The Frontstretch Newsletter: June 13th, 2012

THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
June 13th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CXIV

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Top News
by Brad Morgan

Busch's Job Secure

Kurt Busch dodged a major bullet Tuesday after a one-on-one meeting with his team owner James Finch.  The embattled driver will stay employed as the team's lone driver after his one-race suspension is lifted on June 13.  Busch was suspended for ten days after a post-race incident at Dover with Sporting News reporter Bob Pockrass which NASCAR deemed a violation of Busch's probation that stemmed from a pit road incident with Ryan Newman at Darlington.  Finch had voiced his displeasure with Busch's behavior after the latest incident.

"We have met with Kurt. At the end of the day, we are racers so we're going racing together with Kurt and the No. 51 Phoenix Racing Chevrolet," Finch said in an official statement. "We know adjustments have to be made but how we fix that is between Kurt and [me]. We're going to go to the track, work hard, race hard and work on trying to attract a sponsor and we're going to do that together."

In Busch's absence, veteran driver David Reutimann raced to a 21st-place finish at Pocono Raceway.  When Busch reclaims his ride for this weekend's Quicken Loans 400 at Michican, his main goal will be to keep the No. 51 on the track. Currently, Finch's car sits 26th in the Sprint Cup Series owner points standings.  Busch has been involved in a number of on-track incidents this year, and will be looking for consistency heading into the summer months.

Gordon Excited About Repaved Michigan

Three-time Sprint Cup champion Jeff Gordon is looking to get his season back on-track at Michigan International Speedway this Sunday.  After participating in an April tire test at the newly repaved track, Gordon says he couldn't be more excited.

"I am not a big fan of repaves, so the fact that I am talking positive about it -- and still enjoying the race track as much as I always have -- is a sign that I think they did a great job," said Gordon. "It's a very fast track but a very comfortable feeling pace. The cars drove well and they stuck to the race track."

The veteran currently ranks 22nd in driver points, but a few wins could turn his season around quickly enough to make the Chase via a wild card spot if he can also climb into the top 20 in points.  

"I am really looking forward to the race this weekend because we tested here and it went well, and because we've had strong performances recently," Gordon said.

"The track drives so similar to the way it did before and I believe it's going to have multiple grooves. We just need it to widen out a little bit, and that is only going to come with laps."

In 38 career starts, MIS has proven to be an excellent track for Gordon.  He has posted two wins, 18 top-5s, and 24 top-10s at the track over the course of his career.

Mixed Reactions after Bristol Tire Test

Several drivers participated in a tire test hosted by Goodyear on the newly ground-down surface of Bristol Motor Speedway.  Their opinions of the newly surfaced track seem to suggest that when NASCAR returns to the short track, the racing will be similar to the "old days".

The primary difference that fans will notice is the lack of the third groove which was present after Bristol was repaved using a progressive banking style.

"Well, you've definitely lost the top groove. Guys who run up there aren't going to be able to do that because it's pretty slick up there," defending Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart said.  "There's going to be less room to race, that's for sure. We've gone from a three-groove track to two grooves and any time you've got less room to get around it can get pretty interesting."

Fellow driver Clint Bowyer remembers the beating and banging that ensued due to the old configuration's two-groove setup and anticipates a return to that type of racing.

"The closer we have to race just means something's going to happen. Is it going to make fans happy? Well, narrowing up the track means less room to get around so there's no question there's going to be closer action," Bowyer said.

Fortunately, Goodyear's new tire compound should help prevent accidents despite the much anticipated return of physical side-by-side racing.

"Goodyear is looking to bring a tire with more grip. I really think they have found some stuff that is really promising," Jeff Burton said.  "As for the track itself, I really can't imagine running up there in that top groove. I think it is going to force everyone more to the middle and bottom of the track. The drivers aren't going to be happy, but the spectators probably will be because it is going to put more cars in a closer space."

 

Have news for Brad and 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 Thursday with a whole new set of Fan Questions and Answers!

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Today's Featured Commentary
Sometimes Sponsorship Relationships are Made for Each Other
Full Throttle
by Mike Neff

There have been a few sponsorships in the history of NASCAR that were ideal. Dale Earnhardt and Wrangler were a perfect match. The Intimidator had worn Wranglers for his entire life and exuded the tough-guy persona of the jeans company. Darrell Waltrip and Tide, on the other hand... not so much.  That's mainly because of Tide being detergent (and Waltrip's driving style wasn't always the cleanest). The saving grace there was the outlandishly bright paint scheme that came with the deal. Waltrip was always the showman and his having a fluorescent orange car standing out from the crowd was a perfect combination. One that never happened, unfortunately, was Buckshot Jones and Remington Arms. There was never a more perfect sponsor/driver pairing and it simply never came together, though both were in the sport at roughly the same time.

We're now faced with the possibility of Kurt Busch putting a new paint scheme on his car that is potentially another perfect match. Apparently, after Busch ran the famous Ricky Bobby paint scheme at Talladega, Jerry Springer reached out to Phoenix Racing about the possibility of sponsoring Busch's car. Ironically, the request occurred at Darlington, shortly before Busch was fined and placed on probation for his actions with Ryan Newman's pit crew. Apparently Springer saw the "Me" paint scheme at Talladega and appreciated the effort by Busch's camp. The sensationalistic nature of Busch's trials and tribulations of late would seem like a perfect fit for Springer's over-the-top style of broadcasting. 

In the modern world of sponsorship and with all of the talk of "activating" sponsorships, imagine what Springer coming into NASCAR could involve.  Busch and longtime rival Jimmie Johnson have a bumping and banging incident at Sonoma. After the race, Springer takes both drivers up onto the SPEED stage and they point fingers and call each other names. Midway through the interview, Chandra comes out and b****slaps Kurt for roughing up her man. Shortly thereafter, Busch's girlfriend Patricia comes out and a hair-pulling catfight between the two ladies erupts into a chair-knocking-over, microphone-breaking rumble. NASCAR is constantly looking for a new audience, so there is no doubt that the increased exposure would result in a large uptick in television ratings, especially at the end of broadcasts.

OK, so that's not going to happen.  But the bottom line is that teams are constantly searching for ways to get sponsors on the hoods of their cars. Reaching out to television programming is a very smart move by the folks at Phoenix. The television reach of Springer is massive and the demographic of his program is, suffice it to say, quite similar to the historic NASCAR fan base. Since quite a bit of that historic legion of NASCAR fans has deserted the sport, having Springer splattered across the hood of the No. 51 might be a small step towards bringing those lost fans back into the fold.

Busch's recent troubles have truly seemed to be overblown but have undoubtedly attracted a large amount of attention to him and his race team. Putting Springer on the hood would be a great benefit for the Phoenix Racing outfit, continuing the exposure for a one-race deal that could turn into a 36-race sponsorship from another company. It could also be a big step in the direction of drawing in a whole new genre of financial backers to the sport. We've seen movies on car hoods and video games, too; now we could be seeing the beginning of an influx of television and radio programs. The new Dallas series could jump on someone's hood for the races in Texas. Had the timing been better, the Hatfields and McCoys would have been a great fit for Kentucky, possibly for a pair of cars. Not that she needs the sponsorship, but Oprah Winfrey and her network could bring a whole new audience to follow Danica Patrick or Johanna Long. The potential for different partnerships is nearly limitless due to the dearth of television programs and different personalities in the garage. It all comes down to thinking outside of the box, or more appropriately, inside the television box.

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

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Tweet 'N' Greet
by Summer Bedgood

Editor's Note: With the NASCAR Twitter community expanding by leaps and bounds, it remains a place for instantaneous news, reactions, and a whole lot of inside jokes. We understand if you don't want to join the Twitter community - but as a fan, it's important to know the news and info you're missing out on! That's why, every week, Summer Bedgood will sort through the thousands of messages and give us a little taste of what's going on each Wednesday.

So, without further ado, here's a look at what those in NASCAR were thinking over the past seven days...

@AshleyStremme: Sometimes it takes losing everything to realize a situation. Then there are those who lose everything & still don't change #damnshame

@jim_utter: I bet Smoke would answer all questions about the Prelude, even "stupid ones." #justsayin

@jim_utter: A subtle reminder: The company which currently does PR for KuBu? Owned by Smoke. Shocking I know.

@TheMiniChad: EXCLUSIVE: @poconoraceway will be giving away these shirts to all NASCAR Drivers and Media. http://t.co/SaRxOPtC

@55MarkMartin: Getting ready for a new challenge at Pocono. New pavement. http://yfrog.com/es3eqwyhj http://t.co/aYOvbqYW

@KurtBusch: Looking forward to driving in the @PreludetoDream tonight. Good night for a great cause.

@nascarcasm: Just ordered @PreludetoDream. For those of us who can't be there, #DirecTV needs to offer special receiver that sprays dirt out the front.

@keselowski: u & ur facts... "@jim_utter: A subtle reminder: The company which currently does PR for KuBu? Owned by Smoke. Shocking I know."

@TheOrangeCone: Anyone else enjoy the irony of someone owning a PR firm saying they hate the media?

@SummerBedgood: Bowyer's line in the #Prelude reminds me of that NOS commercial where they knock top off the bottle sticking out of the wall.

@Kris_Buescher: I just made my first run here @TXmotorspeedway. I think @JamesBuescher will be buying a legends car for me soon!

@DNewtonESPN: Sad how Smoke & some fans try to turn media into the bad guys @jeff_gluck @bobpockrass. They have no clue. #nascar

@ClintBowyer: The tires just keep going faster with every outing. I wonder if we'll even take tires??? Everyone's fast lap is their last.

@2Spotter: Just heard the dreaded "we've lost the track" @poconoraceway ... Small rain shower. I would hate to quit early today... #NASCAR

@Ryan_Truex: On the set of NASCAR Race Hub http://t.co/4dcXRxaB

@ericmcclure: Wow. @EM14PR just brought me another stack of cards. Such a pleasant surprise. I remain humbled, thank you all.

@nateryan: Jeff Gordon on the Pocono repave: "They did a great job." Compliments track on everything from new pavement to soap dispensers. #nascar

@MikeDavis88: Parents, imagine learning that your kid is a pro MMA fighter by way of a publicity flier. It's all on tomorrow's #JRM360.

@KevinHamlin: The science that goes into dirt tires blow me away. They've been working in them for 3 hours.

@RCR31JeffBurton: Really nice job done on the Pocono pavement. Track still has the personality but with more grip.

@Samantha_Busch: Helicopter ride! This is my I'm real scared smile! http://t.co/H5fWXCkW

@ClintBowyer: Well, good news we're in Ohio... Bad news is @kaseykahne and I have no ride to track. http://t.co/fzj7HGbX

@55MarkMartin: @ClintBowyer Hey Clint, that white thing on the right side of the track is a WALL. You are not supposed to hit it. 

@nascarcasm: Idea for prank on Danica tonight: Tell her to just listen closely to her spotter. #PreludetotheDream

@MonteDutton: I used to scribble little observations on notepads. Now there's Twitter.

@keselowski: From an anonymous friend I bring u the Joke of the night- "If Tony really wanted to scare dw, he woulda let Danica drive!"

@SummerBedgood: If this race doesn't make spotters (and rear-view mirrors) more appreciated, nothing will. #PerfectNight

@jeff_gluck: When I first started covering #NASCAR, I hated the calmer, more laid-back atmosphere at Pocono. As I've gotten older, I welcome it more.

@TravisPastrana: Got a sandwich named after me at @txmotorspeedway http://t.co/RVLCgbG6

@SherryPollex: Hiking in the Poconos!!! It's beautiful! http://t.co/Fs3dgtj0

@SN_GarryD: With all these NASCAR drivers hating on Bob Pockrass, I've asked him to change his name to BPock Shakur.

@NelsonPiquet: My view of @TXMotorSpeedway from my hotel window...I'm ready ready to race!! 9 hours to go... #NASCAR http://t.co/ixqUwp8l

@jeff_gluck: What do drivers say to each other between media intvws? As Biffle leaves, he says "All you" to Truex. Says Truex: "Thanks, buddy." #NASCAR

@jeff_gluck: Martin Truex Jr. asked crew chief (whose wife is expecting baby boy): "Are you coming here at all?" His answer was "No." #NASCAR

@NASCARBowles: So happy @Kenny_Wallace does a diary 4 us! He does a gr8 job, and his latest has an awesome take on @KurtBusch #NASCAR

@MonteDutton: #NASCAR The same people who claim not to watch racing for the wrecks love nothing better than seeing a disintegrating groundhog on replay.

@surfwax83: You know what's awesome? Staying in the same key for the entire national anthem. #nascar #srsly

@Samantha_Busch: Watchin the truck race while experimenting w homemade face masks n lip scrubs! Oatmeal, bananas, frozen grapes, n yogurt aren't just 4 eatin!

@JenJoCobb: Ok. Perspective sets in... It could've blown in practice & God willing, we get to try again next race @kyspeedway

@Samantha_Busch: No joke truck race n my homemade mask ;) Now if I can get @KyleBusch to let me put one on him lol #NASCAR http://t.co/dVj2nZsP

@JoelEdmonds: Can't believe it's seven weeks until I come back to Pocono that's why I'm gonna try to cherish every moment this week LOVE

@Kris_Buescher: So @JamesBuescher and I have 5 friends here who have never been to or watched a #NASCAR race. They now say they are fans for life!

@JenJoCobb: Looking at the monitor and my fastest lap of the race was half second faster than prac. Prolly my most competitive start ever. Sigh. KY!!!

@TheOrangeCone: @jamesbuescher the reason @tydillon drove you up the track was he was busy crashing. Hope this helps. Sincerely, your friend The Orange Cone

@WendyVenturini: Watching truck race on @speed. Can hear @poconoraceway infield music. Some1 out there is doing the Dougie. Images of @dennyhamlin dancing...

@ClaireBLang: Here's what it looks like to b the first one in media center. #Pocono #NASCAR. #busybcastgday http://t.co/lLPePH3t

@joeylogano: A little practical joking going on this morning http://t.co/jpQSDiST

@ivandebosch: Ella having a blast in Belgium :) http://t.co/4N6lrVP7

@joeylogano: Pole!! I got a good view for the start of the race

@55MarkMartin: @joeylogano Awesome lap young man

@PPistone: Can't explain the pit road speeding issues and not sure about the #NASCAR Twitter deal but to me that was the best Pocono race in decades

@SamanthaBusch: Congrats to @joeylogano n the whole @JoeGibbsRacing 20 team. Proud of u boys! #Nascar

@JennaFryer: "I was going to be on suicide watch if I gave it away like that," said Joey in VL. #NASCAR

@MJ_mjohnson: Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! The 20 boys are back!

@maxpapis: So Happy for my young friend @joeylogano proud of your determination and the way u made it happen

@NASCARBowles: Martin on Logano: "I've always known, since he started to drive at 11 years old he could be Cup champion." #NASCAR

@jeff_gluck: Hey, FYI on Dale Jr TV interview: There was an unruly fan making a commotion nearby and Jr was distracted.

@nateryan: Backstory on Dale Earnhardt Jr. postrace TV interview: Am fairly certain I heard him told that it was being taped and wasn't live. #nascar

@nateryan: And when interview began, an unruly fan began berating one of Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s handlers 5 feet away, which broke Junior's focus.

@MartinTruexJr56: That sucked didn't even get to race. Now were stuck in the track in more traffic. Get me the hell outta here

@VitoPugliese: Will never be impressed by a bump and run win. Doesn't take much to plow into the back of a guy. # NASCAR

@DeLanaHarvick: Wonder where he learned that move RT @Scooter6945 wonder what @delanaharvick thinks of @joeylogano winning pocono #weallknowwhyimasking

@AJDinger: Never really thought the year could go this bad. Worst nightmare come true. I wont give up tho. Won't go down without a fight

@55MarkMartin: I'm so proud of my team for putting me in a position to challenge for that win. We were so close. Maybe next week.

@keselowski: Wow, what a long/weird day @poconoraceway Congrats to @joeylogano

@jim_utter: Three drivers (51, 93, 48) accounted for 8 of the 18 speeding penalties on Sunday. 51 and 93 both had 3 apiece #NASCAR

@maxpapis: Whomever tells me I'm too old for racing talk to @55MarkMartin at 53 Yold rocking and battling with 21 Yold @joeylogano

@dennyhamlin: Awesome job to my teammate @joeylogano. He drove a flawless race. That's big for that 20 team. Congrats!!!

@Ryan_Truex: There's some days when I love #nascar and some days when I hate it. I didn't love it today

@DavidStremme: Congrats to @joeylogano. Even tho I was pulling for @55MarkMartin. Always good to see new winners and @toyotaracing in Victory lane.

@Ryan_Truex: Great day for @JoeGibbsRacing and congrats to Joey, just annoyed that MTJ got taken out on lap 1

@SamanthaBusch: Good 2 c that @KyleBusch is in good spirits. He's rapping as we drive to the airport, I think @vanillaice is rubbing off on him! #NASCAR

@31n2Spotter: Great weather. Exciting race. Ready to go home. 5 days in pocono has come to an end.

@KevinHarvick: 5 days at 1 track = too many.. 0 =number of things that went right for us... 1/2 the field speeding in same zone=problem

@tireguyeighty8: Can't predict length of cautions. DON'T RUN ME OUT OF FUEL, per DEJ. Hindsight is 20/20. Easy call, when not on the box, after the fact.

@31n2Spotter: If you aren't speeding in the first 9 segments please explain how everyone was speeding in the 10th? I'm failing to understand.

@MikeDavis88: Let's see, I've been called a tool & essentially my newborn is screwed to have me as a Dad. Ha! This by #DaleJr fans mad about pit call.

@NASCARBowles: The great thing about Pocono is, like Dover, I finish writing from home. Gives me time 2 process..happy there's plenty 2 talk about this wk!

@joeylogano: It feels amazing to win thanks to everyone at @JoeGibbsRacing and @HomeDepotRacing @DollarGeneral and @Toyota http://t.co/1vQ8Q3cu

@joeylogano: So this still feels like a dream especially because Vanilla Ice was in victory lane with us haha

@SummerBedgood: My opinion on the Logano move? Good for him. He did what he needed to do without wrecking anyone. #NASCAR

@2Spotter: What's cool about winning for a 2nd time, its the only time you can DOUBLE ur win total with 1 win. Nice job 20 car and crew.

@TRDTurner: Made it all the way back home to Ohio tonight! Pumped up from Win today! #Roadtrip #GetSomeShutEye

@SteveLetarte: Got on my Tahoe this AM and this is what it said! REALLY?? Still cranky here! http://t.co/PV39OlG6

@AllWaltrip: How bout that Joey Logano kid, I think we are seeing a totally different guy this year than we've seen in the past, aggressive and determined

@jeff_gluck: TSA lady just told us airport is shut down due to a security breach! Not sure whether it's legit or issue with scoring loops.

@TheMiniChad: #HappenedSinceJrWon - Joey Logano won two Cup races.

@KimBurton31: Oh boy! First spin! But no damage to the car or to mama. Lol. Whew. http://t.co/CdXE1ncI

@AJDinger: To everyone that has asked. I'm doing fine. Little sore but nothing I cant handle.

@nascarcasm: Just got pulled over for speeding. Like yesterday, told cop there's no way, and that his radar gun was malfunctioning. Anyways, send bail $.

@nateryan: Perusing NYC tabloids during a long flight delay. Hey, Smoke: I don't think @bobpockrass would be as good a fit at the NY Post as you think.

@jim_utter: Passed four multi-car accidents on same road. Clearly the scoring loops were malfunctioning ... Smh

@landoncassill: Maybe this is the luck that I need? http://t.co/NLULnw4c

@ericmcclure: Unfortunately, I didn't get cleared for Mich. But confident I will be back very soon. Disappointed, but trusting in God's plan.

@ericmcclure: Truthfully, I'm blessed to still be here and even have the chance to race again, so not the end of the world. :)

@nateryan: Both J.D. and Joe Gibbs missed Joey Logano's win at Pocono. J.D. on family vacation; Coach Joe at an Interstate Batteries function. #nascar

@nateryan: JGR president J.D. Gibbs said he misses only about three Cup races a season. J.D. said Joey Logano joked today, "Don't come back!" #nascar

@keselowski: I like to think of twitter as a conversation, not a request hotline or advertising tool. The best feeds don't require sorting thru gimmicks.

@JimmieJohnson: That day when your child learns your name... We just had it. Hilarious but a reminder they grow up way too fast!

Summer Bedgood is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via email at summer.bedgood@frontstretch.com.

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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:

Did You Notice? ... Finch's Fickle Behavior, Speed Terrors And "Chasing" Your Dream
by Tom Bowles

Mirror Driving: A Winless Champion?, Finch's Decision, And Your Next First-Time Winner
by the Frontstretch Staff

Who's Hot / Who's Not In NASCAR: Pocono-Michigan Edition
by Brett Poirier

Pack Perfection: IndyCar Officials Make the Right Call in the Interest of Safety
by Matt Stallknecht

NASCAR Sprint Cup Power Rankings: Top 15 After Pocono
compiled by Summer Bedgood

Beyond the Cockpit: The McReynolds Family's Newest NASCAR Success Story
by the Frontstretch Staff

Top Ten Reasons for the 22 Speeding Penalties at Pocono
by the Frontstretch Staff 

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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:

Q: The 1982 Gabriel 400 at Michigan was supposed to be televised live on CBS.  However, they bailed early on due to rain and didn't return.  NASCAR did get the race in and Cale Yarborough made it to Victory Lane in his Valvoline Buick.  However, how late was it when he got there?

Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
 
Tuesday's Answer:

Q: This weekend's Quicken Loans 400 at Michigan International Speedway will be run on brand-new pavement, which replaced blacktop that had been used for 17 seasons starting in 1995.  How long did the pavement at Michigan prior to the last repavement last?

A:  That pavement was laid down for 1986.  So, it lasted nine years... barely.  The track had already had to seal cracks in the surface by 1992 (in the same matter that the local DOT seals cracks in regular roads).  1994 saw significant problems during the June race weekend.  The track had patched an 800-foot section of track in Turn 3, but apparently did it a little too close to the race weekend.  It started coming up during the ARCA race despite a copious amount of rosin being laid down to help cure the surface.  At the 1:45 mark of this clip, David Hobbs talks a bit about the situation.  Ultimately, the patch worked out fine for CART's Marlboro 500 in July and the Cup/Busch weekend in August, but there were still issues during the Miller Genuine Draft 400 (referred to as the "Michigan 400" due to CBS's advertising deal with Anheuser-Busch) on this day.

Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee:  If we mess up, you get 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 tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- What's Vexing Vito by Vito Pugliese
-- Critic's Annex by Phil Allaway
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, the Line of the Week and more!

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Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:

MPM2Nite by Matt McLaughlin
Matt McLaughlin checks in this week with a special Father's Day piece that'll make you smile.

Potts' Shots by John Potts
Fanning the Flames has become Potts' Shots, and John Potts is here to answer your questions in our weekly Fan Q & A. Do you have something you'd like to ask John? Don't sit on the sidelines! Send it to john.potts@frontstretch.com and you just may see your question in print next week!

Professor Of Speed by Mark Howell
Our professor of racing history "has at it" with another column pertinent to the sport at large. This week, now that the Kurt Busch issue is in our rear-view mirror Mark looks at how the fundamental differences between drivers and media contributed to "Dovergate."

Dollars and Sense by Jesse Medford
The newest addition to the Frontstretch family will take a look at the business side of NASCAR.

Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth is back this year on a new night, but it's the same great commentary you've come to enjoy on NASCAR's Truck Series! 

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