THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
April 6th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition LI
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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
Johnson's Controversial C-Post Car Sent to Junior's Junkyard
Jimmie Johnson's No. 48 that caused so much controversy with its C-posts at Daytona has been sent to Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s NASCAR junkyard. Team owner Rick Hendrick told ESPN's David Newton that the team decided to junk the car after going through 30 days of "hell" that included two appeals attempting to remove a 25-point penalty and a six-race suspension for crew chief Chad Knaus and car chief Ron Malec. The second appeal was successful for the most part, but the $100,000 fine for Chad Knaus stood and both Knaus and Malec are on probation until May 9th.
NASCAR Sprint Cup series director John Darby told Newton that if the same No. 48 car was brought back to Talladega next month with the same C-posts, the car would be confiscated and the team would undergo the same penalties. Hendrick made no admission that the car is illegal, but indicated he simply didn't want to go through another 30 days of controversy.
When the team won the appeal ruled by chief appellate officer John Middlebrook, it put itself back in the points race to make the Chase for the Championship. Johnson, a five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion, is 10th in the points standings, 37 behind leader Greg Biffle.
Earnhardt, Jr. and Eury, Sr. Reunited in Nationwide Ride
On Thursday, JR Motorsports announced it will swap the crew chiefs for the No. 5 and 88 teams. Bruce Cook will now be the crew chief for the No. 88 team driven by Cole Whitt and Tony Eury, Sr. will be lead the part-time No. 5 team driven primarily by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Tony Eury, Jr. will remain the crew chief for Danica Patrick's No. 7 car. The move will free up Eury, Sr. to focus more on his role as competition director.
"Our teams have a tremendous responsibility not only to perform at the standards we set for ourselves but reflect the commitment to excellence of our sponsors," Kelly Earnhardt Miller, General Manager and Co-Owner of JR Motorsports said. "Our on-track performance isn't meeting those standards, and we felt a change was necessary."
The switch will reunite Earnhardt Jr. and Eury Sr. at Texas next weekend. They combined to win the Nationwide Series titles in 1998 and 1999 and won 15 Sprint Cup races between 2000 and 2004. Whitt, a rookie in the Nationwide Series, currently sits sixth in the points standings and Whitt, a rookie driver from Alpine, Calif., is currently sixth in the series point standings. His best finish this season was a fourth at Daytona. JR Motorsports' last win came with Jamie McMurray on Sept. 4, 2010, a stretch of 48 races.
Newman, Quicken Loans combine to help Children's Tumor Foundation
Sunday's Goody's Fast Relief 500 winner Ryan Newman and sponsor Quicken Loans are making an effort to help children who suffer with tumors feel better, too. The company announced Thursday that it will use a Children's Tumor Foundation (CTF) paint scheme on the No. 39 car at the Sonoma race on June 24 as part of its Fuel the Cure campaign as part of the fight against neurofibromatosis.
Quicken Loans and Stewart-Haas Racing will also combine to donate $390,000 to neurofibromatosis (NF) research through the website fuelthecure.org. Additionally, a grand prize drawing for anyone who raises $3,900 or more between now and June 3 will be a special package to a behind-the-scenes race tour, including a meet and greet with Newman.
"We are very proud of our association with Quicken Loans and are excited to be part of the race in Sonoma," said Jill Beck, Director of the Racing4Research program. "We set what we felt was a lofty fundraising goal for 2012, and we are now looking at hitting our goal by mid-year. We are grateful for not only the support from Quicken Loans but also Stewart-Haas Racing for the special experience package donation they have come forward with, and it thrills me to think of all the NF Heroes – children with NF – who will benefit from this program."
If the goal of $390,000 is met, "Fuel the Cure" will have helped raise more than $1 million for CTF before the end of the second quarter.
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!
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In Case You Missed It
by Nick Schwartz
Bruton Smith Works With Tennessee Government for Aid in Revamping Bristol
Speedway Motorsports, Inc. owner Bruton Smith is looking for state aid to help complete the proposed overhaul of Bristol Motor Speedway, following disastrous attendance at the track's Spring race March 18. After listening to the outcry from fans, many of whom desire Bristol Motor Speedway to return to its old form, before a 2007 repave added a second racing groove and took away much of the rough door-to-door racing action that the track was renowned for. Though Bristol boasts a capacity of 160,000, the 2012 Food City 500 had an official attendance of 102,000, and many reporters in attendance believed the number to be even lower than that.
"Bristol is a huge part of our state, revenue wise," Governor Bill Haslam told The Tennessean. "They didn't have any specific proposals for us, nor did we have any for them, but it's important for us to be in conversation with them about how they can get their attendance back to where they want it to be and where we want it to be, too."
The restoration project is expected to cost around 1 million dollars, and as Bristol Motor Speedway is a large tourist draw for the state economy, Smith and Governor Haslam met this week to hold "preliminary discussions" over potential state aid for the project.
Denny Hamlin Dons Signature White Caddy Suit at Augusta National Golf Club
With the Masters in full swing at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Denny Hamlin got a bit of experience as a caddy during a Wednesday practice round. Hamlin, a friend of PGA long-bomber Bubba Watson, caddied for Watson during the annual The Masters Par-3 Contest, an exhibition on the eve of the tournament's first round featuring Masters legends and current professionals.
"It was a cool experience to come to Augusta and caddy for Bubba in the Par-3 tournament," Hamlin said. "We have become pretty good friends over the past couple years, and I have to thank him for the opportunity. I'll be rooting for him in the Masters this weekend."
Watson shot one under par on the nine-hole course, and managed to finish his round before inclement weather forced Augusta officials to call the event, with Padraig Harrington and Jonathan Byrd named co-champions at five under par.
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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: Lucas Oil Shining a Light on Short Track Competition
by Mike Neff
Short Track racing can be an expensive proposition, for both promoters and participants. Running race tracks and racing series can be very expensive and recouping money from investments in them can be a long process that often ends in failure. There is one company that is continuously pouring money into local Short Track racing and this week they made another commitment, announcing their 2012 television schedule for their Late Model Dirt Series. Lucas Oil was founded in 1989 by Forrest and Charlotte Lucas and is based in Corona, CA and is heavily invested in racing of all kinds across not only the United States but the entire globe.
Lucas Oil's portfolio of racing investments is incredibly vast and includes: Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, GEICO AMA Enduro Cross sponsored by Lucas Oil, Lucas Oil Motocross Championship, Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Dirt Series, Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series, Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League, Lucas Oil Midwest Late Model Racing Association and Lucas Oil Modifed Series. They compete from coast to coast and in other countries, bringing the Lucas Oil name to the millions of fans of all of the different styles of racing.
While they are sponsoring the myriad of racing series, they often compete at venues that bear the Lucas Oil name. One of the finest dirt racing facilities in the country is Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, MO. The 3/8ths-mile track has been previously featured in Keepin' it Short and is accompanied by the only, purpose built, drag boat facility in the world. They also have their name on I-10 Speedway in Blythe, CA and Raceway Park in Clermont, IN. Plus, the company also owns the naming rights to the home stadium of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts.
As part of the company's efforts to expand the reach and popularity of their racing endeavors and other interests, Lucas Oil purchased MAVTV in 2011. They are in the process of ramping up the racing programming on the channel, which is an addition to the Lucas Oil Studios Family which produces 350 hours of programming annually. In the end, MAVTV will be the home for all of Lucas Oil's motorsports programming.
While the transition to MAVTV continues, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series announced their 2012 television schedule (http://www.frontstretch.com/otherpr/38145/). The series will be aired on five different networks with a total of 38 hours of programming being broadcast in 2012. Races will be shown on CBS, CBS Sports, NBC Sports, but the majority will be shown on SPEED and MAVTV.
Lucas Oil Studios will record each event in high definition with the latest technology including Cinema camera technology, in-car cameras, a helicopter cam and a cut-away car. No expense is spared when Lucas Oil is involved in racing and their productions of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will be no exception.
Short track racing needs the support of many different companies to be successful. The more major organizations that will make significant investments in the sport the healthier it is going to be in the long run and the better auto racing will be for it. Lucas Oil is far and away the most financially committed company when it comes to short track racing, and fans should do their best to patronize their products and let them know that they are very appreciated for the support they give to our sport.
This Weekend's Racing Schedule:
Fri : Apr 6th – Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA – Beau Slocumb Memorial 208 Pro Late Models
Fri : Apr 6th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – USRA Modifieds
Fri : Apr 6th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – IMCA Stock Cars
Fri : Apr 6th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds
Fri : Apr 6th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Street Stocks
Fri : Apr 6th – Greenville Speedway ; Greenville : MS – NeSmith Dirt Late Models
Fri : Apr 6th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Late Models
Fri : Apr 6th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Modifieds
Fri : Apr 6th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Street Stocks
Fri : Apr 6th – I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE – Super Late Model Racing Series
Fri : Apr 6th – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Eggstravaganza Late Models
Fri : Apr 6th – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Eggstravaganza Limitied Late Models
Fri : Apr 6th – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Eggstravaganza Modifieds
Fri : Apr 6th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Open Wheel Modifieds
Fri : Apr 6th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Street Stocks x2
Fri : Apr 6th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Late Models
Fri : Apr 6th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Modifieds
Fri : Apr 6th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Street Stocks
Fri : Apr 6th – Thunderbird Speedway ; Muskogee : OK – MARS Dirtcar Series Late Models
Fri : Apr 6th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Modifieds
Fri ; Apr 6th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : Apr 6th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Stock
Fri : Apr 6th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Street Stock
Fri : Apr 6th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – NorthTex Racing Series
Fri : Apr 6th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – 54th Annual Season Opener Late Models
Fri : Apr 6th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – 54th Annual Season Opener Modifieds
Fri : Apr 6th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – 54th Annual Season Opener Midwest Modifieds
Sat : Apr 7th – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Modifieds
Sat : Apr 7th – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Outlaw Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Sportsman
Sat : Apr 7th – Havasu 95 Speedway ; Lake Havasu City : AZ – ASA Trucks
Sat : Apr 7th – Havasu 95 Speedway ; Lake Havasu City : AZ – ASA Street Stocks
Sat : Apr 7th – Havasu 95 Speedway ; Lake Havasu City : AZ – Factory Stocks
Sat : Apr 7th – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – Crate Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – KMSA
Sat : Apr 7th – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – Outlaw Thunder
Sat : Apr 7th – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – Sportsman
Sat : Apr 7th – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – Street Stock
Sat : Apr 7th – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – Super Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Super Stock Trucks
Sat : Apr 7th – Giant Chevrolet King Speedway ; Hanford : CA – USAC 360 Sprints
Sat : Apr 7th – Marysville Raceway Park ; Marysville : CA – BCRA Midgets
Sat : Apr 7th – Bubba Raceway Park ; Ocala : FL – Top Gun Sprints
Sat : Apr 7th – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – Open Wheel Modifieds
Sat : Apr 7th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Florida United Promoters Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Sportsman
Sat : Apr 7th – Punta Gorda Speedway ; Punta Gorda : FL – Late Model Sportsman
Sat : Apr 7th – Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA – Beau Slocumb Memorial 208 Pro Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – New Senoia Raceway ; Senoia : GA – Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – Sugar Creek Raceway ; Blue Ridge : GA – Southern Regional Racing Series
Sat : Apr 7th – Watermelon Capital Speedway ; Cordele : GA – Super Streets
Sat : Apr 7th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Opening Night Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Opening Night Stock Figure 8
Sat : Apr 7th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Spring Fling Roadrunners
Sat : Apr 7th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Spring Fling Hornets
Sat : Apr 7th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Spring Fling Legends
Sat : Apr 7th – 34 Raceway ; West Burlington : IA – Deery Brothers Summer Series IMCA Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – Pure Stocks
Sat : Apr 7th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Season OpenerWissota Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Season Opener Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : Apr 7th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Season Opener Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : Apr 7th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Season Opener Wissota Super Stocks
Sat : Apr 7th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Season Opener USRA Modifieds
Sat : Apr 7th – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Super Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – NeSmith Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Southern Street Stock Showdown
Sat : Apr 7th – Greenville Speedway ; Greenville : MS – Nesmith Dirt Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – Valley Speedway ; Grain Valley : MO – United Late Model Association Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE – Cornbelt Clash Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE – Lucas Oil Midwest Late Model Racing Association
Sat : Apr 7th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Late Models x2
Sat : Apr 7th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Street Stocks
Sat : Apr 7th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – NASCAR Whelen Southern Modifieds
Sat : Apr 7th – Concord Motorsports Park ; Concord : NC – Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – PASS South
Sat : Apr 7th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Allison Legacy Series
Sat : Apr 7th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – ARDC Midgets
Sat : Apr 7th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Xcel 600 CCs
Sat : Apr 7th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – Spring Championship 410 Sprints
Sat : Apr 7th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – Thundercars
Sat : Apr 7th – Shippensburg Speedway ; Shippensburg : PA – Sidewinder Sprints
Sat : Apr 7th – Dillon Motor Speedway ; Dillon : SC – UARA Stars Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – Devil's Bowl Speedway ; Mesquite : TX – Sprint Series of Texas
Sat : Apr 7th – Richmond Coliseum ; Richmond : VA – Arena Racing
Sat : Apr 7th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – 54th Annual Season Opener Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – 54th Annual Season Opener Modifieds
Sat : Apr 7th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – 54th Annual Season Opener Midwest Modifieds
Sun : Apr 8th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Easter Extravaganza 358 Modifieds
Sun : Apr 8th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Easter Extravaganza Sportsman
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@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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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
The Time Is Right for a Change to Top 35 Rule
by Amy Henderson
BSNews! Bruton's Plans Extend Beyond Bristol's Track
by Jeff Meyer
Beyond the Livery: A Marketer's Plan For Surviving NASCAR's Economic State
by Tony Lumbis
Four Burning Questions: Stewart-Haas Dominance and Easter Plans
by Summer Dreyer
Nuts for Nationwide: Remembering the Nashville Superspeedway
by Bryan Davis Keith
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: In 1993, The Pantry 500 at Hickory Motor Speedway (a 300 lap Busch race with a late model race on the card as well) debuted three fairly high-profile driver pairings. Can you name them?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: In the 1980's, Hickory Motor Speedway hosted up to four or five Busch Grand National races a year. Purses for these races were roughly $35,000 at the time, so they likely would not put a local track operator into hock. However, one of Hickory's scheduled Busch Grand National races in 1986 was controversially cancelled and never rescheduled. Why did the cancellation happen?
A: It's a little unclear why this happened. What is clear is that the teams did arrive at the track and held practice. During that session, Patty Moise crashed into a light pole. Hickory's promoter officially claimed that rains cancelled the race, despite the fact that a support race still ran. Others claim that they saw the track's promoter working the aforementioned light pole over with a hacksaw to guarantee that the race wouldn't run. Regardless of the reason for the cancellation, it was underhanded at the best.
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:
-- Top News by TBA
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
Monday on the Frontstretch:
Monday Morning Teardown by Ron Lemasters
Ron returns for another Monday morning commentary to make you think.
Bowles-Eye View by Tom Bowles
Tom is back after the Easter off weekend to help get you back in the swing of the work week.
Additional Articles TBD
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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
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
April 6th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition LI
~~~~~~~~~~
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.
~~~~~~~~~~
Top News
by Jeff Wolfe
Johnson's Controversial C-Post Car Sent to Junior's Junkyard
Jimmie Johnson's No. 48 that caused so much controversy with its C-posts at Daytona has been sent to Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s NASCAR junkyard. Team owner Rick Hendrick told ESPN's David Newton that the team decided to junk the car after going through 30 days of "hell" that included two appeals attempting to remove a 25-point penalty and a six-race suspension for crew chief Chad Knaus and car chief Ron Malec. The second appeal was successful for the most part, but the $100,000 fine for Chad Knaus stood and both Knaus and Malec are on probation until May 9th.
NASCAR Sprint Cup series director John Darby told Newton that if the same No. 48 car was brought back to Talladega next month with the same C-posts, the car would be confiscated and the team would undergo the same penalties. Hendrick made no admission that the car is illegal, but indicated he simply didn't want to go through another 30 days of controversy.
When the team won the appeal ruled by chief appellate officer John Middlebrook, it put itself back in the points race to make the Chase for the Championship. Johnson, a five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion, is 10th in the points standings, 37 behind leader Greg Biffle.
Earnhardt, Jr. and Eury, Sr. Reunited in Nationwide Ride
On Thursday, JR Motorsports announced it will swap the crew chiefs for the No. 5 and 88 teams. Bruce Cook will now be the crew chief for the No. 88 team driven by Cole Whitt and Tony Eury, Sr. will be lead the part-time No. 5 team driven primarily by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Tony Eury, Jr. will remain the crew chief for Danica Patrick's No. 7 car. The move will free up Eury, Sr. to focus more on his role as competition director.
"Our teams have a tremendous responsibility not only to perform at the standards we set for ourselves but reflect the commitment to excellence of our sponsors," Kelly Earnhardt Miller, General Manager and Co-Owner of JR Motorsports said. "Our on-track performance isn't meeting those standards, and we felt a change was necessary."
The switch will reunite Earnhardt Jr. and Eury Sr. at Texas next weekend. They combined to win the Nationwide Series titles in 1998 and 1999 and won 15 Sprint Cup races between 2000 and 2004. Whitt, a rookie in the Nationwide Series, currently sits sixth in the points standings and Whitt, a rookie driver from Alpine, Calif., is currently sixth in the series point standings. His best finish this season was a fourth at Daytona. JR Motorsports' last win came with Jamie McMurray on Sept. 4, 2010, a stretch of 48 races.
Newman, Quicken Loans combine to help Children's Tumor Foundation
Sunday's Goody's Fast Relief 500 winner Ryan Newman and sponsor Quicken Loans are making an effort to help children who suffer with tumors feel better, too. The company announced Thursday that it will use a Children's Tumor Foundation (CTF) paint scheme on the No. 39 car at the Sonoma race on June 24 as part of its Fuel the Cure campaign as part of the fight against neurofibromatosis.
Quicken Loans and Stewart-Haas Racing will also combine to donate $390,000 to neurofibromatosis (NF) research through the website fuelthecure.org. Additionally, a grand prize drawing for anyone who raises $3,900 or more between now and June 3 will be a special package to a behind-the-scenes race tour, including a meet and greet with Newman.
"We are very proud of our association with Quicken Loans and are excited to be part of the race in Sonoma," said Jill Beck, Director of the Racing4Research program. "We set what we felt was a lofty fundraising goal for 2012, and we are now looking at hitting our goal by mid-year. We are grateful for not only the support from Quicken Loans but also Stewart-Haas Racing for the special experience package donation they have come forward with, and it thrills me to think of all the NF Heroes – children with NF – who will benefit from this program."
If the goal of $390,000 is met, "Fuel the Cure" will have helped raise more than $1 million for CTF before the end of the second quarter.
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
Bruton Smith Works With Tennessee Government for Aid in Revamping Bristol
Speedway Motorsports, Inc. owner Bruton Smith is looking for state aid to help complete the proposed overhaul of Bristol Motor Speedway, following disastrous attendance at the track's Spring race March 18. After listening to the outcry from fans, many of whom desire Bristol Motor Speedway to return to its old form, before a 2007 repave added a second racing groove and took away much of the rough door-to-door racing action that the track was renowned for. Though Bristol boasts a capacity of 160,000, the 2012 Food City 500 had an official attendance of 102,000, and many reporters in attendance believed the number to be even lower than that.
"Bristol is a huge part of our state, revenue wise," Governor Bill Haslam told The Tennessean. "They didn't have any specific proposals for us, nor did we have any for them, but it's important for us to be in conversation with them about how they can get their attendance back to where they want it to be and where we want it to be, too."
The restoration project is expected to cost around 1 million dollars, and as Bristol Motor Speedway is a large tourist draw for the state economy, Smith and Governor Haslam met this week to hold "preliminary discussions" over potential state aid for the project.
Denny Hamlin Dons Signature White Caddy Suit at Augusta National Golf Club
With the Masters in full swing at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Denny Hamlin got a bit of experience as a caddy during a Wednesday practice round. Hamlin, a friend of PGA long-bomber Bubba Watson, caddied for Watson during the annual The Masters Par-3 Contest, an exhibition on the eve of the tournament's first round featuring Masters legends and current professionals.
"It was a cool experience to come to Augusta and caddy for Bubba in the Par-3 tournament," Hamlin said. "We have become pretty good friends over the past couple years, and I have to thank him for the opportunity. I'll be rooting for him in the Masters this weekend."
Watson shot one under par on the nine-hole course, and managed to finish his round before inclement weather forced Augusta officials to call the event, with Padraig Harrington and Jonathan Byrd named co-champions at five under par.
~~~~~~~~~~
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.
~~~~~~~~~~
Keepin' It Short: Lucas Oil Shining a Light on Short Track Competition
by Mike Neff
Short Track racing can be an expensive proposition, for both promoters and participants. Running race tracks and racing series can be very expensive and recouping money from investments in them can be a long process that often ends in failure. There is one company that is continuously pouring money into local Short Track racing and this week they made another commitment, announcing their 2012 television schedule for their Late Model Dirt Series. Lucas Oil was founded in 1989 by Forrest and Charlotte Lucas and is based in Corona, CA and is heavily invested in racing of all kinds across not only the United States but the entire globe.
Lucas Oil's portfolio of racing investments is incredibly vast and includes: Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, GEICO AMA Enduro Cross sponsored by Lucas Oil, Lucas Oil Motocross Championship, Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Dirt Series, Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series, Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League, Lucas Oil Midwest Late Model Racing Association and Lucas Oil Modifed Series. They compete from coast to coast and in other countries, bringing the Lucas Oil name to the millions of fans of all of the different styles of racing.
While they are sponsoring the myriad of racing series, they often compete at venues that bear the Lucas Oil name. One of the finest dirt racing facilities in the country is Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, MO. The 3/8ths-mile track has been previously featured in Keepin' it Short and is accompanied by the only, purpose built, drag boat facility in the world. They also have their name on I-10 Speedway in Blythe, CA and Raceway Park in Clermont, IN. Plus, the company also owns the naming rights to the home stadium of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts.
As part of the company's efforts to expand the reach and popularity of their racing endeavors and other interests, Lucas Oil purchased MAVTV in 2011. They are in the process of ramping up the racing programming on the channel, which is an addition to the Lucas Oil Studios Family which produces 350 hours of programming annually. In the end, MAVTV will be the home for all of Lucas Oil's motorsports programming.
While the transition to MAVTV continues, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series announced their 2012 television schedule (http://www.frontstretch.com/otherpr/38145/). The series will be aired on five different networks with a total of 38 hours of programming being broadcast in 2012. Races will be shown on CBS, CBS Sports, NBC Sports, but the majority will be shown on SPEED and MAVTV.
Lucas Oil Studios will record each event in high definition with the latest technology including Cinema camera technology, in-car cameras, a helicopter cam and a cut-away car. No expense is spared when Lucas Oil is involved in racing and their productions of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will be no exception.
Short track racing needs the support of many different companies to be successful. The more major organizations that will make significant investments in the sport the healthier it is going to be in the long run and the better auto racing will be for it. Lucas Oil is far and away the most financially committed company when it comes to short track racing, and fans should do their best to patronize their products and let them know that they are very appreciated for the support they give to our sport.
This Weekend's Racing Schedule:
Fri : Apr 6th – Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA – Beau Slocumb Memorial 208 Pro Late Models
Fri : Apr 6th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – USRA Modifieds
Fri : Apr 6th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – IMCA Stock Cars
Fri : Apr 6th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds
Fri : Apr 6th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Street Stocks
Fri : Apr 6th – Greenville Speedway ; Greenville : MS – NeSmith Dirt Late Models
Fri : Apr 6th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Late Models
Fri : Apr 6th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Modifieds
Fri : Apr 6th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Street Stocks
Fri : Apr 6th – I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE – Super Late Model Racing Series
Fri : Apr 6th – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Eggstravaganza Late Models
Fri : Apr 6th – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Eggstravaganza Limitied Late Models
Fri : Apr 6th – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Eggstravaganza Modifieds
Fri : Apr 6th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Open Wheel Modifieds
Fri : Apr 6th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Street Stocks x2
Fri : Apr 6th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Late Models
Fri : Apr 6th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Modifieds
Fri : Apr 6th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Street Stocks
Fri : Apr 6th – Thunderbird Speedway ; Muskogee : OK – MARS Dirtcar Series Late Models
Fri : Apr 6th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Modifieds
Fri ; Apr 6th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : Apr 6th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Stock
Fri : Apr 6th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Street Stock
Fri : Apr 6th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – NorthTex Racing Series
Fri : Apr 6th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – 54th Annual Season Opener Late Models
Fri : Apr 6th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – 54th Annual Season Opener Modifieds
Fri : Apr 6th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – 54th Annual Season Opener Midwest Modifieds
Sat : Apr 7th – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Modifieds
Sat : Apr 7th – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Outlaw Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Sportsman
Sat : Apr 7th – Havasu 95 Speedway ; Lake Havasu City : AZ – ASA Trucks
Sat : Apr 7th – Havasu 95 Speedway ; Lake Havasu City : AZ – ASA Street Stocks
Sat : Apr 7th – Havasu 95 Speedway ; Lake Havasu City : AZ – Factory Stocks
Sat : Apr 7th – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – Crate Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – KMSA
Sat : Apr 7th – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – Outlaw Thunder
Sat : Apr 7th – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – Sportsman
Sat : Apr 7th – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – Street Stock
Sat : Apr 7th – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – Super Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Super Stock Trucks
Sat : Apr 7th – Giant Chevrolet King Speedway ; Hanford : CA – USAC 360 Sprints
Sat : Apr 7th – Marysville Raceway Park ; Marysville : CA – BCRA Midgets
Sat : Apr 7th – Bubba Raceway Park ; Ocala : FL – Top Gun Sprints
Sat : Apr 7th – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – Open Wheel Modifieds
Sat : Apr 7th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Florida United Promoters Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Sportsman
Sat : Apr 7th – Punta Gorda Speedway ; Punta Gorda : FL – Late Model Sportsman
Sat : Apr 7th – Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA – Beau Slocumb Memorial 208 Pro Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – New Senoia Raceway ; Senoia : GA – Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – Sugar Creek Raceway ; Blue Ridge : GA – Southern Regional Racing Series
Sat : Apr 7th – Watermelon Capital Speedway ; Cordele : GA – Super Streets
Sat : Apr 7th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Opening Night Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Opening Night Stock Figure 8
Sat : Apr 7th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Spring Fling Roadrunners
Sat : Apr 7th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Spring Fling Hornets
Sat : Apr 7th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Spring Fling Legends
Sat : Apr 7th – 34 Raceway ; West Burlington : IA – Deery Brothers Summer Series IMCA Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – Pure Stocks
Sat : Apr 7th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Season OpenerWissota Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Season Opener Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : Apr 7th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Season Opener Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : Apr 7th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Season Opener Wissota Super Stocks
Sat : Apr 7th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Season Opener USRA Modifieds
Sat : Apr 7th – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Super Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – NeSmith Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Southern Street Stock Showdown
Sat : Apr 7th – Greenville Speedway ; Greenville : MS – Nesmith Dirt Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – Valley Speedway ; Grain Valley : MO – United Late Model Association Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE – Cornbelt Clash Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE – Lucas Oil Midwest Late Model Racing Association
Sat : Apr 7th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Late Models x2
Sat : Apr 7th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Street Stocks
Sat : Apr 7th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – NASCAR Whelen Southern Modifieds
Sat : Apr 7th – Concord Motorsports Park ; Concord : NC – Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – PASS South
Sat : Apr 7th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Allison Legacy Series
Sat : Apr 7th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – ARDC Midgets
Sat : Apr 7th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Xcel 600 CCs
Sat : Apr 7th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – Spring Championship 410 Sprints
Sat : Apr 7th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – Thundercars
Sat : Apr 7th – Shippensburg Speedway ; Shippensburg : PA – Sidewinder Sprints
Sat : Apr 7th – Dillon Motor Speedway ; Dillon : SC – UARA Stars Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – Devil's Bowl Speedway ; Mesquite : TX – Sprint Series of Texas
Sat : Apr 7th – Richmond Coliseum ; Richmond : VA – Arena Racing
Sat : Apr 7th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – 54th Annual Season Opener Late Models
Sat : Apr 7th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – 54th Annual Season Opener Modifieds
Sat : Apr 7th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – 54th Annual Season Opener Midwest Modifieds
Sun : Apr 8th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Easter Extravaganza 358 Modifieds
Sun : Apr 8th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Easter Extravaganza Sportsman
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
The Time Is Right for a Change to Top 35 Rule
by Amy Henderson
BSNews! Bruton's Plans Extend Beyond Bristol's Track
by Jeff Meyer
Beyond the Livery: A Marketer's Plan For Surviving NASCAR's Economic State
by Tony Lumbis
Four Burning Questions: Stewart-Haas Dominance and Easter Plans
by Summer Dreyer
Nuts for Nationwide: Remembering the Nashville Superspeedway
by Bryan Davis Keith
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: In 1993, The Pantry 500 at Hickory Motor Speedway (a 300 lap Busch race with a late model race on the card as well) debuted three fairly high-profile driver pairings. Can you name them?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: In the 1980's, Hickory Motor Speedway hosted up to four or five Busch Grand National races a year. Purses for these races were roughly $35,000 at the time, so they likely would not put a local track operator into hock. However, one of Hickory's scheduled Busch Grand National races in 1986 was controversially cancelled and never rescheduled. Why did the cancellation happen?
A: It's a little unclear why this happened. What is clear is that the teams did arrive at the track and held practice. During that session, Patty Moise crashed into a light pole. Hickory's promoter officially claimed that rains cancelled the race, despite the fact that a support race still ran. Others claim that they saw the track's promoter working the aforementioned light pole over with a hacksaw to guarantee that the race wouldn't run. Regardless of the reason for the cancellation, it was underhanded at the best.
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:
-- Top News by TBA
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
Monday on the Frontstretch:
Monday Morning Teardown by Ron Lemasters
Ron returns for another Monday morning commentary to make you think.
Bowles-Eye View by Tom Bowles
Tom is back after the Easter off weekend to help get you back in the swing of the work week.
Additional Articles TBD
-----------------------------
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