : Mar 17th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Bootheel 200 USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Sat : Mar 17th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Bootheel 200 USCS Outlaw Thunder Sprint Cars
Sat : Mar 17th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Late Models
Sat : Mar 17th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Modifieds
Sat : Mar 17th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Street Stocks
Sat : Mar 17th – The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway ; Las Vegas : NV – Championship Late Models
Sat : Mar 17th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – UARA Stars Late Models
Sat : Mar 17th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 410 Sprints
Sat : Mar 17th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – Thundercars
Sat : Mar 17th – Lancaster Motor Speedway ; Lancaster : SC – Carolina Crown Late Models
Sat : Mar 17th – Trail-Ways Speedway ; Hanover : PA – Sidewinder Sprints
Sat : Mar 17th – Bristol Motor Speedway ; Bristol : TN – NASCAR K&N Pro East Series
Sat : Mar 17th – 85 Speedway ; Ennis : TX – Sprint Series of Texas
Sat : Mar 17th – Cowtown Speedway ; Kennedale : TX – Rocky Mountain Midgets
Sat : Mar 17th – Thunderhill Raceway ; Kyle : TX – Dwarf Car Series of Texas
Sat : Mar 17th – Richmond Coliseum ; Richmond : VA – Arena Racing
Sun : Mar 18th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Spring Fling Roadrunners
Sun : Mar 18th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Spring Fling Hornets
Sun : Mar 18th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Spring Fling Legends
Sun : Mar 18th – No Problem Raceway ; Belle Rose : LA – Cajun Sports Nationals
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
Fantasy Friday: Food City 500
by Jeff Wolfe
Editor's Note: Welcome to the newest feature in the Frontstretch Newsletter where Jeff Wolfe takes a look at your best bets when it comes to picking your fantasy racing teams. Each week, Jeff will have your top 5 best bets along with a bonus pick just in time to finalize your lineup and settle in for a weekend full of action.
Quite appropriately Las Vegas supplied us with some false excitement last Sunday as several restarts were needed in the race's final 50 plus laps to provide some close battles for the lead. But really, it was just a matter of who could get out front. That's because at those cookie-cutter type 1.5-mile tracks, it's all about getting clean air. It's pretty simple--whoever gets ahead of the pack is going to win. Other than the first lap or two after a restart, the leader in each of those scenarios pulled away. That's why we saw some guys go crazy on the restarts; they knew that was their only chance.
Now we're on to a real race track at Bristol, the 0.533-mile concrete oval that is one of NASCAR's great venues. There is no such thing as clean air, especially after the first 10 or 15 circuits when the leader starts lapping the slower cars, or gently or not so gently bumping them out of the way. The reactions to those bumps is one of the things that makes Bristol great. What's the over-under on the amount of helmets thrown? Three seems like the right number here for a lot of reasons. A driver has to have the right amount of aggressiveness and patience to win at Bristol.
So with that in mind, here's a rundown of picks for this week.
Top 5 Picks
Kyle Busch - Yes, that Kyle Busch. Somehow he's managed to keep his cool enough to get five wins here. So, hard to ignore that.
Jimmie Johnson - If there was ever a team on a mission to get into the top 10 in points it's the No. 48. Just one win here for five-timer, but with Johnson taking the lead, this team is focused.
Matt Kenseth - He's got two wins here and has run over 5,700 laps in the top 15 at Bristol, quite remarkable. He's got that right mix of patience and aggressiveness to get back to Victory Lane again.
Kevin Harvick - Just one win here, but he's never been afraid to use his bumper to get the slower guys out of the way at the short tracks.
Kasey Kahne - Yes, a bit of reach here. At some point he's got to break through and these short tracks are just like the ones he learned to race on in the Midwest.
Shoulda, woulda coulda, but didn't pick - Kurt Busch, yes that Kurt Busch--he has five wins here. But he's not on a big-time team any longer with the one-car Phoenix Racing in a ride that's likely to test his patience now more than ever this season.
ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP
Here's a review of last week's picks at Las Vegas and how they finished.
Matt Kenseth - 22nd. Contended for the lead all day, only to get caught in a late-race scuffle and get pushed up against the wall.
Carl Edwards - 5th. He was not in contention all day and never led a lap, but hung around and rallied late.
Kyle Busch - 23rd. He started in the back in a backup car looked to be marching to the front. After hanging around 10th and 11th most of the day, he couldn't muster the kind of finish he would have liked in his hometown.
Jimmie Johnson - 2nd. The No. 48 team could have very well won the race, but just couldn't get around Tony Stewart in those final restarts.
Mark Martin - 18th. I went sentimental here, but it wasn't meant to be. He didn't lead a lap.
Season Stats:
15 Picks
0 Wins
4 Top 5s
2 Top 10s
Grade for this week: C plus (a good Kenseth finish away from emerging from mediocrity)
Jeff Wolfe is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at jeff.wolfe@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
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.
~~~~~~~~~~
Frontstretch Folio: Food City 500
by Nick Schwartz
After two consecutive weekends out West, the Sprint Cup Series comes back East to one of the premier venues on the circuit. The Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway will be broadcast live Sunday, March 18th on FOX at 12:30 PM EDT and on PRN Radio at 12:00 PM EDT. The race around the 0.533-mile bullring is scheduled for 500 laps (266.5 miles).
Records and Facts
Kyle Busch is the reigning champion of the Food City 500, and after a slow start to 2012 by his lofty standards, Busch would love to win for the sixth time in his career at Bristol this weekend. In fact, Kyle isn't the only Busch to have extraordinary success at Bristol. His brother, Kurt Busch, has won the Spring race four times, capturing three straight victories from 2002 to 2004. The Busch brothers have together won a total of 10 races at Bristol when you include the Fall night race.
Ryan Newman holds the track qualifying record with a lap of 14.908 sec at 128.709 mph set in advance of the 2003 Food City 500. Mark Martin and Cale Yarborough share the record for career poles at Bristol with nine. Yarborough also holds the record for most laps led at the track with an incredible 4,305.
Track Facts
Track/Race Length: 0.533-mile concrete oval, 500 laps (266.5 miles)
Pit Road Speed: 30 mph
Degree of Banking: 26 to 30 degrees of progressive banking
Frontstretch/Backstretch: 650 ft., banked 6 to 10 degrees
Grandstand Seating: 160,000
Pre-race Schedule
Practice: Friday, March 16th, 12:00 – 1:30 PM EDT on SPEED
Qualifying: Friday, March 16th, 3:30 PM EDT on SPEED
Practice: Saturday, March 17th, 9:30 – 10:30 AM EDT on SPEED
Happy Hour: Saturday, March 17th, 12:00 – 1:00 PM EDT on SPEED
VIPs
Grand Marshal: Food City store managers led by President & CEO Steve Smith
Honorary Starter: Food City Vice President of Store Development Don Smith
National Anthem: Tennessee Air National Guard 119th Command and Control Squadron
Race Day Forecast
Sunday: Scattered thunderstorms, 40% chance of rain
High: 73 degrees
Low: 51 degrees
They Said It
"Bristol is just one of the tracks that I just circle every year on my calendar and so I can't wait to go there and it's true. The feeling that got walking into that place the first time is the feeling I still get to this day and it's to me what this sport is all about. And I've said this before when I was in victory lane, there are tracks that have more prestige or pay bigger purses, but to me Bristol, it's the deal. It's the place I look up to." –Brad Keselowski
"Bristol is probably the place that we have circled on the calendar as the place that we ran the worst at last year. As a company at the last race, it was bad. For us we have been putting a lot of thought and talked about Bristol a lot. I'm looking forward to getting on the race track and running through some different theories and things that we think we needed to do different. Bristol is always a fun place, you never know what can happen there and it seems like it is just a place where anything can happen at any time. It's a fun race track and obviously short-track racing is something we all grow up doing and I like going to Bristol so it should be fun." –Kevin Harvick
"I've always liked that the crowd is right there at the edge of the track – all the way around it. You can just feel the excitement from the fans. The fans that go to Bristol are passionate about racing. And whether they like you or hate you, they love their racing at Bristol. I'd say the fans are the best part of Bristol. It's just a cool place and a cool atmosphere, and it's because of the fans." –Tony Stewart
Nick Schwartz is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at nick.schwartz@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Are the Nationwide and Truck Series Saved from Ringers?
by Kevin Rutherford
Appeals Panel Needs a Few Changes, But Not a Total Overhaul
by Amy Henderson
Fact or Fiction from Stock Car Racing's Development Ranks
by Bryan Davis Keith
Four Burning Questions: Appeals, Predictions, and Nationwide Identity
by Summer Dreyer
Dakoda Armstrong Driver Diary: Learning Curves and Peyton Manning
as told to Beth Lunkenheimer
~~~~~~~~~~
This Weekend on the Frontstretch:
Nationwide Series Breakdown: Ford EcoBoost 300 by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan has all the post-race analysis you need after Saturday afternoon's Nationwide Series race from Bristol.
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: Rusty Wallace, for all of his skill behind the wheel at short tracks, had quite a bit of bad luck at Bristol in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In the Spring of 1988, Wallace hit the wall in Turn 4 and was pitched into a barrel roll. ESPN's Dr. Jerry Punch is infamously credited with saving Wallace's life that day since Wallace was apparently in the process of swallowing his tongue.
The 1990 Valleydale 500 is probably best known for the epic fight for the win, and Sterling Marlin flipping out after getting spun out on the last lap. However, Wallace also had a big incident in this race as well. What happened?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: The start of the 1997 Cup season featured a series of highs and lows for Steve Grissom. He started the Daytona 500 on the outside pole, then wrecked in the race. Atlanta ended with a spectacular flip on the backstretch. Then, he was finally having a great run in the caution-plagued Food City 500, but fate intervened once again. What happened?
A: This mess started roughly 15 laps before Grissom's demise. Geoff Bodine and Jimmy Spencer got together while battling for sixth. Both cars spun in Turn 4, with Bodine getting in the wall. Let's just say that Bodine was none too pleased afterwards. Bodine more or less waited on Spencer to come around after the restart and hip-checked the No. 23 into the wall on the frontstretch. Bodine spun himself out and then clipped Grissom, who was running tenth at the time, in the left rear. Grissom then spun and went hard into the Turn 1 wall. The crash can be seen at the 8:05 mark of this clip.
Grissom was slow to exit his No. 41 after a drivers-side hit and walked away from the car with a limp. Naturally, both Grissom and Bodine were out on the spot. Spencer continued after repairs and finished a lap down in 15th. Also note that he was still racing after injuries suffered in Atlanta a few weeks earlier. Also, just for good measure, check out the interview Bill Weber did with Bodine after the race went back green at the 5:10 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!
~~~~~~~~~~
Coming Monday in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Food City 500 Race Recap by Jeff Wolfe
-- Secret Star and Stat of the Race by Tom Bowles
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
Monday on the Frontstretch:
Matt McLaughlin's Thinkin' Out Loud: Food City 500 by Matt McLaughlin
Matt will be here with his overall thoughts about the action from Sunday afternoon's action from Bristol.
Monday Morning Teardown by Ron Lemasters
Ron returns for a website look at one of the big stories from Sunday's race from Bristol.
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 at Bristol.
Big Six: Food City 500 by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving the fourth race of the season? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing at Bristol.
Pace Laps: Bristol Weekend by the Frontstretch Staff
In our newest column this season, we'll take a look at the biggest stories to keep an eye on in each series after a weekend at Bristol.
-----------------------------
Talk back to the Frontstretch Newsletter!
In response to the Hendrick Motorsports Appeal on Tuesday
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
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
March 16th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition XL
~~~~~~~~~~
Frontstretch at the Track: Hey Frontstretch readers! The Frontstretch has Bryan Davis Keith and Amy Henderson headed out to Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend, so stay tuned to the website and Twitter (@TheFrontstretch, @BryanDavisKeith and @Writer_Amy) for all you need to know as it happens at the bullring in Tennessee!
~~~~~~~~~~
Top News
by Jeff Wolfe
Darlington, Bojangles' Announce Title Sponsorship for Southern 500
Thursday afternoon, Bojangles' restaurants and Darlington Raceway announced a new title sponsor for the Southern 500 run on Mother's Day weekend. The facility had been looking for a replacement for Showtime, who had served as the title sponsor for the 2010 and 2011 seasons.
"Everyone at Darlington Raceway is extremely excited about this new long-term partnership with Bojangles. During our negotiations it was very obvious that the team at Bojangles' recognized and respected the significance of the Southern 500," Darlington Raceway President Chris Browning said. "Darlington Raceway and Bojangles' are two very recognizable Southern brands, and this relationship will be a tremendous opportunity for us to develop unique marketing programs and promotional opportunities that will benefit their customers and our race fans. I can already see we are going to do some great things together.
The agreement between ISC, Darlington Raceway and Bojangles' is set for five years.
"Just like Bojangles' famous chicken and biscuits, NASCAR is deeply rooted in the culture of the South," Bojangles' President and CEO Randy Kibler said. "We are honored to be sponsoring the only NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in South Carolina, where we have been in business for more than 30 years and operate 110 of our more than 500 restaurants. And we're equally excited to be able to provide our flavorful menu items to avid race fans, many of whom are already loyal Bojangles' fans, while they're enjoying their racing experience."
Bojangles', founded in 1977 in Charlotte, NC, has more than 500 locations across 10 states. In addition to the title sponsorship, they'll also serve their signature menu at Darlington and four other International Speedway Corp. tracks: Daytona International Speedway, Talladega Superspeedawy, Martinsville Raceway and Richmond International Raceway.
Cargill Beef To Sponsor Stenhouse, Jr. For 12 Races
Roush Fenway Racing announced Thursday that Cargill Beef had renewed its agreement with the organization to serve as primary sponsor for Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.'s No. 6 Mustang for 12 events this season. The only date currently set in stone is this weekend's Nationwide Series event at Bristol with the rest of the dates to be set by the end of this month.
"We are delighted to once again be sponsoring Ricky coming off an exciting and spectacular 2011 season in which he won the NASCAR Nationwide Series championship at Homestead, FL, while driving the Blackwell Angus Beef Roush Ford Mustang in the final race of the season," Cargill Beef Vice President of Marketing and Sales Tammy Shaw said. "The enthusiasm from our customers, employees and race fans confirmed that high quality beef products and NASCAR racing fit well together. This is a win for everyone involved and we're looking forward to another terrific season of racing."
The 2010 Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year and 2011 champion just put up an impressive victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway last weekend. This season marks the third consecutive year Cargill has served as a primary sponsor for RFR.
Have news for 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 Thursdays with a whole new set of Fan Questions and Answers!
~~~~~~~~~~
In Case You Missed It
by Nick Schwartz
Chevrolet to Unveil New model to replace Impala
Chevrolet has announced that a new Chevy model will replace the Impala in 2013. The car maker is keeping details about the mysterious new car model under wraps, but according to the Detroit Free Press, the company says the nameplate will be that of one not currently available in their stable.
"We are keeping the wraps on the new car for now and will continue to prepare for next season by testing camouflaged vehicles," Jim Campbell, vice president of Chevrolet performance vehicles and motorsports, said. "We know that Chevrolet fans are eager to see the new race car."
Chevy officials have stated that the original model, a version of which will be sold to consumers, will be unveiled after the New York auto show in April.
Richard Childress Racing to Honor Late Team Member
The Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series cars of Richard Childress Racing will honor Frankie Allen, an employee of RCR who passed away earlier this week, with a decal at Bristol Motor Speedway. Allen was a shock specialist for the No. 2 Camping World Truck Series Chevrolet, and had previously been a car chief for RCR's No. 31 ARCA Racing Series team, according to a statement released by RCR. The RCR trucks will also carry the decal when the series go to Martinsville March 31st for the Kroger 250. Allen is survived by his wife, Renee, and funeral arrangements are pending.
Mike Bliss to Make 250th Career Start
This Saturday, Mike Bliss will make his 250th career Nationwide Series start in the Ford EcoBoost 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway. He also participated in the 25th Anniversary Food City Race Night in Knoxville, TN Thursday night and will be trackside at the Food City hospitality tent Friday night from 5 PM to 7 PM signing autographs. In 249 career starts, Bliss boasts two wins and 72 top-10 finishes.
~~~~~~~~~~
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.
~~~~~~~~~~
Keepin' It Short: Wearing the Crown in South Carolina
by Mike Neff
This weekend will see a new crown handed out in Lancaster, South Carolina following the Inaugural Carolina Crown Super Late Model race. The $20,000 to win event is set to be the largest of its kind in the history of dirt track racing in the state. Some of the biggest names and fastest teams in dirt Late Model racing will be making the trip to the "Fastest Dirt Track in the South" to try and take home the huge first prize.
This race was announced in early January and has already created quite a buzz in the dirt racing world. While it is an unsanctioned event, it is going to be based off of the Lucas Oil Dirt Late Model rules with some minor modifications. With open dates on both the World of Outlaws and Lucas Oil Dirt Late Model tours, the number of high profile drivers who are going to attempt to run the event is sure to include a majority of the names that all dirt track fans know.
In addition to the Super Late Model show, there will be a $3,000 to win NDRA Crate Late Model race. There will be several of the drivers that are running the Crown race who will also be participating in the Crate race. Weekly support classes will also be running with Super Street, Pure Street and Crate Sportsman divisions all running events.
In addition to the racing activities, there will be a live band performing in the Bud Tent Beer Garden Trackside both nights. The concert and beer garden are included with the price of a ticket which is a great incentive for people who were worried about spending their St. Patrick's day away from green beer.
While some people might think that St. Patrick's day should be spent in a crowded bar drinking watered down, off colored beer, race fans in the Carolinas would be best served heading to Lancaster Speedway to take in the Carolina Crown. Ticket prices for Friday are $20 for the grandstands and $30 for the pits. Saturday's entry will be $30 and $40 for the grandstands and pits respectively. For those interested in spending both days in the pits they can get in for $60 for two days.
A full event schedule and information is available online here.
Drivers expected to attend this weekend March 16th and 17th include but are not limited to:
Chris Ferguson
Donald Bradsher
Ivedent Lloyd
Jeff Smith
Johnny Pursley
John Pursley
Ricky Weeks
Ross Bailes
Tim Allen
Tyler Redd ick
Jonathan Davenport
Chris Madden
Steve Francis
Mike Gault
Dennis "Rambo" Franklin
Jared Landers
Casey Roberts
Jill George
Ricky Elliot
Walker Aurther
Tyler Ivey
Steve Shaver
Perry Brown
Brandon Overton
Jordy Nipper
Dillon Wood
Randy Smith
Zack Mitchell
Jamie Latheroum
Some other possibilities:
Josh Richards
Kennie Compton, Jr
Dean Bowen
Scott Shirley
Scott Autry
G.R. Smith
Tim McCreadie (Rumored to be there)
This Weekend's Race Schedule:
Fri : Mar 16th – Thunderbowl Raceway ; Tulare : CA – World of Outlaw Sprint Cars
Fri : Mar 16th – Humboldt Speedway ; Humboldt : KS – USMTS Casey's Cup Qualifier Modifieds
Fri : Mar 16th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Fri : Mar 16th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Late Models
Fri : Mar 16th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Open Wheel Modifieds
Fri : Mar 16th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Street Stocks
Fri : Mar 16th – Lancaster Speedway ; Lancaster : SC – Carolina Crown Late Models
Fri : Mar 16th – Cowtown Speedway ; Kennedale : TX – Rocky Mountain Midgets
Fri : Mar 16th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : Mar 16th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : Mar 16th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Stock
Fri : Mar 16th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Street Stock
Fri : Mar 16th – Richmond Coliseum ; Richmond : VA – Arena Racing
Sat : Mar 17th – East Alabama Motor Speedway ; Phenix City : AL – SRRS Super Late Models
Sat : Mar 17th – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Pro Late Models
Sat : Mar 17th – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Super Stock Trucks
Sat : Mar 17th – Bakersfield Speedway ; Oildale : CA – California Lightning Sprints
Sat : Mar 17th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Race #1 Coors Light Open Late Models
Sat : Mar 17th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Hobby Stocks
Sat : Mar 17th – Marysville Raceway Park ; Marysville : CA – California Civil War Series Sprint Cars
Sat : Mar 17th – Thunderbowl Raceway ; Tulare : CA – World of Outlaw Sprint Cars
Sat : Mar 17th – Thunderbowl Raceway ; Tulare : CA – USAC 360 Sprints
Sat : Mar 17th – Auburndale Speedway ; Winter Haven : FL – Florida United Promoters Late Models
Sat : Mar 17th – Bubba Raceway Park ; Ocala : FL – Top Gun Sprint Series
Sat : Mar 17th – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – Open Wheel Modified
Sat : Mar 17th – North Florida Speedway ; Lake City : FL – Florida Mini-Sprint Association
Sat : Mar 17th – Punta Gorda Speedway ; Punta Gorda : FL – Late Model Sportsman
Sat : Mar 17th – Waycross Motor Speedway ; Waycross : GA – Late Models
Sat : Mar 17th – Humboldt Speedway ; Humboldt : KS – USMTS Casey's Cup Qualifier Modifieds
Sat : Mar 17th – A-1 Raceway ; Saint Tammany : LA – Cajun Sprint Association
Sat : Mar 17th – No Problem Raceway ; Belle Rose : LA – Cajun Sports Nationals
Sat : Mar 17th – Sabine Motor Speedway ; Many : LA – Ark-La-Tex Winged Modifieds
Sat : Mar 17th – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – James King Memorial Super Late Models
Sat : Mar 17th – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – NeSmith Late Models
Sat : Mar 17th – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Street Stocks
Sat : Mar 17th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Bootheel 200 USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Sat : Mar 17th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Bootheel 200 USCS Outlaw Thunder Sprint Cars
Sat : Mar 17th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Late Models
Sat : Mar 17th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Modifieds
Sat : Mar 17th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Street Stocks
Sat : Mar 17th – The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway ; Las Vegas : NV – Championship Late Models
Sat : Mar 17th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – UARA Stars Late Models
Sat : Mar 17th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 410 Sprints
Sat : Mar 17th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – Thundercars
Sat : Mar 17th – Lancaster Motor Speedway ; Lancaster : SC – Carolina Crown Late Models
Sat : Mar 17th – Trail-Ways Speedway ; Hanover : PA – Sidewinder Sprints
Sat : Mar 17th – Bristol Motor Speedway ; Bristol : TN – NASCAR K&N Pro East Series
Sat : Mar 17th – 85 Speedway ; Ennis : TX – Sprint Series of Texas
Sat : Mar 17th – Cowtown Speedway ; Kennedale : TX – Rocky Mountain Midgets
Sat : Mar 17th – Thunderhill Raceway ; Kyle : TX – Dwarf Car Series of Texas
Sat : Mar 17th – Richmond Coliseum ; Richmond : VA – Arena Racing
Sun : Mar 18th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Spring Fling Roadrunners
Sun : Mar 18th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Spring Fling Hornets
Sun : Mar 18th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Spring Fling Legends
Sun : Mar 18th – No Problem Raceway ; Belle Rose : LA – Cajun Sports Nationals
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
Fantasy Friday: Food City 500
by Jeff Wolfe
Editor's Note: Welcome to the newest feature in the Frontstretch Newsletter where Jeff Wolfe takes a look at your best bets when it comes to picking your fantasy racing teams. Each week, Jeff will have your top 5 best bets along with a bonus pick just in time to finalize your lineup and settle in for a weekend full of action.
Quite appropriately Las Vegas supplied us with some false excitement last Sunday as several restarts were needed in the race's final 50 plus laps to provide some close battles for the lead. But really, it was just a matter of who could get out front. That's because at those cookie-cutter type 1.5-mile tracks, it's all about getting clean air. It's pretty simple--whoever gets ahead of the pack is going to win. Other than the first lap or two after a restart, the leader in each of those scenarios pulled away. That's why we saw some guys go crazy on the restarts; they knew that was their only chance.
Now we're on to a real race track at Bristol, the 0.533-mile concrete oval that is one of NASCAR's great venues. There is no such thing as clean air, especially after the first 10 or 15 circuits when the leader starts lapping the slower cars, or gently or not so gently bumping them out of the way. The reactions to those bumps is one of the things that makes Bristol great. What's the over-under on the amount of helmets thrown? Three seems like the right number here for a lot of reasons. A driver has to have the right amount of aggressiveness and patience to win at Bristol.
So with that in mind, here's a rundown of picks for this week.
Top 5 Picks
Kyle Busch - Yes, that Kyle Busch. Somehow he's managed to keep his cool enough to get five wins here. So, hard to ignore that.
Jimmie Johnson - If there was ever a team on a mission to get into the top 10 in points it's the No. 48. Just one win here for five-timer, but with Johnson taking the lead, this team is focused.
Matt Kenseth - He's got two wins here and has run over 5,700 laps in the top 15 at Bristol, quite remarkable. He's got that right mix of patience and aggressiveness to get back to Victory Lane again.
Kevin Harvick - Just one win here, but he's never been afraid to use his bumper to get the slower guys out of the way at the short tracks.
Kasey Kahne - Yes, a bit of reach here. At some point he's got to break through and these short tracks are just like the ones he learned to race on in the Midwest.
Shoulda, woulda coulda, but didn't pick - Kurt Busch, yes that Kurt Busch--he has five wins here. But he's not on a big-time team any longer with the one-car Phoenix Racing in a ride that's likely to test his patience now more than ever this season.
ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP
Here's a review of last week's picks at Las Vegas and how they finished.
Matt Kenseth - 22nd. Contended for the lead all day, only to get caught in a late-race scuffle and get pushed up against the wall.
Carl Edwards - 5th. He was not in contention all day and never led a lap, but hung around and rallied late.
Kyle Busch - 23rd. He started in the back in a backup car looked to be marching to the front. After hanging around 10th and 11th most of the day, he couldn't muster the kind of finish he would have liked in his hometown.
Jimmie Johnson - 2nd. The No. 48 team could have very well won the race, but just couldn't get around Tony Stewart in those final restarts.
Mark Martin - 18th. I went sentimental here, but it wasn't meant to be. He didn't lead a lap.
Season Stats:
15 Picks
0 Wins
4 Top 5s
2 Top 10s
Grade for this week: C plus (a good Kenseth finish away from emerging from mediocrity)
Jeff Wolfe is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at jeff.wolfe@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
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.
~~~~~~~~~~
Frontstretch Folio: Food City 500
by Nick Schwartz
After two consecutive weekends out West, the Sprint Cup Series comes back East to one of the premier venues on the circuit. The Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway will be broadcast live Sunday, March 18th on FOX at 12:30 PM EDT and on PRN Radio at 12:00 PM EDT. The race around the 0.533-mile bullring is scheduled for 500 laps (266.5 miles).
Records and Facts
Kyle Busch is the reigning champion of the Food City 500, and after a slow start to 2012 by his lofty standards, Busch would love to win for the sixth time in his career at Bristol this weekend. In fact, Kyle isn't the only Busch to have extraordinary success at Bristol. His brother, Kurt Busch, has won the Spring race four times, capturing three straight victories from 2002 to 2004. The Busch brothers have together won a total of 10 races at Bristol when you include the Fall night race.
Ryan Newman holds the track qualifying record with a lap of 14.908 sec at 128.709 mph set in advance of the 2003 Food City 500. Mark Martin and Cale Yarborough share the record for career poles at Bristol with nine. Yarborough also holds the record for most laps led at the track with an incredible 4,305.
Track Facts
Track/Race Length: 0.533-mile concrete oval, 500 laps (266.5 miles)
Pit Road Speed: 30 mph
Degree of Banking: 26 to 30 degrees of progressive banking
Frontstretch/Backstretch: 650 ft., banked 6 to 10 degrees
Grandstand Seating: 160,000
Pre-race Schedule
Practice: Friday, March 16th, 12:00 – 1:30 PM EDT on SPEED
Qualifying: Friday, March 16th, 3:30 PM EDT on SPEED
Practice: Saturday, March 17th, 9:30 – 10:30 AM EDT on SPEED
Happy Hour: Saturday, March 17th, 12:00 – 1:00 PM EDT on SPEED
VIPs
Grand Marshal: Food City store managers led by President & CEO Steve Smith
Honorary Starter: Food City Vice President of Store Development Don Smith
National Anthem: Tennessee Air National Guard 119th Command and Control Squadron
Race Day Forecast
Sunday: Scattered thunderstorms, 40% chance of rain
High: 73 degrees
Low: 51 degrees
They Said It
"Bristol is just one of the tracks that I just circle every year on my calendar and so I can't wait to go there and it's true. The feeling that got walking into that place the first time is the feeling I still get to this day and it's to me what this sport is all about. And I've said this before when I was in victory lane, there are tracks that have more prestige or pay bigger purses, but to me Bristol, it's the deal. It's the place I look up to." –Brad Keselowski
"Bristol is probably the place that we have circled on the calendar as the place that we ran the worst at last year. As a company at the last race, it was bad. For us we have been putting a lot of thought and talked about Bristol a lot. I'm looking forward to getting on the race track and running through some different theories and things that we think we needed to do different. Bristol is always a fun place, you never know what can happen there and it seems like it is just a place where anything can happen at any time. It's a fun race track and obviously short-track racing is something we all grow up doing and I like going to Bristol so it should be fun." –Kevin Harvick
"I've always liked that the crowd is right there at the edge of the track – all the way around it. You can just feel the excitement from the fans. The fans that go to Bristol are passionate about racing. And whether they like you or hate you, they love their racing at Bristol. I'd say the fans are the best part of Bristol. It's just a cool place and a cool atmosphere, and it's because of the fans." –Tony Stewart
Nick Schwartz is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at nick.schwartz@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Are the Nationwide and Truck Series Saved from Ringers?
by Kevin Rutherford
Appeals Panel Needs a Few Changes, But Not a Total Overhaul
by Amy Henderson
Fact or Fiction from Stock Car Racing's Development Ranks
by Bryan Davis Keith
Four Burning Questions: Appeals, Predictions, and Nationwide Identity
by Summer Dreyer
Dakoda Armstrong Driver Diary: Learning Curves and Peyton Manning
as told to Beth Lunkenheimer
~~~~~~~~~~
This Weekend on the Frontstretch:
Nationwide Series Breakdown: Ford EcoBoost 300 by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan has all the post-race analysis you need after Saturday afternoon's Nationwide Series race from Bristol.
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: Rusty Wallace, for all of his skill behind the wheel at short tracks, had quite a bit of bad luck at Bristol in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In the Spring of 1988, Wallace hit the wall in Turn 4 and was pitched into a barrel roll. ESPN's Dr. Jerry Punch is infamously credited with saving Wallace's life that day since Wallace was apparently in the process of swallowing his tongue.
The 1990 Valleydale 500 is probably best known for the epic fight for the win, and Sterling Marlin flipping out after getting spun out on the last lap. However, Wallace also had a big incident in this race as well. What happened?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: The start of the 1997 Cup season featured a series of highs and lows for Steve Grissom. He started the Daytona 500 on the outside pole, then wrecked in the race. Atlanta ended with a spectacular flip on the backstretch. Then, he was finally having a great run in the caution-plagued Food City 500, but fate intervened once again. What happened?
A: This mess started roughly 15 laps before Grissom's demise. Geoff Bodine and Jimmy Spencer got together while battling for sixth. Both cars spun in Turn 4, with Bodine getting in the wall. Let's just say that Bodine was none too pleased afterwards. Bodine more or less waited on Spencer to come around after the restart and hip-checked the No. 23 into the wall on the frontstretch. Bodine spun himself out and then clipped Grissom, who was running tenth at the time, in the left rear. Grissom then spun and went hard into the Turn 1 wall. The crash can be seen at the 8:05 mark of this clip.
Grissom was slow to exit his No. 41 after a drivers-side hit and walked away from the car with a limp. Naturally, both Grissom and Bodine were out on the spot. Spencer continued after repairs and finished a lap down in 15th. Also note that he was still racing after injuries suffered in Atlanta a few weeks earlier. Also, just for good measure, check out the interview Bill Weber did with Bodine after the race went back green at the 5:10 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!
~~~~~~~~~~
Coming Monday in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Food City 500 Race Recap by Jeff Wolfe
-- Secret Star and Stat of the Race by Tom Bowles
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
Monday on the Frontstretch:
Matt McLaughlin's Thinkin' Out Loud: Food City 500 by Matt McLaughlin
Matt will be here with his overall thoughts about the action from Sunday afternoon's action from Bristol.
Monday Morning Teardown by Ron Lemasters
Ron returns for a website look at one of the big stories from Sunday's race from Bristol.
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 at Bristol.
Big Six: Food City 500 by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving the fourth race of the season? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing at Bristol.
Pace Laps: Bristol Weekend by the Frontstretch Staff
In our newest column this season, we'll take a look at the biggest stories to keep an eye on in each series after a weekend at Bristol.
-----------------------------
Talk back to the Frontstretch Newsletter!
In response to the Hendrick Motorsports Appeal on Tuesday
When NASCAR penalized Clint Bowyer's car for being 1/16" out of tolerance, they found this by the use of measuring devices. In the case of the 48 car, the problem was found not by any use of tools, but by eyeballing only. The variance was probably well over 1/16" of an inch, or they never would have seen it. I don't think the human eye would have noticed those pillars bulging out if were only a marginal difference.
Point being, they must have been deformed well beyond 1/16" for those eyes to take notice, so that penalty should stand since Bowyer's measly 1/16" penalty did. --Jim
In response to When Teammates Take Each Other Out by S.D. Grady in Tuesday's Frontstretch Newsletter
In response to When Teammates Take Each Other Out by S.D. Grady in Tuesday's Frontstretch Newsletter
Thank you for your astute evaluation of the Roushkateers Restart. Being an avid fan of all the RFRers I too watched all the replays closely many times and saw what you saw. I also recall, as it happened, Darryl Waltrip saying the side draft pull of Kasey Kahne's car is probably what led to Matt K. getting into the wall as he was getting it under control. I believe that if it was obvious what happened, their remarks would have reflected that. As it is, all of the drivers involved wanted to "see a replay" before commenting. I was annoyed at the SPEED Channel "Race Hub" reporting about a "mutual dislike" between Matt & Carl and showing an old clip of an altercation they've long since resolved. It's an apparent effort to sensationalize that situation into much more than it was. I consider the reporters remark about "trusting Carl" to be in very poor taste and unprofessional reporting. Not up to SPEED's usual standards. Good job by you! --E. Dugan,Santa Cruz, CA
Finally! An analyst with a lick of sense. Your analysis of the Roush trio's finish at Vegas was right on, meaning it was the same as mine. I admit a strong bias for Carl, being a longtime family friend, but I get so tired of writers trying to make a big deal our of a racing matter. I get really upset also with that group of Carl haters whose comments on some of these websites are alarming in their reflection on those making the comments. Did that make sense? Anyway, thanks for a factual report on the Vegas race. --Gene B., Rocheport, MO
Finally! An analyst with a lick of sense. Your analysis of the Roush trio's finish at Vegas was right on, meaning it was the same as mine. I admit a strong bias for Carl, being a longtime family friend, but I get so tired of writers trying to make a big deal our of a racing matter. I get really upset also with that group of Carl haters whose comments on some of these websites are alarming in their reflection on those making the comments. Did that make sense? Anyway, thanks for a factual report on the Vegas race. --Gene B., Rocheport, MO
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
Feel free to forward this newsletter if you have any friends who loves
NASCAR and great NASCAR commentary. They can subscribe to the Frontstetch by visiting http://www.frontstretch.com/notice/9557/.
If you want to stop your Frontstretch Newsletter subscription, we're sorry
to see you go. Just send an email to
TheFrontstretch+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com from the address that you
recieve the Frontstretch Newsletter.
No comments:
Post a Comment