THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
May 18th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition XC
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Frontstretch at the Track: Amy Henderson and Mike Neff will be live at Charlotte Motor Speedway Saturday night for the Sprint Showdown and the All-Star Race. Stayed tuned to the Breaking News box, Twitter (@thefrontstretch and @writeramy) and Facebook for all of the latest news coming out of the "Track Too Tough to Tame."
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Top News
by Jeff Wolfe
Bad News for NASCAR From Washington
The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series already has teams that are in search of funding and two more could join the search for 2013. According to The Hill, a global affairs blog, the House Appropriations Committee approved a defense bill that would remove sports funding from the budget. The two teams that could be most affected by the bill would be the Stewart-Haas Racing No. 39 driven by Ryan Newman, which has Army as a primary sponsor, and the Hendrick Racing No. 88 of Dale Earnhardt, Jr., where the National Guard serves as primary sponsor.
The bill was passed on a voice vote Thursday by the committee and included an amendment that would eliminate the military's sponsorship of NASCAR and other sporting events. The amendment was originally proposed by Rep. Betty McCoilum (D-Minn.) last year but did not pass. Thursday, Rep. Jack Kingston (R-Ga.) took up the proposal, which prohibits military funding for semi-professional and professional sporting events.
Kingston said on Thursday that eliminating the sports funding, which is used by recruiting for the military, was "a great place to send a signal" as the military cuts its budgets along with 100,000 troops. Defense subcommittee chairman Bill Young (R-Fla.) said he did not support the amendment because the military needs to be visible to the community, but the amendment passed on a voice vote.
Additionally, the House defense budget--which was approved at $608 billion--sits $3 billion more than the proposed defense budget by President Obama. That means as the bill goes to the Senate Appropriations committee, it is unlikely that more money could become available, leaving both Newman and Earnhardt, Jr. with sponsorship holes to fill.
McCollum wrote on Twitter earlier this month that the National Guard's sponsorship for NASCAR in the past three years has been $103 million. The bill will next go to a full vote in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives and then to the Democrat-controlled Senate.
The bill could also be bad news for IndyCar's Panther Racing's J.R. Hildebrand, who is sponsored by the National Guard and NHRA seven-time top fuel champion Tony Schumacher, who is sponsored by the Army.
NASCAR, Twitter to Make Announcement
NASCAR and Twitter are scheduled to make a special joint announcement today at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Those scheduled to be on hand include NASCAR Chief Marketing Officer Steve Phelps and Twitter Head of Sports and Entertainment Omid Ashtari.
Twitter came into the NASCAR spotlight during the season-opening Daytona 500, which was run on a Monday night due to weather delays. During an extended red flag for Juan Pablo Montoya's infamous jet dryer crash, Brad Keselowski spent his time with nothing to do but sit and wait sending tweets from his car; he picked up 135,000 followers in about an hour. He later said the reason he had a phone with him was to let his mother know he was OK if he was in an accident.
Keselowski, who has two Sprint Cup victories this year, is also scheduled to be at the press conference along with NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Nelson Piquet, Jr. Keselowski was up to 263,205 followers late Thursday afternoon.
McDowell, Presbyterian Healthcare team up for Coca-Cola 600
Michael McDowell wants people stay healthy and so does Presbyterian Healthcare, so the two have combined to bring attention to healthcare issues for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series May 27 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Presbyterian Heatlhcare, based in Huntersville, N.C., will have its logo on the Phil Parsons-owned No. 98 for the night race, the longest on the Sprint Cup circuit.
"Michael, who lives in Huntersville, believes in what Presbyterian Healthcare is doing to help make our communities healthier," said Mark Billings, president and CEO of Presbyterian Healthcare. "He has used Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville for care several times so this partnership is more personal for him."
The goal of the partnership is to bring attention to the need for people to schedule regular health screenings to help save lives. The car will display the Presbyterian Health website, www.healthpitstop.com, which will help people understand why screenings are important and how they should be based on a person's age and health history.
The partnership will be formally announced at a 1 PM press conference at Presbyterian Hospital in Huntersville where the show car will be unveiled. McDowell is currently 38th in the NASCAR Sprint Cup standings and has started 10 of the season's 11 races.
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
'Mr. Excitement' Jimmy Spencer to Retire
NASCAR veteran Jimmy Spencer has announced he plans to retire from his role as a television personality and racing pundit to return to his home in Pennsylvania. Spencer, now 55, had been in a commentary role on SPEED Channel's NASCAR Race Hub and formerly hosted other shows on the network, after his racing career ended in 2006. Spencer recorded two wins in his lengthy career--both coming at superspeedways--with one victory each at Daytona and Talladega.
Simendinger Confident Kentucky is Ready for Traffic Crush
Mike Simendinger, general manager at Kentucky Speedway, has announced to the media his confidence that the traffic and parking debacle that plagued the Speedway last year for the Sprint Cup Series date and kept many paying customers from ever making it to the track have been remedied. The announcement comes just under a month before the Quaker State 400 is scheduled to be held at Kentucky Speedway, but measures have been taken to alleviate fan frustration in 2012.
"We've spent a lot of money and time and preparation," Simendinger said. "We've done all this computer simulation modeling, so I know it works, but all you can do is open up the doors and let everyone see for themselves. And we can't wait to do that.... I'm excited. Things are starting to build up and the focus is building to the racing, as it should be."
The Interstate 71 ramp leading to Kentucky Speedway has been widened to support a larger traffic flow, and the Speedway has converted over 200 acres of land to parking areas, connected to the Speedway by a newly-build pedestrian tunnel.
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Keepin' It Short: Booming Popularity for Figure 8 Racing
by Mike Neff
After Tony Stewart's post race rant at Talladega, there has been an increased interest in Figure 8 racing. The unofficial home of Figure 8 racing is the Indianapolis Speedrome. The facility is believed to be the first track to host a Figure 8 race where the cars actually passed through the intersection in the middle of the track. Prior to that exciting twist, the tracks that hosted Figure 8 races used an overpass in the center so would never actually meeting at the crossing.
While Figure 8 racing has been around for some 70 years, the World Figure 8 Championship has only been contested since 1977 at the Speedrome. Jim Fox took the win in that very first event over a field of 57 cars. In that first race Kenny St. John came home an unremarkable 11th place, however that was hardly a premonition to the next five years when he would be crowned the World Figure 8 Champion every year from 1978 through 1982. The crown of world champion passed around through several hands from 1983 through 1992 but, in 1993, Jack Dossey, Jr. grabbed the title and all but owned it, winning six out of seven years. Duane Lee was the only driver to interrupt the streak as he won the big event in 1995.
From the turn of the century the most common name on the trophy has been Tunny. Bruce, Ben and Bill Tunny, Jr. have all held the World Champion title since 2000. Bruce won the title three times while Ben and Bill Jr. won it once each. Doug Greig is the current title holder and also wore the crown in 2007.
The World Figure 8 Championship is an endurance race. The event runs for three hours and the driver who completes the most laps first will win the race. In 1981 Kenny St. John led 512 laps during the race, the most ever by a race winner and the only driver to complete more than 500 laps in a race. While there are many races at many tracks across the United States, Figure 8 races hold a special place in the heart of Short Track race fans. The Speedrome has invited Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman to compete in a Figure 8 race and Stewart has said he wants to do it because he's never run one before.
There's no question that it is a unique and very exciting brand of racing. If you're in the Southeast Indianapolis area, head over to Kitley Ave and check out some Figure 8 racing at the granddaddy of the sport, The Indianapolis Speedrome.
This Week's Racing Schedule
Fri : May 18th – Batesville Motor Speedway ; Batesville : AR – Bad Boy 98 Lucas Oil Late Models
Fri : May 18th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – Late Models
Fri : May 18th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – Limited Late Models
Fri : May 18th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – SK Lights
Fri : May 18th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – SK Modifieds
Fri : May 18th – Orlando Speedworld ; Orlando : FL – Brighthouse Challenge Super Late Models
Fri : May 18th – Bloomington Speedway ; Bloomington : IN – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Fri : May 18th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets
Fri : May 18th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Legends
Fri : May 18th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – USRA Modifieds
Fri : May 18th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – IMCA Stock Cars
Fri : May 18th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds
Fri : May 18th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Street Stocks
Fri : May 18th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Late Models
Fri : May 18th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Modifieds
Fri : May 18th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Street Stocks
Fri : May 18th – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Late Models
Fri : May 18th – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Street Stock x2
Fri : May 18th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – NDRA Late Models
Fri : May 18th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Open Wheel Modifieds
Fri : May 18th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Street Stocks
Fri : May 18th – Tri-County Racetrack ; Brasstown : NC – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Fri : May 18th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Mod Lites
Fri : May 18th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Modifieds
Fri : May 18th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Dan Reno Memorial Street Stocks
Fri : May 18th – Southern Oklahoma Speedway ; Ardmore : OK – USMTS National Championship Series Modifieds
Fri : May 18th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – 358 Modifieds
Fri : May 18th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Sportsman
Fri : May 18th – Estevan Motor Speedway ; Estevan : Saskatchewan – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : May 18th – Estevan Motor Speedway ; Estevan : Saskatchewan – IMCA Street Stocks
Fri : May 18th – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Late Models
Fri : May 18th – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Street Stocks
Fri : May 18th – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Super Stocks
Fri : May 18th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : May 18th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : May 18th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Stock
Fri : May 18th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Street Stock
Fri : May 18th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Winged Modifieds
Fri : May 18th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Fri : May 18th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Sprint Cars
Fri : May 18th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Street Stock
Fri : May 18th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : May 18th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : May 18th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – Street Stocks
Sat : May 19th – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Southern Superstars Super Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – South Alabama Speedway ; Kinston : AL – Viper Pro Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Havasu 95 Speedway ; Lake Havasu City : AZ – Bandoleros
Sat : May 19th – Havasu 95 Speedway ; Lake Havasu City : AZ – Waterless Boat Race
Sat : May 19th – Havasu 95 Speedway ; Lake Havasu City : AZ – Factory Stocks
Sat : May 19th – Batesville Motor Speedway ; Batesville : AR – Bad Boy 98 Lucas Oil Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Hooker Hood Classic 305 Winged Sprints
Sat : May 19th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Hooker Hood Classic 360 Wingerd Sprints
Sat : May 19th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Hooker Hood Classic Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Hooker Hood Classic Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Race #3 Coors Light Open Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Sport Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Hobby Stocks
Sat : May 19th – Giant Chevrolet Kings Speedway ; Hanford : CA – USAC/CRA Sprint Cars
Sat : May 19th – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – TBARA Winged Sprints
Sat : May 19th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Pro Late Models
Sat : May 19th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – E-Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Sportsman
Sat : May 19th – Punta Gorda Speedway ; Punta Gorda : FL – Late Model Sportsman
Sat : May 19th – New Senoia Raceway ; Senoia : GA – Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Sugar Creek Raceway ; Blue Ridge : GA – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Sat : May 19th – Watermelon Capital Speedway ; Cordele : GA – Outlaw Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Meridian Speedway ; Meridian : ID – Rocky Mountain Challenge Series Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – POWRi Midgets
Sat : May 19th – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – 600cc Micro Sprints
Sat : May 19th – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Mini Sprints
Sat : May 19th – Illiana Motor Speedway ; Schererville : IN – Jeg's All Stars Pro Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Lucas Oil Raceway Park ; Clermont : IN – USAC Silver Crown
Sat : May 19th – Salem Speedway ; Salem : IN – Top Speed Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN - $1,000 to win FWD
Sat : May 19th – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Late Models
Sat : May 19th – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Sportsman
Sat : May 19th – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Street Stocks
Sat : May 19th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets
Sat : May 19th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Stocks Figure 8
Sat : May 19th – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Stock Cars
Sat : May 19th – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Sport Mods
Sat : May 19th – Iowa Speedway ; Newton : IA – NASCAR K&N Pro East Series
Sat : May 19th – Iowa Speedway ; Newton : IA – NASCAR K&N Pro West Series
Sat : May 19th – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Sportsman
Sat : May 19th – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Pure Street
Sat : May 19th – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Mini Stock
Sat : May 19th – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Outlaw Mini Cup
Sat : May 19th – Berlin Raceway ; Marne : MI – Super Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Outlaw Super Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Super Stocks
Sat : May 19th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Pro Stocks
Sat : May 19th – Springport Motor Speedway ; Springport : MI – Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – Springport Motor Speedway ; Springport : MI – Super Late Models
Sat : May 19th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Bud Night Wissota Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Bud Night Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Bud Night Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : May 19th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Bud Night Wissota Super Stocks
Sat : May 19th – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Super Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – NeSmith Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Street Stocks
Sat : May 19th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Lebanon Schools Night ASA Late Models
Sat : May 19th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Lebanon Schools Night Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Lebanon Schools Night Sportsman
Sat : May 19th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Lebanon Schools Night Road Warriors
Sat : May 19th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Lebanon Schools Night Chargers
Sat : May 19th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – Factory Stocks
Sat : May 19th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – A-Mods
Sat : May 19th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – B-Mods
Sat : May 19th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – United Late Model Association Late Models
Sat : May 19th – White Mountain Motorsports Park ; North Woodstock : NH – PASS North Super Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – Sportsman
Sat : May 19th – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – Street Stocks
Sat : May 19th – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – TQ Midgets
Sat : May 19th – Red River Valley Speedway ; West Fargo : ND – NLRA Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Red River Valley Speedway ; West Fargo : ND – Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – Red River Valley Speedway ; West Fargo : ND – Super Stocks
Sat : May 19th – Southwest Speedway ; Dickinson : ND – Armed Forces Night IMCA Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – Southwest Speedway ; Dickinson : ND – Armed Forces Night Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : May 19th – Sandusky Speedway ; Sandusky : OH – Main Event Super Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Wissota Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Street Stocks
Sat : May 19th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – ARDC Midgets
Sat : May 19th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Xcel 600 CCs
Sat : May 19th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 410 Sprints
Sat : May 19th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 358 Sprints
Sat : May 19th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – Thundercars
Sat : May 19th – Router 66 Motor Speedway ; Amarillo : TX – USMTS National Championship Series Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Limited Sportsman x2
Sat : May 19th – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Street Stock
Sat : May 19th – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – Sportsman
Sat : May 19th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Midwest Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – UMSS Traditional Sprint Cars
Sat : May 19th – State Park Speedway ; Wasau : WI – ASA Midwest Tour State Park 150
Sat : May 19th – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Wissota Street Stocks
Sun : May 20th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford : ME – ACT 150
Sun : May 20th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford : ME – Late Models
Sun : May 20th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford : ME – Strictly Stock
Sun : May 20th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford : ME – Outlaws
Sun : May 20th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford : ME – Rebels
Sun : May 20th – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – World of Outlaws
Sun : May 20th – Thunder Mountain Speedway ; Bottineau : ND – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sun : May 20th – Thunder Mountain Speedway ; Bottineau : ND – Sport Stocks
Sun : May 20th – Scotia Speedworld ; Halifax : Nova Scotia – Parts for Trucks Pro Stocks
Sun : May 20th – Toledo Speedway ; Toledo : OH – ARCA Racing Series
Sun : May 20th – Mosport International Raceway ; Bowmanville, Ontario – NASCAR Canadian Tire Series
Sun : May 20th – Sunset Speedway ; Innisfil : Ontario – OSCAAR Super Late Models
Sun : May 20th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – 4c Super Modifieds
Sun : May 20th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Modifieds
Sun : May 20th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Street Stocks
Tue : May 22nd – Marshalltown Speedway ; Marshalltown : IA – Deery Brothers Summer Series IMCA Late Models
Wed : May 23rd – I-35 Speedway ; Mason City : IA – USMTS Casey's Cup Qualifier Modifieds
Wed : May 23rd – Valley Speedway ; Grain Valley : MO – Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Wed : May 23rd – Millbridge Speedway ; Salisbury : NC – NASCAR/World of Outlaws Night Mini Outlaws
Thu : May 24th – Thompson International Speedway ; Thompson : CT – MRS Modifieds
Thu : May 24th – Terre Haute Action Track ; Terre Haute : IN – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Thu : May 24th – Highway 3 Raceway ; Allison : IA – USMTS Casey's Cup Qualifier Modifieds
Thu : May 24th – I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE – Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
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: Sprint All-Star Race
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.
As professional all-star sporting events go, they often brag about putting their best athletes on the court, or field, or ice, together in one game, but rarely do we get to see their real talent put on display. The NBA and NHL games are similar. While those players' contracts are guaranteed, it does give fans a chance to see what happens if they didn't really try to play defense in those respective sports. But again, who wins or loses, doesn't really matter.
Baseball's game has the most relevance of these four sports. In order to add some juice to it, the league that wins the game gets home field advantage in the World Series. It's a silly plan (why doesn't the team with the best record get the home field advantage?) but whatever it takes to make their all-star game relevant. Even with stakes like that, let's not fool ourselves. The days of Pete Rose bowling over Ray Fosse in the all-star game are long gone. Just by the nature of the game, the baseball players can play with more effort than the guys in other sports. But still there is that risk and generally speaking, baseball players have more of a business sense of the game than players in other sports. They know their careers can last long, so if it means running into the wall to make a big catch in the all-star game, that's probably not going to happen. Again, too low of a reward for the risk involved.
And that risk is just what makes NASCAR's All-Star event the best. There are times during NASCAR's points races that some drivers will play it safe in order to have a solid top-10 finish. There's too much at risk for them to take a chance and not make the Chase for the Championship, or if it's small budget team, to wreck their car beyond repair. But Saturday's Sprint Showdown and Sprint All-Star races are all about taking risks. It's a non-points event, so playing it safe means nothing. The only goal is to win and really that's it. There will be four 20-lap segments to the race, with the four winners starting in positions 1-4 for the 10-lap finale that will be worth a million dollars to the winner. Not too shabby.
The event also gets the fans involved. There are 20 drivers guaranteed spots in the race and three more will make it with the top two finishers in the Sprint Showdown and a fan-voted driver joining the field. No matter who gets in, there will be an all-out battle to win in a race where second doesn't matter.
OK, even though this is not a points race, and I won't count these selections in my overall results for the season, you can't help but try and pick a winner here. With a smaller field, we'll go with three selections this week instead of the usual five.
1) Jimmie Johnson - Anytime he's driving a car at Charlotte Motor Speedway, he has to be a pick to win. After all, he does have six victories and 14 top-10 finishes in 21 points races at the mile-and-a-half oval.
2) Kyle Busch - He likes taking risks, so this seems like the perfect race for him. However, he has yet to score a Cup Series win at Charlotte.
3) Brad Keselowski - He's another youngster who's not afraid to go for it all each and every week, so why should the All-Star race be any different?
ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP
Here's a look at how last week's picks fared at Darlington.
Greg Biffle: 12th. He contended for the win for a while, but faded after the track cooled off.
Jimmie Johnson: 1st. Well, it was going to happen sometime. He had been running too good for too many races.
Denny Hamlin: 2nd. He contended for the win late and added to his other strong showings at Darlington.
Tony Stewart: 3rd. He never led a lap but performed well on a track that has been a nemesis to him.
Kasey Kahne: 8th. Continued what has been a consistent stretch and has been eighth or better in five straight races.
Season Stats
55 Predictions
5 Wins
19 top 5s
23 top 10s
Jeff Wolfe is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at jeff.wolfe@frontstretch.com.
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Frontstretch Folio: Sprint All-Star Race
by Nick Schwartz
The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series takes a break from regular points racing for the Sprint All-Star Race in Charlotte, North Carolina this weekend. Saturday's race will be broadcast live Saturday, May 19th, at 7:00 PM ET on SPEED and 6:00 PM ET on MRN Radio. The All-Star race will be run under a new format this year, with 90 total laps split over five segments. There will be four twenty-lap segments and one final 10-lap segment, where only green flag laps will count before the checkered flag flies.
Records and Facts
Carl Edwards is the defending champion of the Sprint All-Star race, beating out Kyle Busch, David Reutimann, Tony Stewart and Greg Biffle, who rounded out the top five. David Ragan is the defending winner of the Sprint Showdown--the race in which the top two finishers are granted entry to the All-Star Race--but Ragan will be automatically locked into the All-Star field this year after his July, 2011 win at Daytona.
In the 26 Sprint All-Star Races run in NASCAR history, there have been 19 different winners. Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon each won three times at Charlotte, with Davey Allison, Terry Labonte, Mark Martin, and Jimmie Johnson each with two victories. No driver has ever won two consecutive All-Star Races, so if Carl Edwards is victorious Saturday, he would become the first driver to accomplish the feat.
Track Facts
Track/Race Length: 1.5-mile quad oval, 90 laps divided into five segments
Pit Road Speed: 45 mph
Degree of Banking: 24 degrees
Frontstretch: 1,952.8 ft., banked 5 degrees
Backstretch: 1,360 ft., banked 5 degrees
Grandstand Seating: 171,000
Pre-race Schedule
Happy Hour: Begins Friday, May 18th at 1:30 PM ET on SPEED
Qualifying: Begins Friday, May 18th at 6:00 PM ET on SPEED
Race Day Forecast
Saturday: Partly cloudy, 10% chance of rain
High: 78
Low: 54
They Said It
"We need the All-Star race right now. It's a race where we can just go, let it all hang out, have some fun and not worry about any points. We're just going for the win in each segment and hopefully get to victory lane like we did last year. That was a blast and one of the neatest nights of my career, so I'm excited to just go out there and have some fun." -Carl Edwards
"Charlotte (Motor Speedway) is just one of those places that you have to have everything going well. Especially the All-Star event it seems like everybody brings their latest and greatest stuff to see if it will make it through the inspection line and not blow up. That means you have to have your best stuff there and you have to put a night together with all the short segments this year and the bonuses for trying to win the segments you've got to try to make something happen. It's just a unique race." -Kevin Harvick
"It seems that teams are always willing to take more risks and try new things when it comes to the All-Star race simply because there aren't any points associated with this race. The All-Star race is just a lot of fun because there are a bunch of neat events that lead into the weekend including the Pit Crew Challenge and then having to qualify with a pit stop on Friday. Everyone is chasing the big check at the end of the race and I'm looking forward to having Fifth Third Bank on our car for this weekend for their first Cup race." -Matt Kenseth
Nick Schwartz is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at nick.schwartz@frontstretch.com.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
What Makes a Great Race is a Matter of Perspective for NASCAR Fans
by Amy Henderson
Four Burning Questions: Kurt's Temper, NASCAR'S Rulings, and All-Star Weekend
by Summer Dreyer
NASCAR Missing a Golden Marketing Opportunity
by Jeff Meyer
Landon Cassill Driver Diary: All Stars, Penalties, and Mom
as told to Summer Dreyer
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This Weekend on the Frontstretch:
Tracking the Trucks: North Carolina Education Lottery 250 by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth has all the post-race analysis you need following Friday night's Camping World Truck Series race from Charlotte.
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: In 1998, Rich Bickle finished tenth in The Winston. Since Bickle never won a Cup race (Note: Bickle's best career finish was fourth in the 1998 NAPA AutoCare 500 at Martinsville. His post-race interview that day can be seen "here":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRUbQRxp3Ts), he would not qualify for The Winston under today's rules. How did Bickle get into the race?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: The 1996 Winston will be best remembered for Michael Waltrip winning the whole shebang after qualifying for the "A-Main" by finishing fifth in the Winston Open. However, he needed a little help at the beginning of the third segment to take the lead. What happened?
A: Following a false start, Michael restarted in fourth behind Dale Earnhardt, Terry Labonte and Rusty Wallace. Waltrip dispatched of Wallace on the backstretch to take third and likely intended to settle in there for a little bit before pouncing on the lead duo. However, entering Turn 1 on the second lap of the final segment, Earnhardt got loose and went up the hill. Side-to-side contact was made between Earnhardt and Labonte, opening up the bottom for Waltrip to scoot through and take the lead. The incident can be seen at the 3:45 mark of this clip.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: Take the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
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Coming Monday in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Sprint All-Star 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: Sprint All-Star Race by Matt McLaughlin
Matt will be here with his overall thoughts about the action from Saturday evening's action from Charlotts.
Monday Morning Teardown by Ron Lemasters
Ron returns for a website look at one of the big stories from Saturday's race from Charlotte.
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 Charlotte.
Big Six: Bojangles' Southern 500 by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving Saturday's event at Charlotte? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing.
Pace Laps: Charlotte / Iowa 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 Charlotte and Iowa.
Nationwide Breakdown: Pioneer Hi-Bred 250 by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan has all of the post race analysis you need following Sunday afternoon's Nationwide Series race from Iowa Speedway.
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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!
May 18th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition XC
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Frontstretch at the Track: Amy Henderson and Mike Neff will be live at Charlotte Motor Speedway Saturday night for the Sprint Showdown and the All-Star Race. Stayed tuned to the Breaking News box, Twitter (@thefrontstretch and @writeramy) and Facebook for all of the latest news coming out of the "Track Too Tough to Tame."
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Top News
by Jeff Wolfe
Bad News for NASCAR From Washington
The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series already has teams that are in search of funding and two more could join the search for 2013. According to The Hill, a global affairs blog, the House Appropriations Committee approved a defense bill that would remove sports funding from the budget. The two teams that could be most affected by the bill would be the Stewart-Haas Racing No. 39 driven by Ryan Newman, which has Army as a primary sponsor, and the Hendrick Racing No. 88 of Dale Earnhardt, Jr., where the National Guard serves as primary sponsor.
The bill was passed on a voice vote Thursday by the committee and included an amendment that would eliminate the military's sponsorship of NASCAR and other sporting events. The amendment was originally proposed by Rep. Betty McCoilum (D-Minn.) last year but did not pass. Thursday, Rep. Jack Kingston (R-Ga.) took up the proposal, which prohibits military funding for semi-professional and professional sporting events.
Kingston said on Thursday that eliminating the sports funding, which is used by recruiting for the military, was "a great place to send a signal" as the military cuts its budgets along with 100,000 troops. Defense subcommittee chairman Bill Young (R-Fla.) said he did not support the amendment because the military needs to be visible to the community, but the amendment passed on a voice vote.
Additionally, the House defense budget--which was approved at $608 billion--sits $3 billion more than the proposed defense budget by President Obama. That means as the bill goes to the Senate Appropriations committee, it is unlikely that more money could become available, leaving both Newman and Earnhardt, Jr. with sponsorship holes to fill.
McCollum wrote on Twitter earlier this month that the National Guard's sponsorship for NASCAR in the past three years has been $103 million. The bill will next go to a full vote in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives and then to the Democrat-controlled Senate.
The bill could also be bad news for IndyCar's Panther Racing's J.R. Hildebrand, who is sponsored by the National Guard and NHRA seven-time top fuel champion Tony Schumacher, who is sponsored by the Army.
NASCAR, Twitter to Make Announcement
NASCAR and Twitter are scheduled to make a special joint announcement today at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Those scheduled to be on hand include NASCAR Chief Marketing Officer Steve Phelps and Twitter Head of Sports and Entertainment Omid Ashtari.
Twitter came into the NASCAR spotlight during the season-opening Daytona 500, which was run on a Monday night due to weather delays. During an extended red flag for Juan Pablo Montoya's infamous jet dryer crash, Brad Keselowski spent his time with nothing to do but sit and wait sending tweets from his car; he picked up 135,000 followers in about an hour. He later said the reason he had a phone with him was to let his mother know he was OK if he was in an accident.
Keselowski, who has two Sprint Cup victories this year, is also scheduled to be at the press conference along with NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Nelson Piquet, Jr. Keselowski was up to 263,205 followers late Thursday afternoon.
McDowell, Presbyterian Healthcare team up for Coca-Cola 600
Michael McDowell wants people stay healthy and so does Presbyterian Healthcare, so the two have combined to bring attention to healthcare issues for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series May 27 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Presbyterian Heatlhcare, based in Huntersville, N.C., will have its logo on the Phil Parsons-owned No. 98 for the night race, the longest on the Sprint Cup circuit.
"Michael, who lives in Huntersville, believes in what Presbyterian Healthcare is doing to help make our communities healthier," said Mark Billings, president and CEO of Presbyterian Healthcare. "He has used Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville for care several times so this partnership is more personal for him."
The goal of the partnership is to bring attention to the need for people to schedule regular health screenings to help save lives. The car will display the Presbyterian Health website, www.healthpitstop.com, which will help people understand why screenings are important and how they should be based on a person's age and health history.
The partnership will be formally announced at a 1 PM press conference at Presbyterian Hospital in Huntersville where the show car will be unveiled. McDowell is currently 38th in the NASCAR Sprint Cup standings and has started 10 of the season's 11 races.
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
'Mr. Excitement' Jimmy Spencer to Retire
NASCAR veteran Jimmy Spencer has announced he plans to retire from his role as a television personality and racing pundit to return to his home in Pennsylvania. Spencer, now 55, had been in a commentary role on SPEED Channel's NASCAR Race Hub and formerly hosted other shows on the network, after his racing career ended in 2006. Spencer recorded two wins in his lengthy career--both coming at superspeedways--with one victory each at Daytona and Talladega.
Simendinger Confident Kentucky is Ready for Traffic Crush
Mike Simendinger, general manager at Kentucky Speedway, has announced to the media his confidence that the traffic and parking debacle that plagued the Speedway last year for the Sprint Cup Series date and kept many paying customers from ever making it to the track have been remedied. The announcement comes just under a month before the Quaker State 400 is scheduled to be held at Kentucky Speedway, but measures have been taken to alleviate fan frustration in 2012.
"We've spent a lot of money and time and preparation," Simendinger said. "We've done all this computer simulation modeling, so I know it works, but all you can do is open up the doors and let everyone see for themselves. And we can't wait to do that.... I'm excited. Things are starting to build up and the focus is building to the racing, as it should be."
The Interstate 71 ramp leading to Kentucky Speedway has been widened to support a larger traffic flow, and the Speedway has converted over 200 acres of land to parking areas, connected to the Speedway by a newly-build pedestrian tunnel.
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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: Booming Popularity for Figure 8 Racing
by Mike Neff
After Tony Stewart's post race rant at Talladega, there has been an increased interest in Figure 8 racing. The unofficial home of Figure 8 racing is the Indianapolis Speedrome. The facility is believed to be the first track to host a Figure 8 race where the cars actually passed through the intersection in the middle of the track. Prior to that exciting twist, the tracks that hosted Figure 8 races used an overpass in the center so would never actually meeting at the crossing.
While Figure 8 racing has been around for some 70 years, the World Figure 8 Championship has only been contested since 1977 at the Speedrome. Jim Fox took the win in that very first event over a field of 57 cars. In that first race Kenny St. John came home an unremarkable 11th place, however that was hardly a premonition to the next five years when he would be crowned the World Figure 8 Champion every year from 1978 through 1982. The crown of world champion passed around through several hands from 1983 through 1992 but, in 1993, Jack Dossey, Jr. grabbed the title and all but owned it, winning six out of seven years. Duane Lee was the only driver to interrupt the streak as he won the big event in 1995.
From the turn of the century the most common name on the trophy has been Tunny. Bruce, Ben and Bill Tunny, Jr. have all held the World Champion title since 2000. Bruce won the title three times while Ben and Bill Jr. won it once each. Doug Greig is the current title holder and also wore the crown in 2007.
The World Figure 8 Championship is an endurance race. The event runs for three hours and the driver who completes the most laps first will win the race. In 1981 Kenny St. John led 512 laps during the race, the most ever by a race winner and the only driver to complete more than 500 laps in a race. While there are many races at many tracks across the United States, Figure 8 races hold a special place in the heart of Short Track race fans. The Speedrome has invited Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman to compete in a Figure 8 race and Stewart has said he wants to do it because he's never run one before.
There's no question that it is a unique and very exciting brand of racing. If you're in the Southeast Indianapolis area, head over to Kitley Ave and check out some Figure 8 racing at the granddaddy of the sport, The Indianapolis Speedrome.
This Week's Racing Schedule
Fri : May 18th – Batesville Motor Speedway ; Batesville : AR – Bad Boy 98 Lucas Oil Late Models
Fri : May 18th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – Late Models
Fri : May 18th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – Limited Late Models
Fri : May 18th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – SK Lights
Fri : May 18th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – SK Modifieds
Fri : May 18th – Orlando Speedworld ; Orlando : FL – Brighthouse Challenge Super Late Models
Fri : May 18th – Bloomington Speedway ; Bloomington : IN – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Fri : May 18th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets
Fri : May 18th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Legends
Fri : May 18th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – USRA Modifieds
Fri : May 18th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – IMCA Stock Cars
Fri : May 18th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds
Fri : May 18th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Street Stocks
Fri : May 18th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Late Models
Fri : May 18th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Modifieds
Fri : May 18th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Street Stocks
Fri : May 18th – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Late Models
Fri : May 18th – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Street Stock x2
Fri : May 18th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – NDRA Late Models
Fri : May 18th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Open Wheel Modifieds
Fri : May 18th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Street Stocks
Fri : May 18th – Tri-County Racetrack ; Brasstown : NC – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Fri : May 18th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Mod Lites
Fri : May 18th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Modifieds
Fri : May 18th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Dan Reno Memorial Street Stocks
Fri : May 18th – Southern Oklahoma Speedway ; Ardmore : OK – USMTS National Championship Series Modifieds
Fri : May 18th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – 358 Modifieds
Fri : May 18th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Sportsman
Fri : May 18th – Estevan Motor Speedway ; Estevan : Saskatchewan – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : May 18th – Estevan Motor Speedway ; Estevan : Saskatchewan – IMCA Street Stocks
Fri : May 18th – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Late Models
Fri : May 18th – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Street Stocks
Fri : May 18th – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Super Stocks
Fri : May 18th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : May 18th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : May 18th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Stock
Fri : May 18th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Street Stock
Fri : May 18th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Winged Modifieds
Fri : May 18th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Fri : May 18th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Sprint Cars
Fri : May 18th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Street Stock
Fri : May 18th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : May 18th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : May 18th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – Street Stocks
Sat : May 19th – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Southern Superstars Super Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – South Alabama Speedway ; Kinston : AL – Viper Pro Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Havasu 95 Speedway ; Lake Havasu City : AZ – Bandoleros
Sat : May 19th – Havasu 95 Speedway ; Lake Havasu City : AZ – Waterless Boat Race
Sat : May 19th – Havasu 95 Speedway ; Lake Havasu City : AZ – Factory Stocks
Sat : May 19th – Batesville Motor Speedway ; Batesville : AR – Bad Boy 98 Lucas Oil Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Hooker Hood Classic 305 Winged Sprints
Sat : May 19th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Hooker Hood Classic 360 Wingerd Sprints
Sat : May 19th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Hooker Hood Classic Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Hooker Hood Classic Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Race #3 Coors Light Open Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Sport Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Hobby Stocks
Sat : May 19th – Giant Chevrolet Kings Speedway ; Hanford : CA – USAC/CRA Sprint Cars
Sat : May 19th – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – TBARA Winged Sprints
Sat : May 19th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Pro Late Models
Sat : May 19th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – E-Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Sportsman
Sat : May 19th – Punta Gorda Speedway ; Punta Gorda : FL – Late Model Sportsman
Sat : May 19th – New Senoia Raceway ; Senoia : GA – Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Sugar Creek Raceway ; Blue Ridge : GA – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Sat : May 19th – Watermelon Capital Speedway ; Cordele : GA – Outlaw Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Meridian Speedway ; Meridian : ID – Rocky Mountain Challenge Series Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – POWRi Midgets
Sat : May 19th – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – 600cc Micro Sprints
Sat : May 19th – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Mini Sprints
Sat : May 19th – Illiana Motor Speedway ; Schererville : IN – Jeg's All Stars Pro Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Lucas Oil Raceway Park ; Clermont : IN – USAC Silver Crown
Sat : May 19th – Salem Speedway ; Salem : IN – Top Speed Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN - $1,000 to win FWD
Sat : May 19th – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Late Models
Sat : May 19th – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Sportsman
Sat : May 19th – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Street Stocks
Sat : May 19th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets
Sat : May 19th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Stocks Figure 8
Sat : May 19th – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Stock Cars
Sat : May 19th – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Sport Mods
Sat : May 19th – Iowa Speedway ; Newton : IA – NASCAR K&N Pro East Series
Sat : May 19th – Iowa Speedway ; Newton : IA – NASCAR K&N Pro West Series
Sat : May 19th – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Sportsman
Sat : May 19th – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Pure Street
Sat : May 19th – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Mini Stock
Sat : May 19th – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Outlaw Mini Cup
Sat : May 19th – Berlin Raceway ; Marne : MI – Super Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Outlaw Super Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Super Stocks
Sat : May 19th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Pro Stocks
Sat : May 19th – Springport Motor Speedway ; Springport : MI – Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – Springport Motor Speedway ; Springport : MI – Super Late Models
Sat : May 19th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Bud Night Wissota Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Bud Night Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Bud Night Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : May 19th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Bud Night Wissota Super Stocks
Sat : May 19th – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Super Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – NeSmith Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Street Stocks
Sat : May 19th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Lebanon Schools Night ASA Late Models
Sat : May 19th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Lebanon Schools Night Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Lebanon Schools Night Sportsman
Sat : May 19th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Lebanon Schools Night Road Warriors
Sat : May 19th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Lebanon Schools Night Chargers
Sat : May 19th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – Factory Stocks
Sat : May 19th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – A-Mods
Sat : May 19th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – B-Mods
Sat : May 19th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – United Late Model Association Late Models
Sat : May 19th – White Mountain Motorsports Park ; North Woodstock : NH – PASS North Super Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – Sportsman
Sat : May 19th – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – Street Stocks
Sat : May 19th – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – TQ Midgets
Sat : May 19th – Red River Valley Speedway ; West Fargo : ND – NLRA Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Red River Valley Speedway ; West Fargo : ND – Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – Red River Valley Speedway ; West Fargo : ND – Super Stocks
Sat : May 19th – Southwest Speedway ; Dickinson : ND – Armed Forces Night IMCA Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – Southwest Speedway ; Dickinson : ND – Armed Forces Night Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : May 19th – Sandusky Speedway ; Sandusky : OH – Main Event Super Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Wissota Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Street Stocks
Sat : May 19th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – ARDC Midgets
Sat : May 19th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Xcel 600 CCs
Sat : May 19th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 410 Sprints
Sat : May 19th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 358 Sprints
Sat : May 19th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – Thundercars
Sat : May 19th – Router 66 Motor Speedway ; Amarillo : TX – USMTS National Championship Series Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Limited Sportsman x2
Sat : May 19th – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Street Stock
Sat : May 19th – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – Sportsman
Sat : May 19th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Late Models
Sat : May 19th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Midwest Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – UMSS Traditional Sprint Cars
Sat : May 19th – State Park Speedway ; Wasau : WI – ASA Midwest Tour State Park 150
Sat : May 19th – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : May 19th – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Wissota Street Stocks
Sun : May 20th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford : ME – ACT 150
Sun : May 20th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford : ME – Late Models
Sun : May 20th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford : ME – Strictly Stock
Sun : May 20th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford : ME – Outlaws
Sun : May 20th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford : ME – Rebels
Sun : May 20th – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – World of Outlaws
Sun : May 20th – Thunder Mountain Speedway ; Bottineau : ND – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sun : May 20th – Thunder Mountain Speedway ; Bottineau : ND – Sport Stocks
Sun : May 20th – Scotia Speedworld ; Halifax : Nova Scotia – Parts for Trucks Pro Stocks
Sun : May 20th – Toledo Speedway ; Toledo : OH – ARCA Racing Series
Sun : May 20th – Mosport International Raceway ; Bowmanville, Ontario – NASCAR Canadian Tire Series
Sun : May 20th – Sunset Speedway ; Innisfil : Ontario – OSCAAR Super Late Models
Sun : May 20th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – 4c Super Modifieds
Sun : May 20th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Modifieds
Sun : May 20th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Street Stocks
Tue : May 22nd – Marshalltown Speedway ; Marshalltown : IA – Deery Brothers Summer Series IMCA Late Models
Wed : May 23rd – I-35 Speedway ; Mason City : IA – USMTS Casey's Cup Qualifier Modifieds
Wed : May 23rd – Valley Speedway ; Grain Valley : MO – Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Wed : May 23rd – Millbridge Speedway ; Salisbury : NC – NASCAR/World of Outlaws Night Mini Outlaws
Thu : May 24th – Thompson International Speedway ; Thompson : CT – MRS Modifieds
Thu : May 24th – Terre Haute Action Track ; Terre Haute : IN – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Thu : May 24th – Highway 3 Raceway ; Allison : IA – USMTS Casey's Cup Qualifier Modifieds
Thu : May 24th – I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE – Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
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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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Fantasy Friday: Sprint All-Star Race
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.
As professional all-star sporting events go, they often brag about putting their best athletes on the court, or field, or ice, together in one game, but rarely do we get to see their real talent put on display. The NBA and NHL games are similar. While those players' contracts are guaranteed, it does give fans a chance to see what happens if they didn't really try to play defense in those respective sports. But again, who wins or loses, doesn't really matter.
Baseball's game has the most relevance of these four sports. In order to add some juice to it, the league that wins the game gets home field advantage in the World Series. It's a silly plan (why doesn't the team with the best record get the home field advantage?) but whatever it takes to make their all-star game relevant. Even with stakes like that, let's not fool ourselves. The days of Pete Rose bowling over Ray Fosse in the all-star game are long gone. Just by the nature of the game, the baseball players can play with more effort than the guys in other sports. But still there is that risk and generally speaking, baseball players have more of a business sense of the game than players in other sports. They know their careers can last long, so if it means running into the wall to make a big catch in the all-star game, that's probably not going to happen. Again, too low of a reward for the risk involved.
And that risk is just what makes NASCAR's All-Star event the best. There are times during NASCAR's points races that some drivers will play it safe in order to have a solid top-10 finish. There's too much at risk for them to take a chance and not make the Chase for the Championship, or if it's small budget team, to wreck their car beyond repair. But Saturday's Sprint Showdown and Sprint All-Star races are all about taking risks. It's a non-points event, so playing it safe means nothing. The only goal is to win and really that's it. There will be four 20-lap segments to the race, with the four winners starting in positions 1-4 for the 10-lap finale that will be worth a million dollars to the winner. Not too shabby.
The event also gets the fans involved. There are 20 drivers guaranteed spots in the race and three more will make it with the top two finishers in the Sprint Showdown and a fan-voted driver joining the field. No matter who gets in, there will be an all-out battle to win in a race where second doesn't matter.
OK, even though this is not a points race, and I won't count these selections in my overall results for the season, you can't help but try and pick a winner here. With a smaller field, we'll go with three selections this week instead of the usual five.
1) Jimmie Johnson - Anytime he's driving a car at Charlotte Motor Speedway, he has to be a pick to win. After all, he does have six victories and 14 top-10 finishes in 21 points races at the mile-and-a-half oval.
2) Kyle Busch - He likes taking risks, so this seems like the perfect race for him. However, he has yet to score a Cup Series win at Charlotte.
3) Brad Keselowski - He's another youngster who's not afraid to go for it all each and every week, so why should the All-Star race be any different?
ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP
Here's a look at how last week's picks fared at Darlington.
Greg Biffle: 12th. He contended for the win for a while, but faded after the track cooled off.
Jimmie Johnson: 1st. Well, it was going to happen sometime. He had been running too good for too many races.
Denny Hamlin: 2nd. He contended for the win late and added to his other strong showings at Darlington.
Tony Stewart: 3rd. He never led a lap but performed well on a track that has been a nemesis to him.
Kasey Kahne: 8th. Continued what has been a consistent stretch and has been eighth or better in five straight races.
Season Stats
55 Predictions
5 Wins
19 top 5s
23 top 10s
Jeff Wolfe is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at jeff.wolfe@frontstretch.com.
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Frontstretch Folio: Sprint All-Star Race
by Nick Schwartz
The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series takes a break from regular points racing for the Sprint All-Star Race in Charlotte, North Carolina this weekend. Saturday's race will be broadcast live Saturday, May 19th, at 7:00 PM ET on SPEED and 6:00 PM ET on MRN Radio. The All-Star race will be run under a new format this year, with 90 total laps split over five segments. There will be four twenty-lap segments and one final 10-lap segment, where only green flag laps will count before the checkered flag flies.
Records and Facts
Carl Edwards is the defending champion of the Sprint All-Star race, beating out Kyle Busch, David Reutimann, Tony Stewart and Greg Biffle, who rounded out the top five. David Ragan is the defending winner of the Sprint Showdown--the race in which the top two finishers are granted entry to the All-Star Race--but Ragan will be automatically locked into the All-Star field this year after his July, 2011 win at Daytona.
In the 26 Sprint All-Star Races run in NASCAR history, there have been 19 different winners. Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon each won three times at Charlotte, with Davey Allison, Terry Labonte, Mark Martin, and Jimmie Johnson each with two victories. No driver has ever won two consecutive All-Star Races, so if Carl Edwards is victorious Saturday, he would become the first driver to accomplish the feat.
Track Facts
Track/Race Length: 1.5-mile quad oval, 90 laps divided into five segments
Pit Road Speed: 45 mph
Degree of Banking: 24 degrees
Frontstretch: 1,952.8 ft., banked 5 degrees
Backstretch: 1,360 ft., banked 5 degrees
Grandstand Seating: 171,000
Pre-race Schedule
Happy Hour: Begins Friday, May 18th at 1:30 PM ET on SPEED
Qualifying: Begins Friday, May 18th at 6:00 PM ET on SPEED
Race Day Forecast
Saturday: Partly cloudy, 10% chance of rain
High: 78
Low: 54
They Said It
"We need the All-Star race right now. It's a race where we can just go, let it all hang out, have some fun and not worry about any points. We're just going for the win in each segment and hopefully get to victory lane like we did last year. That was a blast and one of the neatest nights of my career, so I'm excited to just go out there and have some fun." -Carl Edwards
"Charlotte (Motor Speedway) is just one of those places that you have to have everything going well. Especially the All-Star event it seems like everybody brings their latest and greatest stuff to see if it will make it through the inspection line and not blow up. That means you have to have your best stuff there and you have to put a night together with all the short segments this year and the bonuses for trying to win the segments you've got to try to make something happen. It's just a unique race." -Kevin Harvick
"It seems that teams are always willing to take more risks and try new things when it comes to the All-Star race simply because there aren't any points associated with this race. The All-Star race is just a lot of fun because there are a bunch of neat events that lead into the weekend including the Pit Crew Challenge and then having to qualify with a pit stop on Friday. Everyone is chasing the big check at the end of the race and I'm looking forward to having Fifth Third Bank on our car for this weekend for their first Cup race." -Matt Kenseth
Nick Schwartz is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at nick.schwartz@frontstretch.com.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
What Makes a Great Race is a Matter of Perspective for NASCAR Fans
by Amy Henderson
Four Burning Questions: Kurt's Temper, NASCAR'S Rulings, and All-Star Weekend
by Summer Dreyer
NASCAR Missing a Golden Marketing Opportunity
by Jeff Meyer
Landon Cassill Driver Diary: All Stars, Penalties, and Mom
as told to Summer Dreyer
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This Weekend on the Frontstretch:
Tracking the Trucks: North Carolina Education Lottery 250 by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth has all the post-race analysis you need following Friday night's Camping World Truck Series race from Charlotte.
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: In 1998, Rich Bickle finished tenth in The Winston. Since Bickle never won a Cup race (Note: Bickle's best career finish was fourth in the 1998 NAPA AutoCare 500 at Martinsville. His post-race interview that day can be seen "here":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRUbQRxp3Ts), he would not qualify for The Winston under today's rules. How did Bickle get into the race?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: The 1996 Winston will be best remembered for Michael Waltrip winning the whole shebang after qualifying for the "A-Main" by finishing fifth in the Winston Open. However, he needed a little help at the beginning of the third segment to take the lead. What happened?
A: Following a false start, Michael restarted in fourth behind Dale Earnhardt, Terry Labonte and Rusty Wallace. Waltrip dispatched of Wallace on the backstretch to take third and likely intended to settle in there for a little bit before pouncing on the lead duo. However, entering Turn 1 on the second lap of the final segment, Earnhardt got loose and went up the hill. Side-to-side contact was made between Earnhardt and Labonte, opening up the bottom for Waltrip to scoot through and take the lead. The incident can be seen at the 3:45 mark of this clip.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: Take the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
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Coming Monday in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Sprint All-Star 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: Sprint All-Star Race by Matt McLaughlin
Matt will be here with his overall thoughts about the action from Saturday evening's action from Charlotts.
Monday Morning Teardown by Ron Lemasters
Ron returns for a website look at one of the big stories from Saturday's race from Charlotte.
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 Charlotte.
Big Six: Bojangles' Southern 500 by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving Saturday's event at Charlotte? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing.
Pace Laps: Charlotte / Iowa 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 Charlotte and Iowa.
Nationwide Breakdown: Pioneer Hi-Bred 250 by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan has all of the post race analysis you need following Sunday afternoon's Nationwide Series race from Iowa Speedway.
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