THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
June 1st, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CIV
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Frontstretch at the Track: Tom Bowles and Bryan Davis Keith will be live at Dover International Speedway all weekend long. Stayed tuned to the Breaking News box, Twitter (@thefrontstretch, @NASCARBowles, @BryanDavisKeith) and Facebook for all of the latest news leading up to Sunday afternoon's FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks.
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Top News
by Jeff Wolfe
Dodge still looking Teams for 2013 Season
Since Penske Racing announced March 1 it was moving from Dodge to Ford for the 2013 season, Dodge has been left without a NASCAR Sprint Cup series team for next season. The manufacturer later unveiled its new cars for the 2013 season, hoping to attract a team, but that hasn't happened yet.
According to a report in USA Today, Dodge remains without a set plan for NASCAR for next season. One report states Dodge will lure IndyCar's Auto Andretti into NASCAR as there are no firm plans from current NASCAR teams. The Sprint Cup teams without a chassis contract for next year are Richard Petty Motorsports, Furniture Row Racing and Front Row Motorsports.
"We identified a process for the evaluation of the 2013 NASCAR program," said Beth Paretta, director of marketing and operations for Dodge's SRT brand and motor sports. "We are continuing to follow that process and are within our established timeline. We're pleased with the number of inquiries that have been received about the Dodge motor sports program and continue the evaluation process. As decisions are made, we will announce them at that time."
Penske drivers Brad Keselowski and AJ Allemendinger sit 11th and 24th in the standings, respectively.
Hamlin, FedEx Sport Special Paint scheme for FedEx 400
For the second straight year, Denny Hamlin and FedEx have teamed up for a special design for the FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks at Dover International Speedway. Hamlin, who drives the No. 11 car for Joe Gibbs Racing, will have a special autism-themed paint scheme, featuring the blue puzzle piece paint scheme on the sides, and a large white single puzzle on the hood of the car.
Hamlin will also be on hand the night before the race to attend a pep rally before leading the NASCAR Unites Track Walk and Sunoco Free Fuel 5K run scheduled to begin after the conclusion of Saturday afternoon's Nationwide Race. Hamlin will lead the walk from the SPEED stage in the FanZone before the event begins.
the first 11,000 fans through the gates Sunday will receive a mini diecast No. 11 car that will serve as a FedEx Office coupon. Hamlin currently sits 16 points out of the championship lead in third and boasts two victories.
Gordon, DuPont Unveil 20th Anniversary Paint Scheme
Jeff Gordon and DuPont have been together for 20 seasons and the pair will celebrate the longest driver / owner sponsorship currently in NASCAR in the season's final race at Homestead-Miami Speedway November 15th. Gordon, who has had rainbow colors adorn his car for years, will drive a special Hot Hues Cosmic Dust Silver Metallic No. 24 to finish the season. The car was unveiled Thursday morning at the DuPont Performance headquarters.
"I'm very fortunate to have an incredible sponsor like DuPont that has invested so much in me and this No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports team," Gordon said. "To stick with one driver and one team and to still be here with us today celebrating our 20th full season, is really incredible."
The four-time champion boast 85 victories but has had his share of bad luck this season. He sits 22nd in the points standings heading into Sunday's race at Dover.
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
Jimmie Johnson to Sport Special "Madagascar" Paint Scheme
With sure-to-be blockbuster "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted" just a few days from box offices, the film will be gracing Jimmie Johnson's No. 48 at Dover International Speedway. The sky blue paint scheme will feature all of the main characters from the popular series: Alex, Marty, Gloria and Melman. Madagascar 3 hits theaters across the country on June 8th.
Robby Gordon to Launch Off-Road Truck Racing Series in 2013
NASCAR veteran Robby Gordon has a rich history in off-road racing, and Gordon will be hoping to give up and coming drivers their own shot in the sport by launching "Robby Gordon's Super Stadium Truck Series" in 2013. Gordon is modeling his series after the Mickey Thompson Off-Road Race Series, which ran in the 1980s and 90s. Gordon was the champion of the series in 1989.
"Stadium racing helped Jimmie Johnson, Casey Mears and myself launch our careers," Gordon said. "Bringing off-road racing back to the stadium like Mickey Thompson did has been something that I have wanted to do for a long time, and I am proud to say that we have finally accomplished it."
The series will feature 600-horsepower trucks racing at least a 10-race season schedule across the country, with further scheduling details yet to be announced.
Taylor Earnhardt Gets Married
Taylor Earnhardt, daughter of Dale and Teresa Earnhardt, was married to Brandon Putnam in a ceremony at the Earnhardt estate in Mooresville, North Carolina. Earnhardt, 23, and Putnam, 25, both take part in professional rodeo competitions. She also works with the Dale Earnhardt Foundation. Putnam owns a grading and trucking company, and is from Charlotte, North Carolina.
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If you are interested, contact frontstretcheditors@googlegroups.com. Please include references to your past work in your e-mail.
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Keepin' It Short: The Other Big Races in Indianapolis
by Mike Neff
There is no question that the Indianapolis 500 is an enormous racing event and deserves its place on the annual calendar as the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. However, many people may not realize that there are some other huge races that take place in Indianapolis over the Memorial Day weekend. The Night Before the 500 at Lucas Oil Raceway Park, the Hoosier Hundred and the World Championship of Figure 8 racing tour stop at the Indianapolis Speedrome all are very big races on their respective schedules.
The Hoosier Hundred is a USAC Silver Crown race that is held every year at the mile-long dirt track at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. In the days drivers who ran on all types of surfaces and tracks, the Hoosier Hundred would have two-thirds of the Indy 500 field competing for the win just before they were ready to run in the most famous race in the world. A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, Gordon Johncock, Johnny Rutherford and Roger Ward are just some of the famous drivers who ran in the race before competing in the 500 on the same weekend. Foyt is the all-time leader in wins in the Hoosier Hundred with six victories. This year Jerry Coons took the win for the second year in a row, the first driver to do that since Tony Elliott won two years in a row in 2000 and 2001.
The Night Before the 500 has been a staple at Raceway Park for years. Two of the premiere open wheel series in the country took to the historic track for some great racing. The highlight of the event was the 50 lap USAC Midget feature. This year young star, and Earnhardt Ganassi development driver Kyle Larson looked to be well on his way to the win but a late race restart allowed Tracy Hines to complete his run from the back of the pack to the front and claim the win with a pass coming off of turn four as the cars came to the checkered flag. The second event of the night was the Star Mazda Championship where Connor DePhillipi laid waste to the field for the entire 100 laps of the race.
The Indianapolis Speedrome is the home of Figure 8 racing, and the Memorial Day weekend is one of the biggest weekends of the year at the historic track on the southeast side of Indianapolis. In the Figure 8 feature the event turned into a Tunny family domination where the famous family put a hurt on the rest of the competitors. Mark Tunny came home with the victory turning 275 laps, five more than Jesse, who claimed second as the only driver to complete 270 laps.
Indianapolis has long been known as the Racing Capital of the World, but it isn't all because of what takes place at the historic Brickyard. Raceway Park, the Indiana State Fairgrounds and the Indianapolis Speedrome all also hold very significant places in racing history and each of them showed why this past weekend.
Whelen All-American Standings
Pos. Name Races Wins Top 5s Top 10s Points
1 Anthony Anders 22 0 12 20 488
2 Nate Monteith 14 4 10 12 422
3 Matt Bowling 12 1 10 11 363
4 C E Falk, III 11 6 9 10 356
5 Deac Mccaskill 11 8 10 11 346
6 Daniel Pope, II 9 3 8 9 321
7 Duane Howard 7 4 6 7 280
8 Austin McDaniel 9 2 8 9 274
9 Zeke Shell 9 2 7 7 272
10 Toby Porter 9 5 8 9 271
This Week's Race Calendar
Fri : June 1st – North Alabama Speedway ; Tuscumbia : AL – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Fri : June 1st – North Alabama Speedway ; Tuscumbia : AL – USCS Sprint Week USCS Outlaw Thunder Sprint Cars
Fri : June 1st – Ocean Speedway ; Watsonville : CA – Taco Bravo Ocean Sprints
Fri : June 1st – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 5 Star Series Late Models
Fri : June 1st – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 5 Star Series Limited Late Models
Fri : June 1st – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 5 Star Series SK Lights
Fri : June 1st – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 5 Star Series SK Modifieds
Fri : June 1st – Boyd's Speedway ; Ringgold : GA – Nesmith Dirt Late Models
Fri : June 1st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets
Fri : June 1st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Legends
Fri : June 1st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Roadsters
Fri : June 1st – Paducah International Raceway ; Paducah : KY – MARS Dirtcar Series Late Models
Fri : June 1st – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – USRA Modifieds
Fri : June 1st – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – IMCA Stock Cars
Fri : June 1st – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds
Fri : June 1st – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Street Stocks
Fri : June 1st – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Late Models
Fri : June 1st – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Modifieds
Fri : June 1st – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Street Stocks
Fri : June 1st – Junction Motor Speedway ; McCool Junction : NE – USMTS Casey's Cup Qualifier Modifieds
Fri : June 1st – Lee USA Speedway ; Epping : NH – Granite State Pro Stock Series
Fri : June 1st – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Late Models
Fri : June 1st – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Limited Late Models
Fri : June 1st – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Modifieds
Fri : June 1st – Attica Raceway Park ; Attica : OH – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Fri : June 1st – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Late Models
Fri : June 1st – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Modifieds
Fri : June 1st – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Street Stocks
Fri : June 1st – Kil-Kare Speedway ; Xenia : OH – USAC Midwest Ford Focus Midgets
Fri : June 1st – Kawartha Speedway ; Fraserville : Ontario – OSCAAR Super Late Models
Fri : June 1st – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Appalachian Mountain Speedweek Dirt Late Models
Fri : June 1st – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – 358 Modifieds
Fri : June 1st – Lindas Speedway ; Jonestown : PA – Keystone Legend Car Tour
Fri : June 1st – Trail-Ways Speedway ; Hanove : PA – Sidewinder Sprints
Fri : June 1st – Anderson Motor Speedway ; Anderson : SC – UARA Stars Late Models
Fri : June 1st – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Championship Late Models
Fri : June 1st – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Street Stocks
Fri : June 1st – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Super Stocks
Fri : June 1st – Tazewell Speedway ; Tazewell : TN – Lucas Oil Late Models
Fri : June 1st – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : June 1st – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : June 1st – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Stock
Fri : June 1st – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Street Stock
Fri : June 1st – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Fri : June 1st – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Sprint Cars
Fri : June 1st – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Street Stock
Fri : June 1st – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : June 1st – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : June 1st – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – Street Stocks
Sat : June 2nd – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – Crate Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – KMSA
Sat : June 2nd – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – Outlaw Thunder
Sat : June 2nd – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – Sportsman
Sat : June 2nd – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – Street Stock
Sat : June 2nd – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – Super Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Outlaw Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Sportsman
Sat : June 2nd – Montgomery Motor Speedway ; Montgomery : AL – Show Me The Money Pro Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Cocopah Speedway ; Yuma : AZ – USAC/CRA Sprint Cars
Sat : June 2nd – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – 305 Winged Sprints
Sat : June 2nd – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – 600 Mini Sprints
Sat : June 2nd – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Placerville Speedway ; Placerville : CA – BCRA Midgets
Sat : June 2nd – Stockton 99 Speedway ; Stockton : CA – NCMA Sprints
Sat : June 2nd – Thunderbowl Raceway ; Tulare : CA – USAC 360 Sprint Series
Sat : June 2nd – High Plains Raceway ; Byers : CO – 24 Hours of Lemons
Sat : June 2nd – Waterford Speedbowl ; Waterford : CT – Pro Four Modifieds of New England
Sat : June 2nd – Bubba Raceway Park ; Ocala : FL – Top Gun Sprint Series
Sat : June 2nd – Citrus County Speedway ; Inverness : FL – Florida United Promoters Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – DS Trucks
Sat : June 2nd – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Sportsman
Sat : June 2nd – Punta Gorda Speedway ; Punta Gorda : FL – Open Wheel Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Punta Gorda Speedway ; Punta Gorda : FL – Dan Curl Memorial Outlaw Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – New Senoia Raceway ; Senoia : GA – Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – North Georgia Speedway ; Chatsworth : GA – Southern Regional Racing Series
Sat : June 2nd – Watermelon Capital Speedway ; Cordele : GA – Super Streets
Sat : June 2nd – Watermelon Capital Speedway ; Cordele : GA – TBARA Winged Sprints
Sat : June 2nd – Stateline Stadium ; Post Falls : ID – Northwest Pro 4 Trucks
Sat : June 2nd – Grundy County Speedway ; Morris : IL – USAC Mopar D1 Stars
Sat : June 2nd – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Limited Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Street Stocks
Sat : June 2nd – Brownstown Speedway ; Brownstown : IN – Midwest Mini-Sprint Association
Sat : June 2nd – Tri-State Speedway ; Haubstadt : IN – USAC MOPAR National Midgets
Sat : June 2nd – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets
Sat : June 2nd – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Late Model Figure 8
Sat : June 2nd – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Stock Figure 8
Sat : June 2nd – Floyd County Fairgrounds ; Charles City : IA – Henrick Racing Figures 8s
Sat : June 2nd – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Stock Cars
Sat : June 2nd – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Sport Mods
Sat : June 2nd – Florence Speedway ; Florence : KY – 26th Annual Ralph Latham Memorial Lucas Oil Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Leesville 171 Speedway ; Leesville : LA – Ark-La-Tex Winged Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Rebels
Sat : June 2nd – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Strictly Stock
Sat : June 2nd – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – Appalachian Mountain Speedweek Dirt Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – Pure Stocks
Sat : June 2nd – Berlin Raceway ; Marne : MI – ASA Midwest Tour
Sat : June 2nd – Berlin Raceway ; Marne : MI – Outlaw Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Outlaw Super Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Super Stocks
Sat : June 2nd – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Pro Stocks
Sat : June 2nd – I-96 Speedway ; Lake Odessa : MI – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sat : June 2nd – Springport Motor Speedway ; Springport : MI – Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Springport Motor Speedway ; Springport : MI – Super Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : June 2nd – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Super Stocks
Sat : June 2nd – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – USRA Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Elko Speedway ; Elko : MN – ARCA Racing Series
Sat : June 2nd – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : June 2nd – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Super Stocks
Sat : June 2nd – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Sat : June 2nd – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – USCS Sprint Week USCS Outlaw Thunder Sprint Cars
Sat : June 2nd – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Super Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – NeSmith Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Street Stocks
Sat : June 2nd – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Hardee's Salute to Scouting Night ASA Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Hardee's Salute to Scouting Night Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Hardee's Salute to Scouting Night Sportsman
Sat : June 2nd – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Hardee's Salute to Scouting Night Road Warriors
Sat : June 2nd – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Hardee's Salute to Scouting Night Chargers
Sat : June 2nd – I-55 Raceway ; Pevely : MO – MARS Dirtcar Series Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Junction Motor Speedway ; McCool Junction : NE – USMTS Casey's Cup Qualifier Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway ; Las Vegas : NV – NASCAR K&N Pro East Series
Sat : June 2nd – Petty International Raceway ; Moncton : New Brunswick – Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour
Sat : June 2nd – Monadnock Speedway ; Winchester : NH – New England Truck Series
Sat : June 2nd – Monadnock Speedway ; Winchester : NH – Senior Tour Auto Racers
Sat : June 2nd – New Egypt Speedway ; New Egypt : NJ – North East Enduro Tour
Sat : June 2nd – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – Street Stocks
Sat : June 2nd – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – Summer Slam 100 Sportsman
Sat : June 2nd – Bowman-Gray Stadium ; Winston-Salem : NC – NASCAR K&N Pro East Series
Sat : June 2nd – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Late Models x2
Sat : June 2nd – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Street Stock
Sat : June 2nd – Coastal Plains Raceway ; Jacksonville : NC – Southeast Limited Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Concord Motorsports Park ; Concord : NC – Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Street Stock
Sat : June 2nd – Red River Valley Speedway ; West Fargo : ND – NLRA Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Red River Valley Speedway ; West Fargo : ND – Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Red River Valley Speedway ; West Fargo : ND – Super Stocks
Sat : June 2nd – Southwest Speedway ; Dickinson : ND – IMCA Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Southwest Speedway ; Dickinson : ND – Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : June 2nd – Columbus Motor Speedway ; Columbus : OH – Main Event Super Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Kil-Kare Speedway ; Xenia : OH – USAC Midwest Focus Midgets
Sat : June 2nd – Lorain County Speedway ; South Amherst : OH – USAC Midwest Ford Focus Midgets
Sat : June 2nd – Sandusky Speedway ; Sandusky : OH – Buckeye Super Sprints
Sat : June 2nd – Sandusky Speedway ; Sandusky : OH – Midwest Supermodified Association
Sat : June 2nd – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Wissota Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Street Stocks
Sat : June 2nd – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – ARDC Midgets
Sat : June 2nd – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Xcel 600 CCs
Sat : June 2nd – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 410 Sprints
Sat : June 2nd – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 358 Sprints
Sat : June 2nd – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – Thundercars
Sat : June 2nd – Mahoning Valley Speedway ; Lehighton : PA – 4c Super Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Street Stocks
Sat : June 2nd – Autodrome Saint Eustache ; Saint Eustache : Quebec – ACT Castrol Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – 411 Motor Speedway ; Seymour : TN – Nesmith Dirt Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Rocky Mountain Raceway ; West Valley City : UT – Rocky Mountain Challenge Series Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Late Models x2
Sat : June 2nd – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – IRA Outlaw Sprint Cars
Sat : June 2nd – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Wissota Street Stocks
Sun : June 3rd – High Plains Raceway ; Byers : CO – 24 Hours of Lemons
Sun : June 3rd – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – 4 & 8 Cylinder Obstacle Course
Sun : June 3rd – Riverside Speedway ; Groveton : NH – PASS North Super Late Models
Sun : June 3rd – Thunder Mountain Speedway ; Bottineau : ND – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sun : June 3rd – Thunder Mountain Speedway ; Bottineau : ND – Sport Stocks
Sun : June 3rd – Circuit ICAR ; Mirabel : Quebec – NASCAR Canadian Tire Series
Sun : June 3rd – Winchester Speedway ; Winchester : VA – Appalachian Mountain Speedweek Dirt Late Models
Mon : June 4th – Lernerville Speedway ; Sarver : PA – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Mon : June 4th – Roaring Knob Motorsports Complex ; Markleysburg : PA – Appalachian Mountain Speedweek Dirt Late Models
Tue : June 5th – Kokomo Speedway ; Kokomo : IN – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Tue : June 5th – Dog Hollow Speedway ; Strongstown : PA – Appalachian Mountain Speedweek Dirt Late Models
Tue : June 5th – Grandview Speedway ; Bechtelsville : PA – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Tue : June 5th – Grandview Speedway ; Bechtelsville : PA – ARDC Midgets
Wed : June 6th – Concord Motorsports Park ; Concord : NC – USAC Eastern Ford Focus Midgets
Wed : June 6th – Millbridge Speedway ; Salisbury : NC – Mini Outlaws
Wed : June 6th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – Appalachian Mountain Speedweek Dirt Late Models
Wed : June 6th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 5th Annual Charlie Grinestaff Memorial Super Stock Late Models
Wed : June 6th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 358 Late Models
Thu : June 7th – New Egypt Speedway ; New Egypt : NJ – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Fri : June 8th – Ocean Speedway ; Watsonville : CA – Taco Bravo Ocean Sprints
Fri : June 8th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 39th Annual SK Mod 100 Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 39th Annual SK Mod 100 Limited Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 39th Annual SK Mod 100 SK Lights
Fri : June 8th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 39th Annual SK Mod 100 SK Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Bubba Raceway Park ; Ocala : FL – Florida Mini-Sprint Association
Fri : June 8th – Five Flags Speedway ; Pensacola : FL – Pro Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Tri-City Speedway ; Pontoon Beach : IL – Midwest Open Wheel Association
Fri : June 8th – Gas City I-69 Speedway ; Gas City : IN – USAC Midwest Ford Focus Midgets
Fri : June 8th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets
Fri : June 8th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Legends
Fri : June 8th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Roadsters
Fri : June 8th – Clay County Fair Speedway ; Spencer : IA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Fri : June 8th – Great American Dirt Track ; Jetmore : KS – BST Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – USRA Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – IMCA Stock Cars
Fri : June 8th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Street Stocks
Fri : June 8th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Comp Cams Super Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Street Stocks
Fri : June 8th – Gallatin Speedway ; Belgrade : MT – Big Sky Sprints
Fri : June 8th – I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE – Super Late Model Racing Series
Fri : June 8th – Eagle Raceway ; Eagle : NE – Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Fri : June 8th – Canaan Fair Speedway ; Canaan : NH – Sprint Cars of New England
Fri : June 8th – Aztec Speedway ; Aztec : NM – Championship Late Model Association
Fri : June 8th – Spencer Speedway ; Williamson : NY – Race of Champions Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Limited Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Modifieds x2
Fri : June 8th – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Street Stock
Fri : June 8th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – NDRA Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Open Wheel Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Street Stocks
Fri : June 8th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Street Stocks
Fri : June 8th – Southern Ohio Speedway ; Wheelersburg : OH – Buckeye Outlaw Sprints
Fri : June 8th – Southern Oklahoma Speedway ; Ardmore : OK – USMTS Casey's Cup Qualifier Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Fri : June 8th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – 358 Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Path Valley Speedway ; Spring Run : PA – Sidewinder Sprints
Fri : June 8th – Autodrome Chaudiere ; Vallee-Jonction : Quebec – ACT Castrol Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Sprint Cars
Fri : June 8th – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Street Stocks
Fri : June 8th – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Super Stocks
Fri : June 8th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Stock
Fri : June 8th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Street Stock
Fri : June 8th – Ephrata Raceway Park ; Ephrata : WA – West Coast Vintage Racers
Fri : June 8th – Langlade Speedway ; Antigo : WI – Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Langlade Speedway ; Antigo : WI – Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Sprint Cars
Fri : June 8th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Street Stock
Fri : June 8th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – Street Stocks
Fri : June 8th – St. Croix Valley Raceway ; St. Croix Falls : WI – Upper Midwest Sprint Series
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: FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks
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.
Dover is a great place to attend a race. The track is just one-mile around and you can pretty much see everything that happens no matter where you sit. And, as is the case with smaller tracks, a driver's patience can sometimes wane when there isn't enough room to make a pass, or a driver trying to keep from going a lap down makes it particularly difficult for the leader to make a pass.
Bonus: Dover has done a ton of stuff to make this a fan-friendly event. That includes a $10 ticket for any child 14-and-under accompanied by an adult, and one adult can buy several $10 tickets if they are leading a group. There's also a kids zone and plenty interactive of exhibits that fans can experience before the race. So, a thumbs up to the good people at Dover for trying to make a day at the race fun and complete experience.
Dover begins the second part of a three-part season 36-race season. After spending most of May in Charlotte, this is when the real season starts and the best teams rise to the top.
Top 5 Picks
Jimmie Johnson - It's hard not to pick this guy every week. Plus, he's got six wins and 14 top 10s in 20 starts at Dover, so it's really a no-brainer to choose the No. 48.
Greg Biffle - He is the season points leader and he's got two wins at the Monster Mile. Even if he can't beat Johnson's No 48, expect him to run well.
Matt Kenseth - He's also got two wins at Dover, but just as impressively, he has 12 top-5 finishes and 17 top-10 finishes in 26 starts.
Kyle Busch - He also has two wins on the concrete mile with seven top-5 finishes and nine top 10s in 14 races.
Martin Truex, Jr. - Have to pick a Junior somewhere, so it might as well be at this Junior's home track. Truex, Jr. is from South Jersey and his only career win came at Dover in 2007. It could be a sweet homecoming.
Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda - Tony Stewart. He has two wins at Dover, but the last time he won there was 2000 when he won both the spring and fall races. He also has finished 21st or worse in three of his last four races at Dover. During his remarkable and victorious run in the Chase for the Championship last year, Stewart finished 29th, six laps down, the only blemish in the final 10 races.
ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP
Here's a look at how last week's picks fared in the 600-mile race at Charlotte.
Jimmie Johnson: 11th. No truth to the rumor his gas man was overhead yelling, "I said whoa, not go!"
Jeff Gordon: 7th. Not bad for No. 24 as he avoided bad luck for once.
Kasey Kahne: 1st. This win had been in the works for a while. He's on a roll now.
Matt Kenseth: 10th. Never a threat to win it, but hung in there for an OK points day.
Mark Martin: 34th. Engine woes ended what could have been a pretty respectable day.
Season Stats:
55 Predictions
6 wins
20 top 5s
26 top 10s
Grade for the week: B. OK, that's five winners in a row counting the All-Star race. Otherwise an OK week that would have been better if Johnson hadn't tried to drag the gas man and attached gas can out of pits resulting in a penalty that put him a lap down.
One Last Thing: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is the only driver to complete all 3,888 laps this season. However, when it comes to laps led, he is 15th in those standings with 68 led this season. Jimmie Johnson has led the most laps this season with 501.
Jeff Wolfe is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at jeff.wolfe@frontstretch.com.
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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: FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks
by Nick Schwartz
This weekend, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will invade Delaware and Dover International Speedway for the FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks. Sunday's race is the 13th of the 2012 season. The FedEx 400 will be broadcast live Sunday, June 3rd, on FOX at 12:30 PM EDT and MRN at 12:00 PM EDT. The race around the one-mile speedway is scheduled to run 400 laps.
Records and Facts
Matt Kenseth is the defending champion of the FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks, as he picked up his second career victory at Dover International Speedway in the Spring of 2011. Kenseth will be among the favorites this week in Delaware, as will Mark Martin, who finished second to Kenseth a year ago. Though he hasn't found victory lane recently, Martin has owned Dover throughout his career, with four victories and 31 top-10 finishes. In fact, Mark Martin holds the record for the fastest race run at Dover, with a speed of 132.719 mph in the 1997 MBNA 400.
Believe it or not, NASCAR bad boy Jeremy Mayfield is still in the Dover record books. Mayfield holds the track qualifying record with a lap of 22.288 sec. at 161.522 mph. He set the record qualifying for the 2004 MBNA America 400, where he finished eighth.
Track Facts
Track/Race Length: 1.0 concrete oval, 400 laps (400 miles)
Pit Road Speed: 35 mph
Degree of Banking: 24 degrees
Frontstretch: 1,076 ft., banked 9 degrees
Backstretch: 1,076 ft., banked 9 degrees
Grandstand Seating: 135,000
Pre-race Schedule
Practice: Friday, June 1, 11:00 AM – 12:25 PM EST on SPEED
Happy Hour: Friday, June 1, 2:45 – 4:15PM EST on SPEED
Qualifying: Saturday, June 2, 12:00 PM EST on SPEED
VIPs
Grand Marshal / Command: Delaware Governor Jack Markell
Honorary Starter / Wave Green Flag: Robert Dumas, winner of the "FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks" NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race auction
Invocation: Pastor Dan Schafer, Calvary Assembly of God in Heightstown, N.J.
National Anthem: RCA recording artist Kris Allen
Military Flyover: Four (4) F-16's of the 149th Fighter Wing, Texas ANG, Lackland AFB
Race Day Forecast
Sunday: Partly cloudy, 10% chance of rain
High: 78
Low: 60
They Said It
"Dover is my favorite track on the Sprint Cup circuit, and it's been a place where we've had a lot of success at as well, so I just love racing there. The track is so fast and challenging, and it's unique because of the way you drive up out of the turns. The turns sit a bit lower than the straightaways and you can feel it when you're driving out there. We're just going to continue to try and put ourselves up front and into position to be able to be consistent each and every week for our Best Buy team." -Matt Kenseth
"Last weekend at Charlotte all the Roush Fenway Fords ran strong and there couldn't be a better track for us to head to right now than Dover. We need a win and we've had plenty of great runs at Dover before so I know we can do it. I love racing there, it's a super high-speed track and we've always been able to get our cars dialed in well there." -Carl Edwards
"It is pretty insane, especially to go into turn one. It feels like the bottom drops out from under you. It seems like it disappears when you take off and once it lands, it is like a punch to the guy. When it compresses, it compresses so hard. It feels like you honestly drop 50 feet in the air and land. The biggest thing is to have a good balance when it does land that the car isn't moving around at all and isn't tight or loose. You want it to land nice and smooth and have the confidence to get it turned and get back to throttle, especially in qualifying. In the race you lay the corner back so much that the bottom, when it lands, is not as critical. In qualifying you are so fast that once you land you have to be back in the throttle." -AJ Allmendinger
Nick Schwartz is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at nick.schwartz@frontstretch.com.
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THIS WEEKEND ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Tracking the Trucks: Lucas Oil 200 by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth has all the post-race analysis you need following Friday afternoon's Camping World Truck Series race at Dover.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Better Days: The Role of Nostalgia in NASCAR
by Amy Henderson
Four Burning Questions: 600 "Snoozer", Hendrick Disappointment, and Consistent Teammates
by Summer Bedgood
BSNews! NASCAR Defrocks Hall of Famer Wallace
by Jeff Meyer
Truck Series Contenders Set to Invade Nationwide Series Race at Dover
by Bryan Davis Keith
Michael Annett Driver Diary: Summer Heat and Summer Fun
as told to Toni Montgomery
IndyCar Preview: Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix
by Toni Montgomery
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: In the 1993 Budweiser 500, Rusty Wallace's streak of bad luck (which included his infamous final lap flip at Talladega) continued when he got caught up in a late race wreck. What happened?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: In the 1987 Budweiser 500 at Dover, Bobby Allison was quite dominant, leading 147 laps before dropping out with "engine issues." Just what kind of engine issues were they?
A: The weather at Dover on this day could best be described as "oppressive." Temperatures exceeded 90 degrees during the race with dewpoints well into the 70's. The middle 200 miles were run consecutively under green, and it was at the end of this stretch that Allison's engine began overheating. The Stavola Brothers crew was forced to bring Allison in, first to put water in the car (through the grille, mind you), then to pull it out for the day. (right at the same time, Bobby's teammate Bobby Hillin, Jr. also blew an engine, bringing out a yellow). Bobby's son Davey benefited from his father's misfortune to claim his second career win. The issues on Bobby Allison's No. 22 can be seen at the 39:20 mark of this clip. Dr. Jerry Punch and the late Larry Nuber have the call for ESPN, while Dick Berggren works pit road with a rare appearance by Marty Reid.
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:
-- FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks 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: FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks by Matt McLaughlin
Matt will be here with his overall thoughts about the action from Sunday afternoon's action from Dover.
Monday Morning Teardown by Ron Lemasters
Ron returns for a website look at one of the big stories from Sunday's race from Dover.
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 Dover.
Big Six: FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving Sunday's event at Charlotte? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing.
Pace Laps: Dover 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 Dover.
Nationwide Breakdown: 5-Hour Energy 200 by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan has all of the post race analysis you need following Saturday afternoon's Nationwide Series race from Dover.
IZOD IndyCar Race Recap: Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix by Matt Stallknecht
Matt has all of the post race analysis you need following Sunday afternoon's IZOD IndyCar Series race from Detroit.
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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
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
June 1st, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CIV
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Frontstretch at the Track: Tom Bowles and Bryan Davis Keith will be live at Dover International Speedway all weekend long. Stayed tuned to the Breaking News box, Twitter (@thefrontstretch, @NASCARBowles, @BryanDavisKeith) and Facebook for all of the latest news leading up to Sunday afternoon's FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks.
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Top News
by Jeff Wolfe
Dodge still looking Teams for 2013 Season
Since Penske Racing announced March 1 it was moving from Dodge to Ford for the 2013 season, Dodge has been left without a NASCAR Sprint Cup series team for next season. The manufacturer later unveiled its new cars for the 2013 season, hoping to attract a team, but that hasn't happened yet.
According to a report in USA Today, Dodge remains without a set plan for NASCAR for next season. One report states Dodge will lure IndyCar's Auto Andretti into NASCAR as there are no firm plans from current NASCAR teams. The Sprint Cup teams without a chassis contract for next year are Richard Petty Motorsports, Furniture Row Racing and Front Row Motorsports.
"We identified a process for the evaluation of the 2013 NASCAR program," said Beth Paretta, director of marketing and operations for Dodge's SRT brand and motor sports. "We are continuing to follow that process and are within our established timeline. We're pleased with the number of inquiries that have been received about the Dodge motor sports program and continue the evaluation process. As decisions are made, we will announce them at that time."
Penske drivers Brad Keselowski and AJ Allemendinger sit 11th and 24th in the standings, respectively.
Hamlin, FedEx Sport Special Paint scheme for FedEx 400
For the second straight year, Denny Hamlin and FedEx have teamed up for a special design for the FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks at Dover International Speedway. Hamlin, who drives the No. 11 car for Joe Gibbs Racing, will have a special autism-themed paint scheme, featuring the blue puzzle piece paint scheme on the sides, and a large white single puzzle on the hood of the car.
Hamlin will also be on hand the night before the race to attend a pep rally before leading the NASCAR Unites Track Walk and Sunoco Free Fuel 5K run scheduled to begin after the conclusion of Saturday afternoon's Nationwide Race. Hamlin will lead the walk from the SPEED stage in the FanZone before the event begins.
the first 11,000 fans through the gates Sunday will receive a mini diecast No. 11 car that will serve as a FedEx Office coupon. Hamlin currently sits 16 points out of the championship lead in third and boasts two victories.
Gordon, DuPont Unveil 20th Anniversary Paint Scheme
Jeff Gordon and DuPont have been together for 20 seasons and the pair will celebrate the longest driver / owner sponsorship currently in NASCAR in the season's final race at Homestead-Miami Speedway November 15th. Gordon, who has had rainbow colors adorn his car for years, will drive a special Hot Hues Cosmic Dust Silver Metallic No. 24 to finish the season. The car was unveiled Thursday morning at the DuPont Performance headquarters.
"I'm very fortunate to have an incredible sponsor like DuPont that has invested so much in me and this No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports team," Gordon said. "To stick with one driver and one team and to still be here with us today celebrating our 20th full season, is really incredible."
The four-time champion boast 85 victories but has had his share of bad luck this season. He sits 22nd in the points standings heading into Sunday's race at Dover.
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
Jimmie Johnson to Sport Special "Madagascar" Paint Scheme
With sure-to-be blockbuster "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted" just a few days from box offices, the film will be gracing Jimmie Johnson's No. 48 at Dover International Speedway. The sky blue paint scheme will feature all of the main characters from the popular series: Alex, Marty, Gloria and Melman. Madagascar 3 hits theaters across the country on June 8th.
Robby Gordon to Launch Off-Road Truck Racing Series in 2013
NASCAR veteran Robby Gordon has a rich history in off-road racing, and Gordon will be hoping to give up and coming drivers their own shot in the sport by launching "Robby Gordon's Super Stadium Truck Series" in 2013. Gordon is modeling his series after the Mickey Thompson Off-Road Race Series, which ran in the 1980s and 90s. Gordon was the champion of the series in 1989.
"Stadium racing helped Jimmie Johnson, Casey Mears and myself launch our careers," Gordon said. "Bringing off-road racing back to the stadium like Mickey Thompson did has been something that I have wanted to do for a long time, and I am proud to say that we have finally accomplished it."
The series will feature 600-horsepower trucks racing at least a 10-race season schedule across the country, with further scheduling details yet to be announced.
Taylor Earnhardt Gets Married
Taylor Earnhardt, daughter of Dale and Teresa Earnhardt, was married to Brandon Putnam in a ceremony at the Earnhardt estate in Mooresville, North Carolina. Earnhardt, 23, and Putnam, 25, both take part in professional rodeo competitions. She also works with the Dale Earnhardt Foundation. Putnam owns a grading and trucking company, and is from Charlotte, North Carolina.
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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.
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Keepin' It Short: The Other Big Races in Indianapolis
by Mike Neff
There is no question that the Indianapolis 500 is an enormous racing event and deserves its place on the annual calendar as the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. However, many people may not realize that there are some other huge races that take place in Indianapolis over the Memorial Day weekend. The Night Before the 500 at Lucas Oil Raceway Park, the Hoosier Hundred and the World Championship of Figure 8 racing tour stop at the Indianapolis Speedrome all are very big races on their respective schedules.
The Hoosier Hundred is a USAC Silver Crown race that is held every year at the mile-long dirt track at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. In the days drivers who ran on all types of surfaces and tracks, the Hoosier Hundred would have two-thirds of the Indy 500 field competing for the win just before they were ready to run in the most famous race in the world. A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, Gordon Johncock, Johnny Rutherford and Roger Ward are just some of the famous drivers who ran in the race before competing in the 500 on the same weekend. Foyt is the all-time leader in wins in the Hoosier Hundred with six victories. This year Jerry Coons took the win for the second year in a row, the first driver to do that since Tony Elliott won two years in a row in 2000 and 2001.
The Night Before the 500 has been a staple at Raceway Park for years. Two of the premiere open wheel series in the country took to the historic track for some great racing. The highlight of the event was the 50 lap USAC Midget feature. This year young star, and Earnhardt Ganassi development driver Kyle Larson looked to be well on his way to the win but a late race restart allowed Tracy Hines to complete his run from the back of the pack to the front and claim the win with a pass coming off of turn four as the cars came to the checkered flag. The second event of the night was the Star Mazda Championship where Connor DePhillipi laid waste to the field for the entire 100 laps of the race.
The Indianapolis Speedrome is the home of Figure 8 racing, and the Memorial Day weekend is one of the biggest weekends of the year at the historic track on the southeast side of Indianapolis. In the Figure 8 feature the event turned into a Tunny family domination where the famous family put a hurt on the rest of the competitors. Mark Tunny came home with the victory turning 275 laps, five more than Jesse, who claimed second as the only driver to complete 270 laps.
Indianapolis has long been known as the Racing Capital of the World, but it isn't all because of what takes place at the historic Brickyard. Raceway Park, the Indiana State Fairgrounds and the Indianapolis Speedrome all also hold very significant places in racing history and each of them showed why this past weekend.
Whelen All-American Standings
Pos. Name Races Wins Top 5s Top 10s Points
1 Anthony Anders 22 0 12 20 488
2 Nate Monteith 14 4 10 12 422
3 Matt Bowling 12 1 10 11 363
4 C E Falk, III 11 6 9 10 356
5 Deac Mccaskill 11 8 10 11 346
6 Daniel Pope, II 9 3 8 9 321
7 Duane Howard 7 4 6 7 280
8 Austin McDaniel 9 2 8 9 274
9 Zeke Shell 9 2 7 7 272
10 Toby Porter 9 5 8 9 271
This Week's Race Calendar
Fri : June 1st – North Alabama Speedway ; Tuscumbia : AL – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Fri : June 1st – North Alabama Speedway ; Tuscumbia : AL – USCS Sprint Week USCS Outlaw Thunder Sprint Cars
Fri : June 1st – Ocean Speedway ; Watsonville : CA – Taco Bravo Ocean Sprints
Fri : June 1st – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 5 Star Series Late Models
Fri : June 1st – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 5 Star Series Limited Late Models
Fri : June 1st – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 5 Star Series SK Lights
Fri : June 1st – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 5 Star Series SK Modifieds
Fri : June 1st – Boyd's Speedway ; Ringgold : GA – Nesmith Dirt Late Models
Fri : June 1st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets
Fri : June 1st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Legends
Fri : June 1st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Roadsters
Fri : June 1st – Paducah International Raceway ; Paducah : KY – MARS Dirtcar Series Late Models
Fri : June 1st – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – USRA Modifieds
Fri : June 1st – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – IMCA Stock Cars
Fri : June 1st – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds
Fri : June 1st – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Street Stocks
Fri : June 1st – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Late Models
Fri : June 1st – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Modifieds
Fri : June 1st – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Street Stocks
Fri : June 1st – Junction Motor Speedway ; McCool Junction : NE – USMTS Casey's Cup Qualifier Modifieds
Fri : June 1st – Lee USA Speedway ; Epping : NH – Granite State Pro Stock Series
Fri : June 1st – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Late Models
Fri : June 1st – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Limited Late Models
Fri : June 1st – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Modifieds
Fri : June 1st – Attica Raceway Park ; Attica : OH – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Fri : June 1st – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Late Models
Fri : June 1st – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Modifieds
Fri : June 1st – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Street Stocks
Fri : June 1st – Kil-Kare Speedway ; Xenia : OH – USAC Midwest Ford Focus Midgets
Fri : June 1st – Kawartha Speedway ; Fraserville : Ontario – OSCAAR Super Late Models
Fri : June 1st – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Appalachian Mountain Speedweek Dirt Late Models
Fri : June 1st – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – 358 Modifieds
Fri : June 1st – Lindas Speedway ; Jonestown : PA – Keystone Legend Car Tour
Fri : June 1st – Trail-Ways Speedway ; Hanove : PA – Sidewinder Sprints
Fri : June 1st – Anderson Motor Speedway ; Anderson : SC – UARA Stars Late Models
Fri : June 1st – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Championship Late Models
Fri : June 1st – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Street Stocks
Fri : June 1st – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Super Stocks
Fri : June 1st – Tazewell Speedway ; Tazewell : TN – Lucas Oil Late Models
Fri : June 1st – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : June 1st – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : June 1st – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Stock
Fri : June 1st – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Street Stock
Fri : June 1st – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Fri : June 1st – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Sprint Cars
Fri : June 1st – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Street Stock
Fri : June 1st – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : June 1st – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : June 1st – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – Street Stocks
Sat : June 2nd – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – Crate Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – KMSA
Sat : June 2nd – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – Outlaw Thunder
Sat : June 2nd – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – Sportsman
Sat : June 2nd – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – Street Stock
Sat : June 2nd – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – Super Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Outlaw Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Sportsman
Sat : June 2nd – Montgomery Motor Speedway ; Montgomery : AL – Show Me The Money Pro Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Cocopah Speedway ; Yuma : AZ – USAC/CRA Sprint Cars
Sat : June 2nd – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – 305 Winged Sprints
Sat : June 2nd – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – 600 Mini Sprints
Sat : June 2nd – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Placerville Speedway ; Placerville : CA – BCRA Midgets
Sat : June 2nd – Stockton 99 Speedway ; Stockton : CA – NCMA Sprints
Sat : June 2nd – Thunderbowl Raceway ; Tulare : CA – USAC 360 Sprint Series
Sat : June 2nd – High Plains Raceway ; Byers : CO – 24 Hours of Lemons
Sat : June 2nd – Waterford Speedbowl ; Waterford : CT – Pro Four Modifieds of New England
Sat : June 2nd – Bubba Raceway Park ; Ocala : FL – Top Gun Sprint Series
Sat : June 2nd – Citrus County Speedway ; Inverness : FL – Florida United Promoters Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – DS Trucks
Sat : June 2nd – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Sportsman
Sat : June 2nd – Punta Gorda Speedway ; Punta Gorda : FL – Open Wheel Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Punta Gorda Speedway ; Punta Gorda : FL – Dan Curl Memorial Outlaw Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – New Senoia Raceway ; Senoia : GA – Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – North Georgia Speedway ; Chatsworth : GA – Southern Regional Racing Series
Sat : June 2nd – Watermelon Capital Speedway ; Cordele : GA – Super Streets
Sat : June 2nd – Watermelon Capital Speedway ; Cordele : GA – TBARA Winged Sprints
Sat : June 2nd – Stateline Stadium ; Post Falls : ID – Northwest Pro 4 Trucks
Sat : June 2nd – Grundy County Speedway ; Morris : IL – USAC Mopar D1 Stars
Sat : June 2nd – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Limited Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Street Stocks
Sat : June 2nd – Brownstown Speedway ; Brownstown : IN – Midwest Mini-Sprint Association
Sat : June 2nd – Tri-State Speedway ; Haubstadt : IN – USAC MOPAR National Midgets
Sat : June 2nd – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets
Sat : June 2nd – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Late Model Figure 8
Sat : June 2nd – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Stock Figure 8
Sat : June 2nd – Floyd County Fairgrounds ; Charles City : IA – Henrick Racing Figures 8s
Sat : June 2nd – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Stock Cars
Sat : June 2nd – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Sport Mods
Sat : June 2nd – Florence Speedway ; Florence : KY – 26th Annual Ralph Latham Memorial Lucas Oil Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Leesville 171 Speedway ; Leesville : LA – Ark-La-Tex Winged Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Rebels
Sat : June 2nd – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Strictly Stock
Sat : June 2nd – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – Appalachian Mountain Speedweek Dirt Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – Pure Stocks
Sat : June 2nd – Berlin Raceway ; Marne : MI – ASA Midwest Tour
Sat : June 2nd – Berlin Raceway ; Marne : MI – Outlaw Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Outlaw Super Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Super Stocks
Sat : June 2nd – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Pro Stocks
Sat : June 2nd – I-96 Speedway ; Lake Odessa : MI – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sat : June 2nd – Springport Motor Speedway ; Springport : MI – Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Springport Motor Speedway ; Springport : MI – Super Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : June 2nd – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Super Stocks
Sat : June 2nd – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – USRA Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Elko Speedway ; Elko : MN – ARCA Racing Series
Sat : June 2nd – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : June 2nd – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Super Stocks
Sat : June 2nd – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Sat : June 2nd – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – USCS Sprint Week USCS Outlaw Thunder Sprint Cars
Sat : June 2nd – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Super Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – NeSmith Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Street Stocks
Sat : June 2nd – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Hardee's Salute to Scouting Night ASA Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Hardee's Salute to Scouting Night Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Hardee's Salute to Scouting Night Sportsman
Sat : June 2nd – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Hardee's Salute to Scouting Night Road Warriors
Sat : June 2nd – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Hardee's Salute to Scouting Night Chargers
Sat : June 2nd – I-55 Raceway ; Pevely : MO – MARS Dirtcar Series Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Junction Motor Speedway ; McCool Junction : NE – USMTS Casey's Cup Qualifier Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway ; Las Vegas : NV – NASCAR K&N Pro East Series
Sat : June 2nd – Petty International Raceway ; Moncton : New Brunswick – Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour
Sat : June 2nd – Monadnock Speedway ; Winchester : NH – New England Truck Series
Sat : June 2nd – Monadnock Speedway ; Winchester : NH – Senior Tour Auto Racers
Sat : June 2nd – New Egypt Speedway ; New Egypt : NJ – North East Enduro Tour
Sat : June 2nd – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – Street Stocks
Sat : June 2nd – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – Summer Slam 100 Sportsman
Sat : June 2nd – Bowman-Gray Stadium ; Winston-Salem : NC – NASCAR K&N Pro East Series
Sat : June 2nd – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Late Models x2
Sat : June 2nd – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Street Stock
Sat : June 2nd – Coastal Plains Raceway ; Jacksonville : NC – Southeast Limited Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Concord Motorsports Park ; Concord : NC – Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Street Stock
Sat : June 2nd – Red River Valley Speedway ; West Fargo : ND – NLRA Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Red River Valley Speedway ; West Fargo : ND – Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Red River Valley Speedway ; West Fargo : ND – Super Stocks
Sat : June 2nd – Southwest Speedway ; Dickinson : ND – IMCA Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Southwest Speedway ; Dickinson : ND – Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : June 2nd – Columbus Motor Speedway ; Columbus : OH – Main Event Super Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Kil-Kare Speedway ; Xenia : OH – USAC Midwest Focus Midgets
Sat : June 2nd – Lorain County Speedway ; South Amherst : OH – USAC Midwest Ford Focus Midgets
Sat : June 2nd – Sandusky Speedway ; Sandusky : OH – Buckeye Super Sprints
Sat : June 2nd – Sandusky Speedway ; Sandusky : OH – Midwest Supermodified Association
Sat : June 2nd – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Wissota Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Street Stocks
Sat : June 2nd – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – ARDC Midgets
Sat : June 2nd – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Xcel 600 CCs
Sat : June 2nd – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 410 Sprints
Sat : June 2nd – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 358 Sprints
Sat : June 2nd – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – Thundercars
Sat : June 2nd – Mahoning Valley Speedway ; Lehighton : PA – 4c Super Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Street Stocks
Sat : June 2nd – Autodrome Saint Eustache ; Saint Eustache : Quebec – ACT Castrol Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – 411 Motor Speedway ; Seymour : TN – Nesmith Dirt Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Rocky Mountain Raceway ; West Valley City : UT – Rocky Mountain Challenge Series Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Late Models x2
Sat : June 2nd – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Late Models
Sat : June 2nd – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – IRA Outlaw Sprint Cars
Sat : June 2nd – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 2nd – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Wissota Street Stocks
Sun : June 3rd – High Plains Raceway ; Byers : CO – 24 Hours of Lemons
Sun : June 3rd – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – 4 & 8 Cylinder Obstacle Course
Sun : June 3rd – Riverside Speedway ; Groveton : NH – PASS North Super Late Models
Sun : June 3rd – Thunder Mountain Speedway ; Bottineau : ND – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sun : June 3rd – Thunder Mountain Speedway ; Bottineau : ND – Sport Stocks
Sun : June 3rd – Circuit ICAR ; Mirabel : Quebec – NASCAR Canadian Tire Series
Sun : June 3rd – Winchester Speedway ; Winchester : VA – Appalachian Mountain Speedweek Dirt Late Models
Mon : June 4th – Lernerville Speedway ; Sarver : PA – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Mon : June 4th – Roaring Knob Motorsports Complex ; Markleysburg : PA – Appalachian Mountain Speedweek Dirt Late Models
Tue : June 5th – Kokomo Speedway ; Kokomo : IN – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Tue : June 5th – Dog Hollow Speedway ; Strongstown : PA – Appalachian Mountain Speedweek Dirt Late Models
Tue : June 5th – Grandview Speedway ; Bechtelsville : PA – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Tue : June 5th – Grandview Speedway ; Bechtelsville : PA – ARDC Midgets
Wed : June 6th – Concord Motorsports Park ; Concord : NC – USAC Eastern Ford Focus Midgets
Wed : June 6th – Millbridge Speedway ; Salisbury : NC – Mini Outlaws
Wed : June 6th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – Appalachian Mountain Speedweek Dirt Late Models
Wed : June 6th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 5th Annual Charlie Grinestaff Memorial Super Stock Late Models
Wed : June 6th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 358 Late Models
Thu : June 7th – New Egypt Speedway ; New Egypt : NJ – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Fri : June 8th – Ocean Speedway ; Watsonville : CA – Taco Bravo Ocean Sprints
Fri : June 8th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 39th Annual SK Mod 100 Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 39th Annual SK Mod 100 Limited Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 39th Annual SK Mod 100 SK Lights
Fri : June 8th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 39th Annual SK Mod 100 SK Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Bubba Raceway Park ; Ocala : FL – Florida Mini-Sprint Association
Fri : June 8th – Five Flags Speedway ; Pensacola : FL – Pro Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Tri-City Speedway ; Pontoon Beach : IL – Midwest Open Wheel Association
Fri : June 8th – Gas City I-69 Speedway ; Gas City : IN – USAC Midwest Ford Focus Midgets
Fri : June 8th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets
Fri : June 8th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Legends
Fri : June 8th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Roadsters
Fri : June 8th – Clay County Fair Speedway ; Spencer : IA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Fri : June 8th – Great American Dirt Track ; Jetmore : KS – BST Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – USRA Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – IMCA Stock Cars
Fri : June 8th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Street Stocks
Fri : June 8th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Comp Cams Super Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Street Stocks
Fri : June 8th – Gallatin Speedway ; Belgrade : MT – Big Sky Sprints
Fri : June 8th – I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE – Super Late Model Racing Series
Fri : June 8th – Eagle Raceway ; Eagle : NE – Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Fri : June 8th – Canaan Fair Speedway ; Canaan : NH – Sprint Cars of New England
Fri : June 8th – Aztec Speedway ; Aztec : NM – Championship Late Model Association
Fri : June 8th – Spencer Speedway ; Williamson : NY – Race of Champions Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Limited Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Modifieds x2
Fri : June 8th – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Street Stock
Fri : June 8th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – NDRA Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Open Wheel Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Street Stocks
Fri : June 8th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Street Stocks
Fri : June 8th – Southern Ohio Speedway ; Wheelersburg : OH – Buckeye Outlaw Sprints
Fri : June 8th – Southern Oklahoma Speedway ; Ardmore : OK – USMTS Casey's Cup Qualifier Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Fri : June 8th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – 358 Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Path Valley Speedway ; Spring Run : PA – Sidewinder Sprints
Fri : June 8th – Autodrome Chaudiere ; Vallee-Jonction : Quebec – ACT Castrol Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Sprint Cars
Fri : June 8th – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Street Stocks
Fri : June 8th – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Super Stocks
Fri : June 8th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Stock
Fri : June 8th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Street Stock
Fri : June 8th – Ephrata Raceway Park ; Ephrata : WA – West Coast Vintage Racers
Fri : June 8th – Langlade Speedway ; Antigo : WI – Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Langlade Speedway ; Antigo : WI – Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Sprint Cars
Fri : June 8th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Street Stock
Fri : June 8th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – Street Stocks
Fri : June 8th – St. Croix Valley Raceway ; St. Croix Falls : WI – Upper Midwest Sprint Series
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: FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks
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.
Dover is a great place to attend a race. The track is just one-mile around and you can pretty much see everything that happens no matter where you sit. And, as is the case with smaller tracks, a driver's patience can sometimes wane when there isn't enough room to make a pass, or a driver trying to keep from going a lap down makes it particularly difficult for the leader to make a pass.
Bonus: Dover has done a ton of stuff to make this a fan-friendly event. That includes a $10 ticket for any child 14-and-under accompanied by an adult, and one adult can buy several $10 tickets if they are leading a group. There's also a kids zone and plenty interactive of exhibits that fans can experience before the race. So, a thumbs up to the good people at Dover for trying to make a day at the race fun and complete experience.
Dover begins the second part of a three-part season 36-race season. After spending most of May in Charlotte, this is when the real season starts and the best teams rise to the top.
Top 5 Picks
Jimmie Johnson - It's hard not to pick this guy every week. Plus, he's got six wins and 14 top 10s in 20 starts at Dover, so it's really a no-brainer to choose the No. 48.
Greg Biffle - He is the season points leader and he's got two wins at the Monster Mile. Even if he can't beat Johnson's No 48, expect him to run well.
Matt Kenseth - He's also got two wins at Dover, but just as impressively, he has 12 top-5 finishes and 17 top-10 finishes in 26 starts.
Kyle Busch - He also has two wins on the concrete mile with seven top-5 finishes and nine top 10s in 14 races.
Martin Truex, Jr. - Have to pick a Junior somewhere, so it might as well be at this Junior's home track. Truex, Jr. is from South Jersey and his only career win came at Dover in 2007. It could be a sweet homecoming.
Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda - Tony Stewart. He has two wins at Dover, but the last time he won there was 2000 when he won both the spring and fall races. He also has finished 21st or worse in three of his last four races at Dover. During his remarkable and victorious run in the Chase for the Championship last year, Stewart finished 29th, six laps down, the only blemish in the final 10 races.
ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP
Here's a look at how last week's picks fared in the 600-mile race at Charlotte.
Jimmie Johnson: 11th. No truth to the rumor his gas man was overhead yelling, "I said whoa, not go!"
Jeff Gordon: 7th. Not bad for No. 24 as he avoided bad luck for once.
Kasey Kahne: 1st. This win had been in the works for a while. He's on a roll now.
Matt Kenseth: 10th. Never a threat to win it, but hung in there for an OK points day.
Mark Martin: 34th. Engine woes ended what could have been a pretty respectable day.
Season Stats:
55 Predictions
6 wins
20 top 5s
26 top 10s
Grade for the week: B. OK, that's five winners in a row counting the All-Star race. Otherwise an OK week that would have been better if Johnson hadn't tried to drag the gas man and attached gas can out of pits resulting in a penalty that put him a lap down.
One Last Thing: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is the only driver to complete all 3,888 laps this season. However, when it comes to laps led, he is 15th in those standings with 68 led this season. Jimmie Johnson has led the most laps this season with 501.
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: FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks
by Nick Schwartz
This weekend, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will invade Delaware and Dover International Speedway for the FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks. Sunday's race is the 13th of the 2012 season. The FedEx 400 will be broadcast live Sunday, June 3rd, on FOX at 12:30 PM EDT and MRN at 12:00 PM EDT. The race around the one-mile speedway is scheduled to run 400 laps.
Records and Facts
Matt Kenseth is the defending champion of the FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks, as he picked up his second career victory at Dover International Speedway in the Spring of 2011. Kenseth will be among the favorites this week in Delaware, as will Mark Martin, who finished second to Kenseth a year ago. Though he hasn't found victory lane recently, Martin has owned Dover throughout his career, with four victories and 31 top-10 finishes. In fact, Mark Martin holds the record for the fastest race run at Dover, with a speed of 132.719 mph in the 1997 MBNA 400.
Believe it or not, NASCAR bad boy Jeremy Mayfield is still in the Dover record books. Mayfield holds the track qualifying record with a lap of 22.288 sec. at 161.522 mph. He set the record qualifying for the 2004 MBNA America 400, where he finished eighth.
Track Facts
Track/Race Length: 1.0 concrete oval, 400 laps (400 miles)
Pit Road Speed: 35 mph
Degree of Banking: 24 degrees
Frontstretch: 1,076 ft., banked 9 degrees
Backstretch: 1,076 ft., banked 9 degrees
Grandstand Seating: 135,000
Pre-race Schedule
Practice: Friday, June 1, 11:00 AM – 12:25 PM EST on SPEED
Happy Hour: Friday, June 1, 2:45 – 4:15PM EST on SPEED
Qualifying: Saturday, June 2, 12:00 PM EST on SPEED
VIPs
Grand Marshal / Command: Delaware Governor Jack Markell
Honorary Starter / Wave Green Flag: Robert Dumas, winner of the "FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks" NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race auction
Invocation: Pastor Dan Schafer, Calvary Assembly of God in Heightstown, N.J.
National Anthem: RCA recording artist Kris Allen
Military Flyover: Four (4) F-16's of the 149th Fighter Wing, Texas ANG, Lackland AFB
Race Day Forecast
Sunday: Partly cloudy, 10% chance of rain
High: 78
Low: 60
They Said It
"Dover is my favorite track on the Sprint Cup circuit, and it's been a place where we've had a lot of success at as well, so I just love racing there. The track is so fast and challenging, and it's unique because of the way you drive up out of the turns. The turns sit a bit lower than the straightaways and you can feel it when you're driving out there. We're just going to continue to try and put ourselves up front and into position to be able to be consistent each and every week for our Best Buy team." -Matt Kenseth
"Last weekend at Charlotte all the Roush Fenway Fords ran strong and there couldn't be a better track for us to head to right now than Dover. We need a win and we've had plenty of great runs at Dover before so I know we can do it. I love racing there, it's a super high-speed track and we've always been able to get our cars dialed in well there." -Carl Edwards
"It is pretty insane, especially to go into turn one. It feels like the bottom drops out from under you. It seems like it disappears when you take off and once it lands, it is like a punch to the guy. When it compresses, it compresses so hard. It feels like you honestly drop 50 feet in the air and land. The biggest thing is to have a good balance when it does land that the car isn't moving around at all and isn't tight or loose. You want it to land nice and smooth and have the confidence to get it turned and get back to throttle, especially in qualifying. In the race you lay the corner back so much that the bottom, when it lands, is not as critical. In qualifying you are so fast that once you land you have to be back in the throttle." -AJ Allmendinger
Nick Schwartz is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at nick.schwartz@frontstretch.com.
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THIS WEEKEND ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Tracking the Trucks: Lucas Oil 200 by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth has all the post-race analysis you need following Friday afternoon's Camping World Truck Series race at Dover.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Better Days: The Role of Nostalgia in NASCAR
by Amy Henderson
Four Burning Questions: 600 "Snoozer", Hendrick Disappointment, and Consistent Teammates
by Summer Bedgood
BSNews! NASCAR Defrocks Hall of Famer Wallace
by Jeff Meyer
Truck Series Contenders Set to Invade Nationwide Series Race at Dover
by Bryan Davis Keith
Michael Annett Driver Diary: Summer Heat and Summer Fun
as told to Toni Montgomery
IndyCar Preview: Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix
by Toni Montgomery
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: In the 1993 Budweiser 500, Rusty Wallace's streak of bad luck (which included his infamous final lap flip at Talladega) continued when he got caught up in a late race wreck. What happened?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: In the 1987 Budweiser 500 at Dover, Bobby Allison was quite dominant, leading 147 laps before dropping out with "engine issues." Just what kind of engine issues were they?
A: The weather at Dover on this day could best be described as "oppressive." Temperatures exceeded 90 degrees during the race with dewpoints well into the 70's. The middle 200 miles were run consecutively under green, and it was at the end of this stretch that Allison's engine began overheating. The Stavola Brothers crew was forced to bring Allison in, first to put water in the car (through the grille, mind you), then to pull it out for the day. (right at the same time, Bobby's teammate Bobby Hillin, Jr. also blew an engine, bringing out a yellow). Bobby's son Davey benefited from his father's misfortune to claim his second career win. The issues on Bobby Allison's No. 22 can be seen at the 39:20 mark of this clip. Dr. Jerry Punch and the late Larry Nuber have the call for ESPN, while Dick Berggren works pit road with a rare appearance by Marty Reid.
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:
-- FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks 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: FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks by Matt McLaughlin
Matt will be here with his overall thoughts about the action from Sunday afternoon's action from Dover.
Monday Morning Teardown by Ron Lemasters
Ron returns for a website look at one of the big stories from Sunday's race from Dover.
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 Dover.
Big Six: FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving Sunday's event at Charlotte? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing.
Pace Laps: Dover 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 Dover.
Nationwide Breakdown: 5-Hour Energy 200 by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan has all of the post race analysis you need following Saturday afternoon's Nationwide Series race from Dover.
IZOD IndyCar Race Recap: Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix by Matt Stallknecht
Matt has all of the post race analysis you need following Sunday afternoon's IZOD IndyCar Series race from Detroit.
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