The Frontstretch Newsletter: April 20th, 2012

THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
April 20th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition LXVII

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Editor's Note: Frontstretch has a brand new, redesigned Facebook page. Click Here to "Like" Us and get a direct connect to all your Frontstretch favorites along with polls, interaction with fans and so much more.

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Top News
by Jeff Wolfe

Kurt Busch Plans to Run Full Season for Phoenix Racing

Earlier this week, Phoenix Racing owner James Finch told Dave Despain on Wind Tunnel that "there is some question" about whether Kurt Busch and the No. 51 team will run all races this season. Just days later, Busch came out with his own statement full of confidence that he'll race the entire schedule.

"I've had a handshake agreement with (James) Finch to run the full season since December. We've talked and that hasn't changed. Do we need sponsorship? Absolutely," Busch said. "There's a lot that goes into making a team successful and sponsorship is a major part of it. I think you'd have to go pretty far back in history to find a team that has contended for wins on a consistent basis or a championship without sponsorship."

"We've had a handful of races sponsored this season and both Finch and I are working on some things that will help us out as the year goes on, but the search for sponsorship is ongoing," he continued. "We had one of our best performances and finishes of the season, where we beat a lot of bigger and better-funded teams. Hopefully, there are companies out there considering our sport and they're paying attention to what we're accomplishing"

Busch is currently 26th in the points standings and is coming off a 13th-place finish at Texas. He was released from his high-profile ride with Penske Racing after last season's final race, when he had a highly publicized expletive-laced rant at ESPN pit reporter Dr. Jerry Punch.

U.S. Cellular, Iowa Speedway Enter Multi-Year Agreement

Iowa Speedway and U.S. Cellular announced Thursday that the two had come to a multi-year agreement to extend the Chicago-based cell phone carrier's title sponsorship of the Nationwide race held at the 0.875-mile oval. Details of the agreement were not disclosed, but it serves as an extension to a partnership that began with the inaugural event in 2009.

"U.S. Cellular is revved up to continue our partnership with Iowa Speedway and be the title sponsor of this NASCAR Nationwide Series event for a fourth straight year," said Don Cochran, Director of Sales for U.S. Cellular in Iowa. "We look forward to seeing another full crowd August 4th and many happy race fans at every Iowa Speedway race this year."

Each race weekend this season will feature the U.S. Cellular Rewards Club at all five race weekends in Iowa this year. The exhibit "allows consumers to participate in fun and engaging activities for free, while learning about and utilizing U.S. Cellular products and features."

The U.S. Cellular 250 runs Saturday, August 4th at 7:30 PM ET. Last year, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. swept both races at Iowa Speedway en route to his first career Nationwide Series championship.

Johnson's No. 48 Goes "Green"

Fans accustomed to fixing their eyes on the regular blue and white colors of Jimmie Johnson's No. 48 Hendrick Racing Chevrolet will have to make an adjustment Sunday for the Sprint Cup race at Kansas. Johnson's car will be adorned in green this weekend in an effort to bring attention to Earth Day, which is Sunday. The five-time champion will pilot a car with a General Motors traditional Mountain Green muscle car look that was used only on Chevrolets in 1967.

"When we were researching colors, it just made sense that we used green for this weekend," said David Sutphin, Sports Marketing Manager for Lowe's. "We really looked at these throwback schemes as a way to create a design that would be clean and simple, yet stand out from the rest of the cars going around the track. The team and our fans have responded well to our primary paint schemes for the Lowe's and Kobalt Tools cars that were inspired by the first generation Camaros with racing stripes."

Johnson, who finished second to Greg Biffle last weekend at Texas, is winless in the first seven races this season. He currently sits eighth in the standings, 40 points behind Biffle.

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.

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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!

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In Case You Missed It
by Nick Schwartz

Wayne Grubb Fined for Illegal Parts at Texas

On Tuesday, NASCAR announced Wayne Grubb, crew chief for David Ragan's No. 27 Nationwide Series Ford had been fined $2,500 for illegal parts discovered during opening day inspection April 12th at Texas Motor Speedway. Grubb was found in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing), 12-4-j (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment does not conform to NASCAR rules) and 20A-12 (use of hollow bolts in truck trailing arms and panhard bar) in the rulebook.

NASCAR to use electric Ford pace car at Richmond

For the first time in the history of NASCAR, an all-electric car will lead the pack to the green flag. Ford Motor Company is unveiling their new Ford Focus Electric to the public on April 25th at the Virginia State Capital, and three days later, the it will be used as the official pace car for the Richmond 400. Ford also provided the first hybrid pace car, used at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2008

The Focus Electric boasts 110 mpg city and 99 mph highway while operating solely on battery-generated power. Ford began production last December in Wayne, Michigan and has recently begun ramping up its efforts to ensure availability at dealerships in California, New York and New jersey for the first half of the year. By the end of the year, the company hopes to offer the Focus in 19 states.

NASCAR Lauds Advances in Environmental Sustainability

NASCAR has positioned itself as "The Sports Leader in Sustainability" according to a company report released Thursday. Four years after the inception of NASCAR Green, an initiative to cut down on the environmental impact of the sport, numerous tracks and race teams have undergone changes to become more environmentally friendly.

At Texas last weekend, NASCAR eclipsed the 2,000,000 mile mark using Sunoco Green E15 race fuel, a renewable fuel blended with American-made ethanol at emits 20 percent less greenhouse gas emissions and increases engine horsepower. Additionally, the sanctioning body's offices are now housed in LEED certified buildings in Charlotte, N.C.

Greg Biffle to drive with fire suppression fluid on-board

3M, sponsor of Greg Biffle's No. 16 car, will debut a new sustainable fire suppression agent that's stored as a fluid and discharged as a gas without leaving any residue. The 3M Novec 1230 Fire Protection Fluid, which will be used in Biffle's car, is designed to ensure optimum safety in case of fire while also remaining safe for the environment. Boasting zero ozone depletion potential and an atmospheric lifetime of just five days, it is used to protect such entities as telecommunications centers or data centers where heat  or chemical agents could damage equipment.

"I'm proud to drive the first racecar that incorporates a sustainable fire suppression fluid. It seems fitting to go the first round on Earth Day," Biffle said. "I'm lucky to be working with Roush Fenway Racing who jumped on board early to get the new fluid into the car to not only protect me, but also the environment."

Biffle, who broke a 49 race winless streak Saturday night at Texas, leads the points standings by 19 markers over teammate Matt Kenseth and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. His No. 16 Ford will be adorned with a 3M Novec paint scheme for Sunday's STP 400.

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FRONTSTRETCH IS EXPANDING... INTO OPEN-WHEEL!

Have an itch for the IndyCars? Looking for a part-time writing gig? Well, then Frontstretch may be the place for you. We're looking for one fill-in IndyCar writer to handle about ten preview and recap columns over the course of the 2012 season. Deadlines will be on Thursday and Sunday nights; if interested, going through the Frontstretch audition process (with an emphasis on open-wheel instead of NASCAR) is required. Questions? Concerns? Or simply ready to send your pieces in? Contact us at frontstretcheditors@googlegroups.com.

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Keepin' It Short: Local Southern Virginia Stars Get Their Chance to Shine
by Mike Neff

Denny Hamlin scored his big break in racing by dominating local Late Model racing in Southern Virginia. Since he's been a Cup Series racer he's done his best to shine the spotlight on local stars through his Short Track Showdown. The early years were competed at Hamlin's former home track, Southside Speedway, however last year the event was moved to Richmond International Raceway which afforded the event the opportunity to receive greater attention through coverage on SPEED. In 2012 it is returning to RIR on Thursday night, April 26th before the K&N East Series event. The race will showcase 12 "celebrity" drivers from NASCAR national touring series and 46 Whelen All-American Series drivers from all over the country.

The list of celebrity drivers was announced at the beginning of the month and includes Hamlin's Joe Gibbs Racing teammates, as well as, the defending Sprint Cup Champion and several other drivers from the Camping World Truck Series and K&N East Series.

•    Denny Hamlin
•    Tony Stewart
•    Kyle Busch
•    Jeff Burton
•    Michael Waltrip
•    Joey Logano
•    Aric Almirola
•    Jason White
•    Timothy Peters
•    Chase Elliott
•    Darrell Wallace, Jr.
•    Curtis Markham

The local short track heroes that will compete with the celebrities to make the 36 car field include several Whelen All-American National and State Champions.

1. A1 – Travis Braden – 2011 NWAAS State Champion
2. 01 – Richard Boswell – Qualified for 2011 DHSTS
3. 04 – Ryan Reed – DHF Wild Card
4. 05 – Doug Godsey – Qualified for 2011 DHSTS
5. 06 – Davin Scites – DHF Wild Card
6. 07 – Clint King – Qualified for 2011 DHSTS
7. 08 – Deac McCaskill – DHF Wild Card
8. 2 – Matt Waltz – Qualified for 2011 DHSTS
9. 3 – Burt Myers – 2011 NWAAS NORTH CAROLINA Champion
10. 5 – Frank Deiny Jr. – 4th 2011 NWAAS VIRGINIA State Points
11. 5 – Dexter Canipe Jr. 5th Martinsville Speedway Fall Race
12. 9 – Ben Rhodes – DHF Wild Card
13. 10 – Brandon Davis – 5th 2011 NWAAS NATIONAL Points
14. 10 – Nick Smith – Qualified for 2011 DHSTS
15. 16 – Jeff Oakley – 2011 Southside Speedway Track Champion
16. 16 – Ryan Preece – 7th 2011 NWAAS NATIONAL Points
17. 17 – Stacey Puryear – 3rd 2011 Martinsville Fall Race
18. 26 – Phillip Morris – 2011 NWAAS NATIONAL CHAMPION
19. 27 – Jeb Burton – 8th 2011 Martinsville Fall Race
20. 28 – Bill Leighton Jr. – 6th 2011 NWAAS National Points
21. 29 – Brandon Butler – 2nd 2011 Martinsville Fall Race
22. 32 – Kyle Grissom – Qualified for 2011 DHSTS
23. 33 – David Polenz – 2011 Old Dominion Speedway Track Champion
24. 34 – Greg Edwards – 2nd 2011 NWAAS Langley Speedway
25. 40 – CE Falk III – 2011 Langley Speedway Track Champion
26. 44 – Nate Monteith – 2011 NWAAS TENNESEE State Champion
27. 44 – Dylon Lupton – DHF Wild Card
28. 51 – Matt McCall – Qualified for 2011 DHSTS/2011 Pole Winner
29. 57 – Eddie Johnson – Qualified for 2011 DHSTS
30. 58 – Scott Turlington – Qualified for 2011 DHSTS
31. 59 – Coleman Pressley – DHF Wild Card
32. 66 – Steve Carlson – Past NWAAS National Champion
33. 72 – Josh Berry – 9th 2011 NWAAS VIRGINIA State Points
34. 77 – Clint Mills – Qualified for 2011 DHSTS
35. 80 – Justin T. Johnson – 11th 2011 NWAAS VIRGINIA State Points
36. 80 – Kris Bowen – 2nd 2011 NWAAS Motormile Speedway
37. 81 – Ryan Robertson – Qualified for 2011 DHSTS
38. 82 – J Herbst – 2011 NWAAS WISCONSIN State Champion
39. 82 – Paddy Rodenbeck – Qualified for 2011 DHSTS Race
40. 83 – Matt Bowling – 12th 2011 NWAAS VIRGINIA State Points
41. 88 – Keith Rocco – 2nd 2011 NWAAS National Points
42. 89 – Adam Royle – 2011 NWAAS MINNESOTA State Champion
43. 90 – Pietro Fittipaldi – DHF Wild Card
44. 94 – Natalie Sather – 2nd 2011 NWAAS South Boston Speedway
45. 99 – Brandon Dean – Qualified for 2011 DHSTS
46. 99 – Peyton Sellers – Qualified for 2011 DHSTS

The race has been increased to 100 laps this year so there will be even more beating and banging to the finish. While Hamlin won the race from the rear of the field last year, C.E. Falk, III is in the field again this year and he beat Hamlin at Southside a couple of years ago. Kyle Busch dominated the race last year but failed to make it to the finish. Darrell Wallace, Jr. was in position to win the event last year but was taken out on a late race restart that kept him from pulling the major upset. Matt McCall, even though invited, will not be competing due to recent surgery.

Money raised by the race is for the Denny Hamlin Foundation and their fight against Cystic Fibrosis and other afflictions affecting children. Tune into SPEED on Thursday night, April 26th at 8:30 PM to see the future starts of NASCAR taking on the celebrities to raise money for Denny Hamlin's Foundation.

This Weekend's Race Calendar

Fri : Apr 20th – Beebe Speedway ; Beebe : AR – Comp Cams Super Late Models
Fri : Apr 20th – Gas City I-69 Speedway ; Gas City : IN – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Fri : Apr 20th – Gas City I-69 Speedway ; Gas City : IN – USAC Midwest Focus Midgets
Fri : Apr 20th – Davenport Speedway ; Davenport : IA – Deery Brothers Summer Series IMCA Late  Models
Fri : Apr 20th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – USRA Modifieds
Fri : Apr 20th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – IMCA Stock Cars
Fri : Apr 20th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds
Fri : Apr 20th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Street Stocks
Fri : Apr 20th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Late Models
Fri : Apr 20th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Modifieds
Fri : Apr 20th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Street Stocks
Fri : Apr 20th – Missouri State Fair Speedway ; Sedalia : MO – United Late Model Association Late Models
Fri : Apr 20th – Missouri State Fair Speedway ; Sedalia : MO – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Fri : Apr 20th – Valley Speedway ; Grain Valley : MO – USMTS Casey's Cup Qualifier Modifieds
Fri : Apr 20th – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Limited Late Models
Fri : Apr 20th – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Modifieds
Fri : Apr 20th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – NDRA Late Models
Fri : Apr 20th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Open Wheel Modifieds
Fri : Apr 20th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Street Stocks
Fri : Apr 20th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Late Models
Fri : Apr 20th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Modifieds
Fri : Apr 20th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Street Stocks
Fri : Apr 20th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – 358 Modifieds
Fri : Apr 20th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Sportsman
Fri : Apr 20th – Roaring Knob Motorsports Complex ; Markleysburg : PA – Lucas Oil Late Models
Fri : Apr 20th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Modifieds
Fri ; Apr 20th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : Apr 20th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Stock
Fri : Apr 20th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Street Stock
Sat : Apr 21st – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Southern Superstars Super Late Models
Sat : Apr 21st – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Sportsman
Sat : Apr 21st – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Pro Late Models
Sat : Apr 21st – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Super Stock Trucks
Sat : Apr 21st – Havasu 95 Speedway ; Lake Havasu City : AZ – Late Models
Sat : Apr 21st – Havasu 95 Speedway ; Lake Havasu City : AZ – Street Stocks
Sat : Apr 21st – Havasu 95 Speedway ; Lake Havasu City : AZ – Factory Stocks
Sat : Apr 21st – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Comp Cams Super Late Models
Sat : Apr 21st – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Modifieds
Sat : Apr 21st – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – 600 Mini Sprints
Sat : Apr 21st – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Mike Roos Memorial SRL Southwest Tour Late Models
Sat : Apr 21st – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Late Models
Sat : Apr 21st – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Hobby Stocks
Sat : Apr 21st – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT ; Stafford Springs : CT – Spring Sizzler Practice
Sat : Apr 21st – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – Florida United Promoters Late Models
Sat : Apr 21st – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Pro Late Models
Sat : Apr 21st – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – E-Modifieds
Sat : Apr 21st – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Sportsman
Sat : Apr 21st – Punta Gorda Speedway ; Punta Gorda : FL – Super Late Models
Sat : Apr 21st – New Senoia Raceway ; Senoia : GA – Late Models
Sat : Apr 21st – Watermelon Capital Speedway ; Cordele : GA – Outlaw Late Models
Sat : Apr 21st – Magic Valley Speedway ; Twin Falls : ID – Rocky Mountain Challenge Series Late Models
Sat : Apr 21st – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Limited Late Models
Sat : Apr 21st – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Modifieds
Sat : Apr 21st – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Street Stocks
Sat : Apr 21st – Montpelier Speedway ; Montpelier : IN – USAC Midwest Focus Midgets
Sat : Apr 21st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Late Models
Sat : Apr 21st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Mel Kenyon Midgets
Sat : Apr 21st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Stock Figure 8
Sat : Apr 21st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Spring Fling Roadrunners
Sat : Apr 21st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Spring Fling Hornets
Sat : Apr 21st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Spring Fling Legends
Sat : Apr 21st – Tri-State Speedway ; Haubstadt : IN – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sat : Apr 21st – West Liberty Raceway ; West Liberty : IA – Deery Brothers Summer Series IMCA Late  Models
Sat : Apr 21st – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Late Models
Sat : Apr 21st – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Open Wheel Modifieds
Sat : Apr 21st – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Sportsman
Sat : Apr 21st – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Pure Street
Sat : Apr 21st – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Mini Stock
Sat : Apr 21st – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Outlaw Mini Cup
Sat : Apr 21st – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Baby Grand
Sat : Apr 21st – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Pro Challenge
Sat : Apr 21st – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – 31st Annual Stanley Schetrompf Classic Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models
Sat : Apr 21st – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – Pure Stocks
Sat : Apr 21st – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Opening Night Outlaw Super Late Models
Sat : Apr 21st – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Opening Night Super Stocks
Sat : Apr 21st – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Opening Night Pro Stocks
Sat : Apr 21st – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Late Models
Sat : Apr 21st – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : Apr 21st – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : Apr 21st – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Super Stocks
Sat : Apr 21st – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – USRA Modifieds
Sat : Apr 21st – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Super Late Models
Sat : Apr 21st – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – NeSmith Late Models
Sat : Apr 21st – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Street Stocks
Sat : Apr 21st – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – Weekly Series Opener Factory Stocks
Sat : Apr 21st – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – Weekly Series Opener A-Mods
Sat : Apr 21st – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – Weekly Series Opener B-Mods
Sat : Apr 21st – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – Weekly Series Opener United Late Model Association Late Models
Sat : Apr 21st – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Late Models x2
Sat : Apr 21st – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat : Apr 21st – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Street Stocks
Sat : Apr 21st – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – NASCAR Whelen Southern Modifieds
Sat : Apr 21st – Concord Motorsports Park ; Concord : NC – Late Models
Sat : Apr 21st – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – CARS Pro Cup Series
Sat : Apr 21st – Orange County Speedway ; Rougemont : NC – PASS South
Sat : Apr 21st – Monadnock Speedway ; Winchester : NH – MRS Modifieds
Sat : Apr 21st – Eldora Speedway ; Rossburg : OH – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Sat : Apr 21st – Salina Highbanks Speedway ; Salina : OK – USMTS Casey's Cup Qualifier Modifieds
Sat : Apr 21st – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Xcel 600 CCs
Sat : Apr 21st – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 410 Sprints
Sat : Apr 21st – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 358 Sprints
Sat : Apr 21st – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – Thundercars
Sat : Apr 21st – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Modifieds – Pole Day
Sat : Apr 21st – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Street Stocks – Pole Day
Sat : Apr 21st – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – Late Models
Sat : Apr 21st – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – Sportsman
Sat : Apr 21st – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Late Models
Sat : Apr 21st – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Modifieds
Sat : Apr 21st – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Midwest Modifieds
Sun : Apr 22nd – Dubuque Fairgrounds Speedway ; Dubuque : IA – Deery Brothers Summer Series IMCA Late  Models
Sun : Apr 22nd – Plymouth Speedway ; Plymouth : IN – Jeg's All Star Pro Late Models
Sun : Apr 22nd – Monett Speedway ; Monett : MO – USMTS Casey's Cup Qualifier Modifieds
Sun : Apr 22nd – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Modifieds
Sun : Apr 22nd – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Street Stocks
Wed : Apr 25th – Farmer City Raceway ; Farmer City : IL – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Thu : Apr 26th – Richmond International Raceway ; Richmond : VA – Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown Late Models
Thu : Apr 26th – Richmond International Raceway ; Richmond : VA – NASCAR K&N Pro East Series
Thu : Apr 26th – Rice Lake Speedway ; Rice Lake : WI – USMTS National Championship Series Modifieds

Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.

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Fantasy Friday: STP 400
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.

The NASCAR Sprint Cup series heads to Kansas this week and the visit there doesn't come without some lasts in mind. Kansas was the last place that Hendrick Motorsports won a race. The elite team is also looking for its 200th Sprint Cup victory, so hey, maybe it's a match made in the Land of Oz.

Another last is that this will be the final race their before the track is repaved. It's one of a number of tracks that has been on the repaving list in the last year. So, when they return for the Chase for the Championship in the fall, the cars will likely handle differently, leaving crew chiefs to rely on their adjustability rather than just previous notes.

Top 5 Picks

Greg Biffle: The points leader is coming off a win at Texas, has been excellent all year--including finishing inside the top 15 in all seven races this season--and he has two wins at the track. And that definitely makes it nearly impossible not to include him.

Jeff Gordon: He's been fast all year, but also extremely unlucky. They finally had a bit of good fortune, to go along with a fast car, and finished fourth at Texas last week. Gordon is 17th in the points coming in, and with two wins and nine top-10 finishes at Kansas, he'll look to make a big jump in the standings.

Jimmie Johnson: He's also got two wins at Kansas and has been knocking on the victory door for the last few races. So a breakthrough here would be no surprise and give Hendrick that landmark victory.

Tony Stewart: Like Biffle, Gordon and Johnson, he's got two victories at Kansas. Plus, I'm guessing that last week's poor showing at Texas was anamoly, and won't be a regular occurrence.

Mark Martin: He's showing he can still drive with the best of them, even at age 53. Martin is driving the No. 55 Toyota for Michael Waltrip Racing and has been solid this season. He's also got a win at Kansas.

Shoulda, woulda, coulda: Kansas is also Clint Bowyer's home track and it would be a great story for him to get his first win at the facility. He's been OK there with a lone top 5 and three top-10 finishes in seven starts at the mile-and-a-half oval. That's not enough to make him one of the top five here.

ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP
Here's a look at how last week's picks fared at Texas.

Matt Kenseth - 5th. He was competitive throughout the night and led 15 laps, even though he didn't have a chance to win at the end.

Greg Biffle - 1st. Well, finally I got another winner here. Biffle went from having a good season, to being a serious contender for the title by proving he can win on one of the Chase tracks.

Tony Stewart - 24th. It was a no-brainer to pick Stewart as one of the contenders at Texas. But the team missed completely on the set up and was never in the running to even get a top-15 finish.

Denny Hamlin - 12th. He had an OK day, but was never a threat to win the race.

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. - 10th. See comment for Hamlin. Winless now at 136 for those of you snoring at home.

Season Stats
35 Picks
2 wins
10 top 5s
12 top 10s

Grade for this week:  B. Biffle's win is big and Kenseth came through, too. Stewart's non-competitive car came as no help though.

One Last Thing: Here's a look at what Jimmie Johnson has done this season, thanks to help from NASCAR's Loop Statistics. The five-time champion has the most fastest laps run at 249, the fastest average green flag speed, led the most laps at 359, led the most miles at 403.89 and the fastest average speed in traffic. There's one thing he hasn't done yet this year - win. That may very well change Sunday.

Jeff Wolfe is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at jeff.wolfe@frontstretch.com.

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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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Frontstretch Folio: STP 400
by Nick Schwartz

This weekend, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to Kansas Speedway for the
STP 400 a bit earlier than usual in the year. In 2011, the first Kansas race occurred in June after the All-Star break, but the final race under the current Kansas layout will be the seventh of the 2012 season. The STP 400 will be broadcast live on Sunday, April 22nd, at 12:30 PM EDT on FOX and 12:00 PM EDT on MRN Radio. The race is scheduled to run a distance of 400.5 miles, a total of 267 laps around the 1.5 mile tri-oval.

Records and Facts

Brad Keselowski is the defending champion of the inaugural STP 400 held last June, in what was the first year on the NASCAR schedule that Kansas Speedway was awarded two race dates. Jimmie Johnson won the Fall race—which fell in the Chase for the Sprint Cup—for his second career victory at the track. Four drivers have recorded two wins at Kansas since the first Sprint Cup race was held in 2001: Johnson (2008 and 2011), Jeff Gordon (2001 and 2002), Tony Stewart (2006 and 2009) and Greg Biffle (2007 and 2010).

Following the race, construction will begin on major track renovations. Brutal weather in the Kansas City area has necessitated a total repave of the racing surface, and there will also be the addition of variable banking, the construction of a road course in the infield, and a slight change to the radius of the tri-oval section. All renovations are scheduled to be completed prior to the Hollywood Casino 400, to be held October 21st.

Track Facts

Track/Race Length: 1.5-mile D-shaped oval, 267 laps (400.5 miles)
Degree of Banking: Progressive banking ranges from 10.4-15 degrees
Frontstretch: 2,685 ft., banked 10.4 degrees
Backstretch: 2,207 ft., banked 5 degrees
Grandstand Seating: 81,687

Pre-race Schedule

Practice: Friday, April 20, 1:30 – 3:00 PM EST on SPEED
Happy Hour: Friday, April 20, 4:30 – 6:00 PM EST on SPEED
Qualifying: Saturday, April 21 at 12:00 PM EST on SPEED

VIPs

Grand Marshal / Command: Victory Junction Campers Keyley Bolding, Isaac Roberson, Sarah Roberson and Zac Roberson

Race Day Forecast

Sunday: Sunny, 0% chance of rain
High: 72
Low: 49

They Said It

"Kansas is great. I look forward to getting another race in on that surface they've got before they tear it up. I've enjoyed racing there. It's a fun race track. Both corners are really different. Turn 1 and (Turn) 2 to me are kind of flatter than (Turns) 3 and 4. Three and 4 offer a lot more banking; just way different styles of driving each corner. So the track is a challenge and a fun challenge. The area is growing, especially right there at the race track. The area is really growing at a high rate of speed and making the track itself a success and the idea of building the track there a success. –Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

"I think when you look at the facility itself and when you look at the surrounding area, there are not too many places that we go to that have built around the race track like this particular track. From a fan standpoint, there are things to do and places to go, so that's good. The race track itself is a lot like a lot of the other race tracks we go to as far as the race track shape and size, so that doesn't really set it apart from a lot of other places. The one thing that does set it apart is the way that the race track has aged, which is a good thing. You look at Charlotte, those types of race tracks, the asphalt has not changed much over the years and this particular race track, the tires wear out, it gets slick and the cars start to slide around which makes the racing groove move up, which it has done here over the past couple of years so that part of it has changed a little bit differently than a lot of the mile-and-a-half tracks. –Kevin Harvick

"We all like going to Kansas since we consider it our home track. It's the closest venue to our race shop in Denver. From a travel standpoint it's great. But from a competition standpoint it's been a hard track for me to figure out. Kansas has been a challenge but each time I go there I feel more confident. Hopefully this will be the turning point weekend for our Furniture Row/Farm American Chevrolet. –Regan Smith

Nick Schwartz is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at nick.schwartz@frontstretch.com.

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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:

Sunday at The Rock Proved One Thing: You Can Go Home Again
by Amy Henderson

Four Burning Questions: Consistency, Repaves, and Movin' on Up...
by Summer Dreyer

Voices From the Cheap Seats: "Al Gore Effect" Grips NASCAR
by Jeff Meyer

Dakoda Armstrong Driver Diary: Rockingham, Hot Starts & Easter Eggs
as told to Beth Lunkenheimer

The Non-Sensical Risk and Stalls of the Nationwide Series Schedule
by Bryan Davis Keith

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This Weekend on the Frontstretch:

Tracking the Trucks: SFP 250 by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth has all of the post race analysis you need following Saturday afternoon's Camping World Truck Series race from Kansas.

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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
 
Q: Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus have basically been the "Enlightened Monarchs" of the Chase ever since it was created for 2004. However, Johnson's chances to win the inaugural Chase took a nasty hit at Kansas. What happened?

Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
 
Thursday's Answer:
 
Q: For three years, the Truck Series race at Heartland Park Topeka was sponsored by "The Lund Look." What is (or was) the Lund Look?

A: The race was officially sponsored by Lund, a manufacturer of accessories for trucks. The "Lund Look" was put on the pace truck. For lack of better words, it was a Chevrolet C/K 1500 (remember, this was when Silverado was a trim level, not the truck's model name) decked out with as much Lund gear as possible.

Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: Take the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!

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Coming Monday in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- STP 400 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: STP 400 by Matt McLaughlin
Matt will be here with his overall thoughts about the action from Sunday afternoon's action from Kansas.

Monday Morning Teardown by Ron Lemasters
Ron returns for a website look at one of the big stories from Sunday's race from Kansas.

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 Kansas.

Big Six: STP 400 by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving Sunday's event at Kansas? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing.

Pace Laps: Kansas 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 Kansas.

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