THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
June 15th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CXVI
~~~~~~~~~~
Top News
by Jeff Wolfe
Several Top 200 mph in Michigan Testing
It wasn't a matter of if, just a matter of when during NASCAR Sprint Cup testing at Michigan International Speedway Thursday. The repaved two-mile track was fast as expected with nine drivers exceeding the 200 mph mark over the two sessions held Thursday. Additionally, 39 drivers in the morning session and all 42 in the afternoon had surpassed the track record of 194.232 mph set by Ryan Newman in June, 2005.
Mark Martin led the morning session with a top speed of 201.089 and was one of only four drivers to eclipse the 200 mph mark. Kevin Harvick, Martin Truex, Jr. and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. were the other three to top 200. However, the afternoon brought with it more speed. Tony Stewart led the afternoon session with a 201.896 mph lap. He, Greg Biffle (201.557 mph) and Kurt Busch (201.173 mph) were the only three to top the 201 mark in the afternoon, though seven drivers eclipsed 200. Harvick and Earnhardt, Jr., who topped 200 in the morning session, were among the top 7 in he afternoon along with Paul Menard and Clint Bowyer.
"Man, this place is really, really fast," said Biffle, the only Ford driver to top 200 mph on the day, after the morning session. "I never would have thought we would be running 35.80 (seconds). Every lap is like a qualifying lap and you are holding your breath. You make about three (laps) and come in and think about it for a while."
"The one thing that I have liked and seen so far is that the track is pretty wide," Biffle continued. "The groove is all the way up in the middle of the second groove and that is certainly going to help racing around here at those speeds because it gives some options."
One question that may be more on the driver's minds than the fans' is whether the 200-mph plus speeds are too fast for the Sprint Cup cars at Michigan.
"I think we are approaching some safety concerns at the speeds we are going," Biffle said. "I don't know that we are quite there yet though. The thing you worry about is if a piece breaks on the car, an engine breaks at an inopportune time coming off the corner or getting in the corner."
"We're just a little bit faster than we were 15 years ago at Atlanta," Pemberton said. "Time will take care of all of it. We're not concerned right now. We're confident in it."
NASCAR's Vice President of Competition, Robin Pemberton wasn't all that worried about the speeds, and at this time, there are no plans to put restrictor plates on the cars, something drivers and fans alike speculated might happen in the days leading up to Sunday's Quicken Loans 400.
"We're just a little bit faster than we were 15 years ago at Atlanta," Pemberton said. "Time will take care of all of it. We're not concerned right now. We're confident in it."
For full practice speeds, click here for the morning session and here for the afternoon session.
Biffle's Car to Wear the Red, White and Blue at Michigan
As part of the "NASCAR Unites - An American Salute" program, Greg Biffle's No. 16 car will be wearing some different colors this weekend. Biffle's Roush-Fenway Ford will be adorned in red, white and blue for the Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway. The NASCAR initiative to show support for American military members and their families started at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May and will continue through the Fourth of July weekend at Daytona.
""We are always proud to show our support for the men and women of our military and I am honored to drive the red, white and blue 3M Ford this weekend in Michigan," said Biffle. "The NASCAR Unites program this summer is a great reminder to all of us to thank the members of the armed forces whether it's in person, with a post card or through a donation. I hope everyone checks out the website and looks for our special paint scheme this weekend."
Biffle sits third in the points standings heading into Michigan. He had been the points leader much of the season but fell to third after a 24th-place run at Pocono last week because of engine issues. For more information about the NASCAR Unites program go to nascar.com/unites.
24 Hours of LeMans Qualifying: Audi Retains Overall Pole, Toyota Makes Strides; ADR-Delta takes LMP2 while Luxury Racing Takes GTE-Pro Pole
by Phil Allaway
After three rounds of qualifying in the dark (two of which occurred on Thursday), the No. 1 Audi R18 e-tron Quattro driven by Andre Lotterer, Marcel Fässler and Benoit Treluyer retained the pole position for the race, while improving their time from Wednesday. The pole time was 3:23.787 (149.609 mph). The time is slightly less than three-tenths of a second faster than the No. 3 Audi R18 Ultra shared by Loic Duval, Marc Gene and Romain Dumas. The No. 8 Toyota TS030 Hybrid shared by Stephane Sarrazin and former Formula One drivers Anthony Davision and Sebastien Buemi was third quickest. The Toyota factory team should be proud that their accelerated development resulted in a car just a second off the fastest Audi.
The best of the regular, petroleum-powered LMP1 prototypes was the No. 21 Strakka Racing HPD ARX-03a Honda, shared by Nick Leventis, Danny Watts and Jonny Kane. Their lap of 3:29.622, albeit 5.8 seconds off the pole, was good enough for seventh fastest. Unfortunately, the sessions were not without a big incident as Seiji Ara spun the No. 17 Dome S102.5 for Henri Pescarolo into the barriers in the Porsche Curves. Ara was ok, but the car was thrashed. Its unclear whether the car can be repaired prior to Saturday afternoon's start.
In LMP2, it was the No. 25 ADR-Delta ORECA 03-Nissan that took the top spot. The trio of John Martin, Jan Charouz and Tor Graves turned in a best lap of 3:38.181 (139.739 mph), good enough for 14th overall. Their time was four-tenths of a second faster than the No. 24 Morgan-Judd for Oak Racing driven by Olivier Pla, Matthieu Lahaye and Jacques Nicolet. The No. 26 ORECA 03-Nissan for Signatech Nissan was third fastest.
In GTE-Pro, Luxury Racing's No. 59 Ferrari 458 Italia shared by Dominik Farnbacher, Jamie Melo and Frederic Makowiecki won the class pole with a time of 3:55.393 (129.521 mph). This lap was nearly a half second faster than the No. 97 Aston Martin Vantage driven by the trio of Adrian Fernandez, Darren Turner and Stefan Mucke (Editor's Note: there is an umlaut over the "U" in Mucke). The No. 74 factory Chevrolet Corvette was third.
In GTE-Am, the No. 79 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR for Flying Lizard Motrosports stood on their time on Wednesday and retained the class pole. The No. 75 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR for Prospeed Motorsports retained second in class, but suffered a crash in the Porsche Curves during the final qualifying session. The No. 99 Aston Martin Vantage was third.
Finally, the unclassified Delta Wing powered by a 1.8 liter four-cylinder Nissan engine chose to stand on their time from Wednesday. That 3:42.612 is good enough for the 29th starting spot.
Have news for The Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com with a promising lead or tip.
~~~~~~~~~~
Got NASCAR-related questions or comments?
Send them John Potts' way at john.potts@frontstretch.com; and if you're lucky, you'll get your name in print when he does his weekly column answering back to you – the fans that keep Frontstretch afloat. Potts' Shots will run on Thursdays with a whole new set of Fan Questions and Answers!
~~~~~~~~~~
In Case You Missed It
by Nick Schwartz
Ford's Latest Edition of the F-150 to Serve as Pace Truck this Sunday
This weekend at Michigan International Raceway--the closest NASCAR venue to Ford headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan--Ford Motor Company will unveil the 2013 edition of the F-150, the best-selling truck lineup in the country. The 2013 F-150 will serve as the pace truck, and it will be the first time the model has been revealed to the public. Ford President of the Americas Mark Fields will be the pace truck driver.
"Like our hardworking customers, Ford is committed to continuous improvement and getting the job done right with our industry-leading trucks," Fields said. "So many of our truck customers are race fans that it makes perfect sense to show our new 2013 F-150 FX4 model for the first time at the track."
Robby Gordon Tests at Sonoma, Will Try to Qualify Next Week
Road course ace Robby Gordon hasn't attempted to qualify for many races this year—the last being at Auto Club Speedway in his native California early in the season—but that will change next week when the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads west to Sonoma for the Toyota/Save Mart 350. Gordon tested at the track Thursday in the No. 7 Dodge, and expects to be in the field to try and win his second race at the track. Gordon took the checkered flag in the 2003 Sprint Cup Series event.
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
June 15th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CXVI
~~~~~~~~~~
Top News
by Jeff Wolfe
Several Top 200 mph in Michigan Testing
It wasn't a matter of if, just a matter of when during NASCAR Sprint Cup testing at Michigan International Speedway Thursday. The repaved two-mile track was fast as expected with nine drivers exceeding the 200 mph mark over the two sessions held Thursday. Additionally, 39 drivers in the morning session and all 42 in the afternoon had surpassed the track record of 194.232 mph set by Ryan Newman in June, 2005.
Mark Martin led the morning session with a top speed of 201.089 and was one of only four drivers to eclipse the 200 mph mark. Kevin Harvick, Martin Truex, Jr. and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. were the other three to top 200. However, the afternoon brought with it more speed. Tony Stewart led the afternoon session with a 201.896 mph lap. He, Greg Biffle (201.557 mph) and Kurt Busch (201.173 mph) were the only three to top the 201 mark in the afternoon, though seven drivers eclipsed 200. Harvick and Earnhardt, Jr., who topped 200 in the morning session, were among the top 7 in he afternoon along with Paul Menard and Clint Bowyer.
"Man, this place is really, really fast," said Biffle, the only Ford driver to top 200 mph on the day, after the morning session. "I never would have thought we would be running 35.80 (seconds). Every lap is like a qualifying lap and you are holding your breath. You make about three (laps) and come in and think about it for a while."
"The one thing that I have liked and seen so far is that the track is pretty wide," Biffle continued. "The groove is all the way up in the middle of the second groove and that is certainly going to help racing around here at those speeds because it gives some options."
One question that may be more on the driver's minds than the fans' is whether the 200-mph plus speeds are too fast for the Sprint Cup cars at Michigan.
"I think we are approaching some safety concerns at the speeds we are going," Biffle said. "I don't know that we are quite there yet though. The thing you worry about is if a piece breaks on the car, an engine breaks at an inopportune time coming off the corner or getting in the corner."
"We're just a little bit faster than we were 15 years ago at Atlanta," Pemberton said. "Time will take care of all of it. We're not concerned right now. We're confident in it."
NASCAR's Vice President of Competition, Robin Pemberton wasn't all that worried about the speeds, and at this time, there are no plans to put restrictor plates on the cars, something drivers and fans alike speculated might happen in the days leading up to Sunday's Quicken Loans 400.
"We're just a little bit faster than we were 15 years ago at Atlanta," Pemberton said. "Time will take care of all of it. We're not concerned right now. We're confident in it."
For full practice speeds, click here for the morning session and here for the afternoon session.
Biffle's Car to Wear the Red, White and Blue at Michigan
As part of the "NASCAR Unites - An American Salute" program, Greg Biffle's No. 16 car will be wearing some different colors this weekend. Biffle's Roush-Fenway Ford will be adorned in red, white and blue for the Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway. The NASCAR initiative to show support for American military members and their families started at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May and will continue through the Fourth of July weekend at Daytona.
""We are always proud to show our support for the men and women of our military and I am honored to drive the red, white and blue 3M Ford this weekend in Michigan," said Biffle. "The NASCAR Unites program this summer is a great reminder to all of us to thank the members of the armed forces whether it's in person, with a post card or through a donation. I hope everyone checks out the website and looks for our special paint scheme this weekend."
Biffle sits third in the points standings heading into Michigan. He had been the points leader much of the season but fell to third after a 24th-place run at Pocono last week because of engine issues. For more information about the NASCAR Unites program go to nascar.com/unites.
24 Hours of LeMans Qualifying: Audi Retains Overall Pole, Toyota Makes Strides; ADR-Delta takes LMP2 while Luxury Racing Takes GTE-Pro Pole
by Phil Allaway
After three rounds of qualifying in the dark (two of which occurred on Thursday), the No. 1 Audi R18 e-tron Quattro driven by Andre Lotterer, Marcel Fässler and Benoit Treluyer retained the pole position for the race, while improving their time from Wednesday. The pole time was 3:23.787 (149.609 mph). The time is slightly less than three-tenths of a second faster than the No. 3 Audi R18 Ultra shared by Loic Duval, Marc Gene and Romain Dumas. The No. 8 Toyota TS030 Hybrid shared by Stephane Sarrazin and former Formula One drivers Anthony Davision and Sebastien Buemi was third quickest. The Toyota factory team should be proud that their accelerated development resulted in a car just a second off the fastest Audi.
The best of the regular, petroleum-powered LMP1 prototypes was the No. 21 Strakka Racing HPD ARX-03a Honda, shared by Nick Leventis, Danny Watts and Jonny Kane. Their lap of 3:29.622, albeit 5.8 seconds off the pole, was good enough for seventh fastest. Unfortunately, the sessions were not without a big incident as Seiji Ara spun the No. 17 Dome S102.5 for Henri Pescarolo into the barriers in the Porsche Curves. Ara was ok, but the car was thrashed. Its unclear whether the car can be repaired prior to Saturday afternoon's start.
In LMP2, it was the No. 25 ADR-Delta ORECA 03-Nissan that took the top spot. The trio of John Martin, Jan Charouz and Tor Graves turned in a best lap of 3:38.181 (139.739 mph), good enough for 14th overall. Their time was four-tenths of a second faster than the No. 24 Morgan-Judd for Oak Racing driven by Olivier Pla, Matthieu Lahaye and Jacques Nicolet. The No. 26 ORECA 03-Nissan for Signatech Nissan was third fastest.
In GTE-Pro, Luxury Racing's No. 59 Ferrari 458 Italia shared by Dominik Farnbacher, Jamie Melo and Frederic Makowiecki won the class pole with a time of 3:55.393 (129.521 mph). This lap was nearly a half second faster than the No. 97 Aston Martin Vantage driven by the trio of Adrian Fernandez, Darren Turner and Stefan Mucke (Editor's Note: there is an umlaut over the "U" in Mucke). The No. 74 factory Chevrolet Corvette was third.
In GTE-Am, the No. 79 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR for Flying Lizard Motrosports stood on their time on Wednesday and retained the class pole. The No. 75 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR for Prospeed Motorsports retained second in class, but suffered a crash in the Porsche Curves during the final qualifying session. The No. 99 Aston Martin Vantage was third.
Finally, the unclassified Delta Wing powered by a 1.8 liter four-cylinder Nissan engine chose to stand on their time from Wednesday. That 3:42.612 is good enough for the 29th starting spot.
Have news for The Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com with a promising lead or tip.
~~~~~~~~~~
Got NASCAR-related questions or comments?
Send them John Potts' way at john.potts@frontstretch.com; and if you're lucky, you'll get your name in print when he does his weekly column answering back to you – the fans that keep Frontstretch afloat. Potts' Shots will run on Thursdays with a whole new set of Fan Questions and Answers!
~~~~~~~~~~
In Case You Missed It
by Nick Schwartz
Ford's Latest Edition of the F-150 to Serve as Pace Truck this Sunday
This weekend at Michigan International Raceway--the closest NASCAR venue to Ford headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan--Ford Motor Company will unveil the 2013 edition of the F-150, the best-selling truck lineup in the country. The 2013 F-150 will serve as the pace truck, and it will be the first time the model has been revealed to the public. Ford President of the Americas Mark Fields will be the pace truck driver.
"Like our hardworking customers, Ford is committed to continuous improvement and getting the job done right with our industry-leading trucks," Fields said. "So many of our truck customers are race fans that it makes perfect sense to show our new 2013 F-150 FX4 model for the first time at the track."
Robby Gordon Tests at Sonoma, Will Try to Qualify Next Week
Road course ace Robby Gordon hasn't attempted to qualify for many races this year—the last being at Auto Club Speedway in his native California early in the season—but that will change next week when the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads west to Sonoma for the Toyota/Save Mart 350. Gordon tested at the track Thursday in the No. 7 Dodge, and expects to be in the field to try and win his second race at the track. Gordon took the checkered flag in the 2003 Sprint Cup Series event.
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Keepin' It Short: Springport Speedway Thinking Big
by Mike Neff
Ken Schrader is famous for racing somewhere around 100 days a year most every year. The vast majority of those races are on dirt but every now and then he jumps on an asphalt track for some short track fun. This weekend will be one of those events when Springport Speedway puts on the biggest race in the history of the track. The Central Michigan Ford-Kenworth 125 will bring in some talented race car drivers from all over the Midwest and the country for that matter. The event is an ARCA / CRA Super Series race and is the first time that series has stopped at Springport.
Springport is a 3/8th-mile, high banked speedway that hosts a weekly show including Outlaw Super Late Models, Modifieds, Wingless Sprints and ABC Stock Cars. The ABC cars will join the CRA Supers for the show this coming weekend. Springport's ABC division features Limited Late Models, Sportsman, Pro Stock, Street Stock and Factory Stock cars grouped together by qualifying time. The cars end up in tight bunches that feature a group that can all run with each other, resulting in some fantastically competitive racing.
The price of admission for Saturday night is $15 for adults. In addition to the action on the track, Springport also features an entertainment area for the younger fans called the Beacon Sales Fun Zone. For $5, kids under 12 receive admission to the area which includes a 30-foot tall inflatable slide, a 60-foot long obstacle course, an inflated rock wall and an inflatable castle "moon jump". Kids must have a signed liability release and waiver in order to partake in the fun zone. Springport's web site also says they're busting out the Kids Bus this weekend for those who purchase a token at the souvenir stand.
In addition to Schrader making his first trip to Springport this weekend, Ross Kenseth is also scheduled to make an appearance. Local stars who will be taking on the NASCAR drivers include Johnny VanDoorn, Erik Jones and Chad Finley. Some of NASCAR's up and coming stars will also be in attendance, including Kenzie Ruston, Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney. As always, drivers scheduled to attend may not make it to the track.
"Who doesn't like Ken Schrader?", asked Springport promoter Jeff Parish. "The guy is a class act, a genuine racer who puts it all on the line every night. It doesn't matter to him whether it's the Daytona 500, a weekly dirt show in Missouri or taking on the very best Super Late Model races of the Midwest, Kenny is going to bring it."
Springport opened in 1989 as Michigan Ideal Speedway. The plans called for a 3/8th-mile track that replicated the two-mile Michigan International Speedway on a much smaller scale, with a capacity of 5,300 fans. In 1991, it actually ran on Sunday nights. The track has competed under five different names, and sat idle for three years, but it survives to this day and the people who open the gates every week are passionate about bringing racing to the central Michigan area. If you're in the area for the Cup race this weekend, it is worth taking the 45 minute drive to Springport to check out the Central Michigan Ford-Kenworth 125.
Whelen Points Update
The Whelen All American series continues to roll on toward the midway point of the season. Anthony Anders continues to lead the point standings, and even racked up his second win of the season. Unfortunately for Anders, his lack of wins is going to catch up to him. Drivers on his heels have more wins with similar average point totals per race and they will eventually swallow him up, unless he's able to rip off a bunch of wins in the second half. Duane Howard, who is currently ninth in the standings, has the best average points per race among the top 10. When he gets to the 18-race maximum, if he can continue this pace, he'll be at the top of the standings.
Whelen All-American Series National Points Standings
Place Name Races Wins Top 5s Top 10s Total Points
1. Anthony Anders 27 2 16 25 532
2. CE Falk 15 8 12 14 486
3. Deac McCaskill 14 10 13 14 464
4. Nate Monteith 16 4 11 13 458
5. Matt Bowling 16 1 12 14 445
6. Ryan Preece 16 5 9 13 439
7. Ted Christopher 16 2 11 12 380
8. Keith Rocco 15 5 8 9 371
9. Duane Howard 9 5 8 9 357
10. Joe Aramendia 13 10 13 13 356
Under the points structure for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, the
race winner receives two points for every car in the event up to 20. Second
place receives two fewer points, and so-on through the field. Race winners
receive an additional five bonus points. For example, if there are 20 cars,
the winner receives 45 points, second gets 38 and third 36. If there are 15
cars, the winner received 35 points, second gets 28 and third 26. The top 18
races count towards the National Championship for a driver. A perfect season
for a driver would be 18 race wins with 20 car fields which equates to 810
points. The first driver to reach 810 points is declared the National
Champion in the event of a tie.
ASA National Points by Region
East Region
Place Name Average Points
1. Dustin Rumley 1.3866
2. Speedy Faucette 1.3243
3. Barry Beggarly 1.2244
4. Dennis Queen 1.1372
5. Dean Fogleman 1.1066
West Region
1. Shelby Stroebel 1.6381
2. Mike Stone 1.5481
3. Ken Dickinson 1.4745
4. Brian Brown 1.3544
5. Jim Vanzandt 1.3266
This Weekend's Racing Schedule:
Fri : June 15th – East Alabama Motor Speedway ; Phenix City : AL – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Fri : June 15th – East Alabama Motor Speedway ; Phenix City : AL – USCS Outlaw Thunder Sprint Cars
Fri : June 15th – Ocean Speedway ; Watsonville : CA – USAC/CRA Sprint Cars
Fri : June 15th – Silver Dollar Speedway ; Chico : CA – California Civil War Series Sprint Cars
Fri : June 15th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 12th Annual Summer Blast-off Late Models
Fri : June 15th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 12th Annual Summer Blast-off Limited Late Models
Fri : June 15th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 12th Annual Summer Blast-off SK Lights
Fri : June 15th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 12th Annual Summer Blast-off SK Modifieds
Fri : June 15th – Bloomington Speedway ; Bloomington : IN – USAC MOPAR National Midgets
Fri : June 15th – Plymouth Speedway ; Plymouth : IN – Lucas Oil ASCA Sprints
Fri : June 15th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets
Fri : June 15th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Legends
Fri : June 15th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Mel Kenyon Midgets
Fri : June 15th – Dixie Motor Speedway ; Birch Run : MI – Jeg's All Star Pro Late Models
Fri : June 15th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – USRA Modifieds
Fri : June 15th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – IMCA Stock Cars
Fri : June 15th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds
Fri : June 15th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Street Stocks
Fri : June 15th – US 36 Raceway ; Cameron : MO – ASCS Midwest Sprint Cars
Fri : June 15th – US 36 Raceway ; Cameron : MO – ASCS Warrior Sprint Cars
Fri : June 15th – US 36 Raceway ; Cameron : MO – A Mods
Fri : June 15th – US 36 Raceway ; Cameron : MO – Sport Mods
Fri : June 15th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Late Models
Fri : June 15th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Modifieds
Fri : June 15th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Street Stocks
Fri : June 15th – Valley Speedway ; Grain Valley : MO – Midwest Late Model Racing Association
Fri : June 15th – Canaan Fair Speedway ; Canaan : NH – Northeast Mini-Sprints
Fri : June 15th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – NDRA Late Models
Fri : June 15th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Late Models
Fri : June 15th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Open Wheel Modifieds
Fri : June 15th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Street Stocks
Fri : June 15th – River Cities Speedway ; Grand Forks : ND – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Fri : June 15th – Barberton Raceway Park ; Barberton : OH – Main Event Super Late Models
Fri : June 15th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Mod Lites
Fri : June 15th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Modifieds
Fri : June 15th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Street Stocks
Fri : June 15th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – 358 Modifieds
Fri : June 15th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Sportsman
Fri : June 15th – Estevan Motor Speedway ; Estevan : Saskatchewan – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : June 15th – Estevan Motor Speedway ; Estevan : Saskatchewan – IMCA Street Stocks
Fri : June 15th – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Late Models
Fri : June 15th – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Street Stocks
Fri : June 15th – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Super Stocks
Fri : June 15th – Devil's Bowl Speedway ; Mesquite : TX – 39th Annual Devil's Bowl Summer Nationals Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Fri : June 15th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : June 15th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : June 15th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Stock
Fri : June 15th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Street Stock
Fri : June 15th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; Somerset : WI – Hell Tour DIRTCar Late Models Summer Nationals
Fri : June 15th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; Somerset : WI – DIRTCar Summit UMP Modified Nationals
Fri : June 15th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; Somerset : WI – USMTS Casey's Cup Qualifier Modifieds
Fri : June 15th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Fri : June 15th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Sprint Cars
Fri : June 15th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Street Stock
Fri : June 15th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : June 15th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : June 15th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – Street Stocks
Sat : June 16th – East Alabama Motor Speedway ; Phenix City : AL – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Sat : June 16th – East Alabama Motor Speedway ; Phenix City : AL – USCS Outlaw Thunder Sprint Cars
Sat : June 16th – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Southern Superstars Super Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Sportsman
Sat : June 16th – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Pro Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – 305 Winged Sprints
Sat : June 16th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – 360 Winged Sprints
Sat : June 16th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – American Valley Speedway ; Quincy : CA – California Civil War Series Sprint Cars
Sat : June 16th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Sport Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Hobby Stocks
Sat : June 16th – Santa Maria Speedway ; Santa Maria : CA – USAC/CRA Sprint Cars
Sat : June 16th – El Paso County Speedway ; Calhan : CO – Rocky Mountain Midget Racing Association
Sat : June 16th – Waterford Speedbowl ; Waterford : CT – New England Truck Series
Sat : June 16th – Bubba Raceway Park ; Ocala : FL – Top Gun Sprint Series
Sat : June 16th – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – TBARA Winged Sprints
Sat : June 16th – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – Sportsman
Sat : June 16th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Super Late Models
Sat : June 16th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – E-Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – North Florida Speedway ; Lake City : FL – Florida Mini-Sprint Association
Sat : June 16th – Punta Gorda Speedway ; Punta Gorda : FL – Pro Trucks
Sat : June 16th – New Senoia Raceway ; Senoia : GA – Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Watermelon Capital Speedway ; Cordele : GA – Outlaw Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Magic Valley Speedway ; Twin Falls : ID – Rocky Mountain Challenge Series Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Indianapolis Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Figure 8 Special
Sat : June 16th – Lawrenceburg Speedway ; Lawrenceburg : IN – USAC MOPAR National Midgets
Sat : June 16th – Salem Speedway ; Salem : IN – Ken Ten Pro Late Models
Sat : June 16th – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Late Models
Sat : June 16th – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Sportsman
Sat : June 16th – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Street Stocks
Sat : June 16th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets Figure 8
Sat : June 16th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – 12th Annual Jake's Late Model Figure 8
Sat : June 16th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Stocks
Sat : June 16th – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Stock Cars
Sat : June 16th – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Sport Mods
Sat : June 16th – Mitchell County Fairgrounds ; Osage : IA – Henrick Racing Figures 8s
Sat : June 16th – Thunderhill Speedway ; Mayetta : KS – Midwest Late Model Racing Association
Sat : June 16th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Rebels
Sat : June 16th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Strictly Stock
Sat : June 16th – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – World of Outlaws Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Berlin Raceway ; Marne : MI – Outlaw Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Butler Speedway ; Quincy : MI – Michigan Dirt Cup Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – Springport Speedway ; Springport : MI – Schrader 125 CRA Super Series
Sat : June 16th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : June 16th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Super Stocks
Sat : June 16th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – USRA Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : June 16th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Super Stocks
Sat : June 16th – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Super Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – NeSmith Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Street Stocks
Sat : June 16th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – ASA Late Models
Sat : June 16th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Hillbilly 50 ASA Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Sportsman
Sat : June 16th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Road Warriors
Sat : June 16th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Chargers
Sat : June 16th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – Factory Stocks
Sat : June 16th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – A-Mods
Sat : June 16th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – B-Mods
Sat : June 16th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – United Late Model Association Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Missouri State Fair Speedway ; Sedalia : MO – ASCS Warriors Region Sprint Cars
Sat : June 16th – Riviera Raceway ; Norfolk : NE – Super Late Model Racing Series
Sat : June 16th – Speedway 660 ; Fredericton : New Brunswick – PASS North Super Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Monadnock Speedway ; Winchester : NH – Pro Four Modifieds of New England
Sat : June 16th – Wall Speedway ; Belmar : NJ – TQ Midgets
Sat : June 16th – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – Sportsman
Sat : June 16th – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – Street Stocks
Sat : June 16th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Late Model Trucks
Sat : June 16th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Street Stock
Sat : June 16th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Street Stock
Sat : June 16th – Riverside Speedway ; Antigonish : Nova Scotia – Parts for Trucks Pro Stocks
Sat : June 16th – Red River Valley Speedway ; West Fargo : ND – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sat : June 16th – Red River Valley Speedway ; West Fargo : ND – Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – Red River Valley Speedway ; West Fargo : ND – Super Stocks
Sat : June 16th – Southwest Speedway ; Dickinson : ND – IMCA Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – Southwest Speedway ; Dickinson : ND – Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : June 16th – Riverside International Speedway ; Antigonish : Nova Scotia ; Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour
Sat : June 16th – Sandusky Speedway ; Sandusky : OH – Buckeye Super Sprints
Sat : June 16th – Barrie Speedway ; Oro-Medonte : Ontario – OSCAAR Super Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Wissota Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Street Stocks
Sat : June 16th – Mosport Speedway ; Bowmanville : Ontario – NASCAR Canadian Tire Series
Sat : June 16th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – ARDC Midgets
Sat : June 16th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Keystone Legend Car Tour
Sat : June 16th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Xcel 600 CCs
Sat : June 16th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – Daryl Gohn/Glenn Gohn, Sr. Memorial 410 Sprints
Sat : June 16th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 305 Sprints
Sat : June 16th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – Thundercars
Sat : June 16th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Street Stocks
Sat : June 16th – Trail-Ways Speedway ; Hanover : PA – Sidewinder Sprints
Sat : June 16th – Williams Grove Speedway ; Mechanicsburg : PA – Super Sportsman
Sat : June 16th – Circuit Riverside Speedway ; Saint Croix : Quebec – ACT Castrol Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Newport Motor Speedway ; Newport : TN – UARA Stars Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Smoky Mountain Speedway ; Maryville : TN – Southern All Star Dirt Super Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Devil's Bowl Speedway ; Mesquite : TX – 39th Annual Devil's Bowl Summer Nationals Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Sat : June 16th – Thunderhill Raceway ; Kyle : TX – Dwarf Car Series of Texas
Sat : June 16th – Bear Ridge Speedway ; Bradford : VT – Sprint Cars of New England
Sat : June 16th – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Late Models x2
Sat : June 16th – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Limited Sportsman
Sat : June 16th – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Street Stock
Sat : June 16th – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – Sportsman
Sat : June 16th – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – Virginia Sprint Cars
Sat : June 16th – Wenatchee Valley Super Oval ; East Wenatchee : WA – Northwest Pro 4 Trucks
Sat : June 16th – Summit Point Raceway ; Charles Town : WV – 24 Hours of Lemons
Sat : June 16th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; Somerset : WI – Hell Tour DIRTCar Late Models Summer Nationals
Sat : June 16th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; Somerset : WI – DIRTCar Summit UMP Modified Nationals
Sat : June 16th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; Somerset : WI – USMTS Casey's Cup Qualifier Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Wissota Street Stocks
Sun : June 17th – LaSalle Speedway ; LaSalle : IL – Hell Tour DIRTCar Late Models Summer Nationals
Sun : June 17th – LaSalle Speedway ; LaSalle : IL – DIRTCar Summit UMP Modified Nationals
Sun : June 17th – Kokomo Speedway ; Kokomo : IN – USAC MOPAR National Midgets
Sun : June 17th – Spartan Speedway ; Mason : MI – Slugfest #2 Late Models
Sun : June 17th – Monett Speedway ; Monett : MO – Oil Capital Racing Series
Sun : June 17th – Eriez Speedway ; Hammett : PA – World of Outlaws Late Models
Sun : June 17th – Summit Point Raceway ; Charles Town : WV – 24 Hours of Lemons
Mon : June 18th – Jones Motor Speedway ; Chatham : LA – Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Tue : June 19th – Diamond Park Speedway ; Murfreesboro : AR – Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Tue : June 19th – Spoon River Speedway ; Canton : IL – Hell Tour DIRTCar Late Models Summer Nationals
Tue : June 19th – Spoon River Speedway ; Canton : IL – DIRTCar Summit UMP Modified Nationals
Tue : June 19th – Berlin Raceway ; Marne : MI – Rowdy 251 CRA Super Series
Tue : June 19th – Berlin Raceway ; Marne : MI – Top Speed Modifieds
Wed : June 20th – Highland Speedway ; Highland : IL – Hell Tour DIRTCar Late Models Summer Nationals
Wed : June 20th – Highland Speedway ; Highland : IL – DIRTCar Summit UMP Modified Nationals
Wed : June 20th – Southern Iowa Speedway ; Oskaloosa : IA – Deery Brothers Summer Series IMCA Late Models
Wed : June 20th – Concord Speedway ; Concord : NC – USAC Eastern Focus Midgets
Wed : June 20th – Millbridge Speedway ; Salisbury : NC – Mini Outlaws
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: Quicken Loans 400
by Jeff Wolfe
There's really only one question to be asked this week. OK, well, there's more than one, but the main one that many are talking about: Can Dale Earnhardt, Jr. win at Michigan on Father's Day? The reason it's such a big deal is that the last time Junior won it was at Michigan ... on Father's Day ... four years and 143 races ago.
And it became a bigger question after last week's race at Pocono, where Junior finished eighth, but led 36 laps, including 16 late in the race where he appeared to have the strongest car. But with Junior being second in the points standings, and fuel being an issue, crew chief Steve Letarte made the call to bring him in, rather than going for the win and risk running out of fuel and finishing somewhere in the 20s.
Another factor is that Junior has 11 top-10 finishes this season, the most of any driver. Along with not getting a win, of course, the one black eye on Junior's record has been his inability to lead leaps. He has led 123 laps this season, the fewest of any driver in the top 12, with the exception of Clint Bowyer, who has just led five laps.
If Junior fans want more encouraging numbers, there are more. He is the only driver to complete every lap this season and he is also third, behind Brad Keselowski and Kyle Busch, in quality passes, which are defined by passing cars in the top 15 during a green flag.
Unlike before Talladega this year, I'm not guaranteeing that Junior will win. However, all of these factors just can't be ignored. The fact is, Junior is going to win sometime this year. He's run too strong for too long in too many races not to find Victory Lane. Whether it happens at Michigan Sunday on Father's Day remains to be seen.
Top 5 Picks
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. - In 25 starts at Michigan, Junior has started on the pole twice, has the one victory, and has eight top-10 finishes. Those aren't the best numbers at Michigan, but they do offer hope. Plus Junior and Letarte figured out Pocono pretty easily, so it's easy to think they'll do the same this weekend.
Matt Kenseth - He leads the points standings, has two wins at Michigan and an impressive 11 top-5 finishes in 25 starts there.
Greg Biffle - He's also got two wins and 10 top 10s and has been strong most of the season before engine woes dropped him to 24th last week at Pocono.
Tony Stewart - The defending champion has always been strong at Michigan with one win and 10 tops 5s in 26 starts and it's about time for his usual summertime surge, which may have started with a third last week at Pocono.
Denny Hamlin - He has just 12 starts at Michigan, but there are two wins, five top 5s and seven top 10s on his record already.
Shoulda, woulda, coulda - My inability to not pick Jimmie Johnson here is scary. There's no doubt he could end up in Victory Lane. He hasn't won at Michigan yet, which means he might be destined and even more determined to win there.
ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP
Here's a look at how last week's picks fared in the first 400-mile race at Pocono.
Jimmie Johnson: 4th. Caught speeding on pit road twice and still fourth. Not bad.
Carl Edwards: 11th. Not a terrible day, but not a factor to win either.
Jeff Gordon: 19th. Another difficult day for Wonder Boy, or Underdog, or whomever.
Denny Hamlin: 5th. The "Tricky Triangle" has never been too tricky for him.
Brad Keselowski: 18th. Last year's fall winner was not a factor Sunday.
Season Stats:
70 Predictions
7 wins
24 top 5s
31 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: Quicken Loans 400
by Nick Schwartz
This weekend, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races to the newly repaved Michigan International Speedway for the Quicken Loans 400. Sunday's race will be the 15th of the 2012 season, and should see drivers regularly breaking the 200 mile per hour barrier. The race will be broadcast live Sunday, June 17th, at 12:00 PM EDT on TNT and 11:30 PM EDT on MRN Radio. Drivers will compete for 200 laps (400 miles) before taking the checkered flag.
Records and Facts
Denny Hamlin is the defending champion of this event, and on Sunday he'll try to win his third consecutive Spring race at Michigan. David Pearson holds the all-time record for wins at Michigan with nine; he also holds the record for most poles with 10.
Until recently, Michigan had been a track dominated by Ford, the most successful manufacturer at Michigan with 31 wins overall, but a Ford hasn't found victory lane since August of 2008, when Carl Edwards won the Fall Michigan race. Since then, Toyota has four wins, and Chevrolet has two.
Ryan Newman currently holds the track qualifying record, with a lap of 37.069 sec at 194.232 mph in qualifying for the 2005 Batman Begins 400, but but like last week at Pocono, the current qualifying record is sure to be shattered. In testing this week, every single driver bested Newman's record speed, with Tony Stewart topping the charts at 201.896 miles per hour.
Track Facts
Track/Race Length: 2.0-mile D-shaped oval, 200 laps (400 miles)
Pit Road Speed: 45 mph
Degree of Banking: 18 degrees in the corners
Frontstretch: 3,600 ft., banked 12 degrees
Backstretch: 2,242 ft., banked 5 degrees
Grandstand Seating: 108,000
Pre-race Schedule
Practice: Friday, June 15, 12:30 – 2:00 PM EST on SPEED
Happy Hour: Friday, June 15, 3:30 – 5:00 PM EST on SPEED
Qualifying: Saturday, June 16, at 1:00 PM EST on SPEED
VIPs
Grand Marshal: Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard
Command: Jimmy Howard & his father James Howard, II
Honorary Starter / Wave Green Flag: Detroit Lions center Dominic Raiola
Race Day Forecast
Sunday: Scattered thunderstorms, 40% chance of rain
High: 84
Low: 69
They Said It
"I'm not sure what to expect at Michigan. I know it's going to be fast after seeing what Kyle (Busch) and the guys said after they tested there, but you never know how a race is going to play out. Obviously, all of these tracks that are getting repaved, it's tough to make a tire that wears off enough to get a lot of passing, and most people are forced to run one groove, but Michigan is so wide and fast that hopefully it will give guys the opportunity to move around a little bit. That was always the best part about Michigan — moving your car around during the course of a run to see where it is at its best. For me, that's what I hope happens on Sunday." -Denny Hamlin
"No, absolutely not (will the track be as wide open as before). I think it is going to take a little bit for it to burn in. Much like Pocono (Raceway) and Phoenix (International Raceway) which were also repaved, it has a single groove for a little while, but as we test and as we run more laps it does open up. I'm looking forward to going there; it is going to be exciting. I think it's going to be the fastest track on the schedule." -Paul Menard
"The shape of Michigan International Speedway will allow us to run more places than just the bottom. The radius is so tight because the corners and racing groove are so wide. There is a huge difference in the corner radius at the bottom of the race track against the top of the race track. Sometimes with new pavement, there is only one place you can run and until we figure it out, it is hard to know that answer." –Jeff Burton
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:
Safe At Any Speed? NASCAR Puts Safety To the Test at Michigan
by Amy Henderson
Four Burning Questions: Busch's Return, Logano's Resurgence, and Michigan's Repave
by Summer Bedgood
Voices From the Cheapseats: Has NASCAR Really Changed Your Life?
by Jeff Meyer
Regan Smith Driver Diary: Building Momentum Again and Dover Analysis
as told to Tony Lumbis
For Development Drivers, Winning at MIS not the Route to a Title
by Bryan Davis Keith
IndyCar Series Milwaukee IndyFest Preview
by Matt Stallknecht
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: For Lake Speed, the 1996 GM Goodwrench Dealer 400 at Michigan International Speedway was one of his best runs of the season. He qualified in the top 10, led seven laps and stayed up in the hunt all day. Then, trouble ended his afternoon. What happened?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: The 1993 Detroit Gasket 200 for the then-Busch Grand National Series saw Mark Martin hold off Dale Earnhardt to take his third win of the season in his eighth start (Interesting Note: Martin either won, or DNF'd in every Busch race he competed in that season). However, Earnhardt was DQ'd after the race. Why?
A: Basically, Earnhardt's engine failed post-race inspection. Since Earnhardt wasn't racing for points (although he earned them anyway), NASCAR simply DQ'd the No. 3, relegating him to a 41st-place finish.
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:
-- Quicken Loans 400 Race Recap by Jeff Wolfe
-- Secret Star and Stat of the Race by Tom Bowles
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
Monday on the Frontstretch:
Matt McLaughlin's Thinkin' Out Loud: Quicken Loans 400 by Matt McLaughlin
Matt will be here with his overall thoughts about the action from Sunday afternoon's action from Michgan.
Monday Morning Teardown by TBA
A website look at one of the big stories from Sunday's race from Michigan.
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 Michigan.
Big Six: Quicken Loans 400 by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving Sunday's event at Michigan? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing.
Pace Laps: Michigan 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 Michigan.
Nationwide Breakdown: Alliance Truck Parts 250 by Bryan Davis Keither
Bryan has all the post-race analysis you need following Saturday afternoon's Nationwide Series race from Michigan.
IZOD IndyCar Race Recap: Milwaukee IndyFest by Toni Montgomery
Matt has all of the post race analysis you need following Saturday afternoon's IZOD IndyCar Series race from Wisconsin.
-----------------------------
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Keepin' It Short: Springport Speedway Thinking Big
by Mike Neff
Ken Schrader is famous for racing somewhere around 100 days a year most every year. The vast majority of those races are on dirt but every now and then he jumps on an asphalt track for some short track fun. This weekend will be one of those events when Springport Speedway puts on the biggest race in the history of the track. The Central Michigan Ford-Kenworth 125 will bring in some talented race car drivers from all over the Midwest and the country for that matter. The event is an ARCA / CRA Super Series race and is the first time that series has stopped at Springport.
Springport is a 3/8th-mile, high banked speedway that hosts a weekly show including Outlaw Super Late Models, Modifieds, Wingless Sprints and ABC Stock Cars. The ABC cars will join the CRA Supers for the show this coming weekend. Springport's ABC division features Limited Late Models, Sportsman, Pro Stock, Street Stock and Factory Stock cars grouped together by qualifying time. The cars end up in tight bunches that feature a group that can all run with each other, resulting in some fantastically competitive racing.
The price of admission for Saturday night is $15 for adults. In addition to the action on the track, Springport also features an entertainment area for the younger fans called the Beacon Sales Fun Zone. For $5, kids under 12 receive admission to the area which includes a 30-foot tall inflatable slide, a 60-foot long obstacle course, an inflated rock wall and an inflatable castle "moon jump". Kids must have a signed liability release and waiver in order to partake in the fun zone. Springport's web site also says they're busting out the Kids Bus this weekend for those who purchase a token at the souvenir stand.
In addition to Schrader making his first trip to Springport this weekend, Ross Kenseth is also scheduled to make an appearance. Local stars who will be taking on the NASCAR drivers include Johnny VanDoorn, Erik Jones and Chad Finley. Some of NASCAR's up and coming stars will also be in attendance, including Kenzie Ruston, Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney. As always, drivers scheduled to attend may not make it to the track.
"Who doesn't like Ken Schrader?", asked Springport promoter Jeff Parish. "The guy is a class act, a genuine racer who puts it all on the line every night. It doesn't matter to him whether it's the Daytona 500, a weekly dirt show in Missouri or taking on the very best Super Late Model races of the Midwest, Kenny is going to bring it."
Springport opened in 1989 as Michigan Ideal Speedway. The plans called for a 3/8th-mile track that replicated the two-mile Michigan International Speedway on a much smaller scale, with a capacity of 5,300 fans. In 1991, it actually ran on Sunday nights. The track has competed under five different names, and sat idle for three years, but it survives to this day and the people who open the gates every week are passionate about bringing racing to the central Michigan area. If you're in the area for the Cup race this weekend, it is worth taking the 45 minute drive to Springport to check out the Central Michigan Ford-Kenworth 125.
Whelen Points Update
The Whelen All American series continues to roll on toward the midway point of the season. Anthony Anders continues to lead the point standings, and even racked up his second win of the season. Unfortunately for Anders, his lack of wins is going to catch up to him. Drivers on his heels have more wins with similar average point totals per race and they will eventually swallow him up, unless he's able to rip off a bunch of wins in the second half. Duane Howard, who is currently ninth in the standings, has the best average points per race among the top 10. When he gets to the 18-race maximum, if he can continue this pace, he'll be at the top of the standings.
Whelen All-American Series National Points Standings
Place Name Races Wins Top 5s Top 10s Total Points
1. Anthony Anders 27 2 16 25 532
2. CE Falk 15 8 12 14 486
3. Deac McCaskill 14 10 13 14 464
4. Nate Monteith 16 4 11 13 458
5. Matt Bowling 16 1 12 14 445
6. Ryan Preece 16 5 9 13 439
7. Ted Christopher 16 2 11 12 380
8. Keith Rocco 15 5 8 9 371
9. Duane Howard 9 5 8 9 357
10. Joe Aramendia 13 10 13 13 356
Under the points structure for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, the
race winner receives two points for every car in the event up to 20. Second
place receives two fewer points, and so-on through the field. Race winners
receive an additional five bonus points. For example, if there are 20 cars,
the winner receives 45 points, second gets 38 and third 36. If there are 15
cars, the winner received 35 points, second gets 28 and third 26. The top 18
races count towards the National Championship for a driver. A perfect season
for a driver would be 18 race wins with 20 car fields which equates to 810
points. The first driver to reach 810 points is declared the National
Champion in the event of a tie.
ASA National Points by Region
East Region
Place Name Average Points
1. Dustin Rumley 1.3866
2. Speedy Faucette 1.3243
3. Barry Beggarly 1.2244
4. Dennis Queen 1.1372
5. Dean Fogleman 1.1066
West Region
1. Shelby Stroebel 1.6381
2. Mike Stone 1.5481
3. Ken Dickinson 1.4745
4. Brian Brown 1.3544
5. Jim Vanzandt 1.3266
This Weekend's Racing Schedule:
Fri : June 15th – East Alabama Motor Speedway ; Phenix City : AL – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Fri : June 15th – East Alabama Motor Speedway ; Phenix City : AL – USCS Outlaw Thunder Sprint Cars
Fri : June 15th – Ocean Speedway ; Watsonville : CA – USAC/CRA Sprint Cars
Fri : June 15th – Silver Dollar Speedway ; Chico : CA – California Civil War Series Sprint Cars
Fri : June 15th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 12th Annual Summer Blast-off Late Models
Fri : June 15th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 12th Annual Summer Blast-off Limited Late Models
Fri : June 15th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 12th Annual Summer Blast-off SK Lights
Fri : June 15th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 12th Annual Summer Blast-off SK Modifieds
Fri : June 15th – Bloomington Speedway ; Bloomington : IN – USAC MOPAR National Midgets
Fri : June 15th – Plymouth Speedway ; Plymouth : IN – Lucas Oil ASCA Sprints
Fri : June 15th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets
Fri : June 15th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Legends
Fri : June 15th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Mel Kenyon Midgets
Fri : June 15th – Dixie Motor Speedway ; Birch Run : MI – Jeg's All Star Pro Late Models
Fri : June 15th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – USRA Modifieds
Fri : June 15th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – IMCA Stock Cars
Fri : June 15th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds
Fri : June 15th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Street Stocks
Fri : June 15th – US 36 Raceway ; Cameron : MO – ASCS Midwest Sprint Cars
Fri : June 15th – US 36 Raceway ; Cameron : MO – ASCS Warrior Sprint Cars
Fri : June 15th – US 36 Raceway ; Cameron : MO – A Mods
Fri : June 15th – US 36 Raceway ; Cameron : MO – Sport Mods
Fri : June 15th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Late Models
Fri : June 15th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Modifieds
Fri : June 15th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Street Stocks
Fri : June 15th – Valley Speedway ; Grain Valley : MO – Midwest Late Model Racing Association
Fri : June 15th – Canaan Fair Speedway ; Canaan : NH – Northeast Mini-Sprints
Fri : June 15th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – NDRA Late Models
Fri : June 15th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Late Models
Fri : June 15th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Open Wheel Modifieds
Fri : June 15th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Street Stocks
Fri : June 15th – River Cities Speedway ; Grand Forks : ND – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Fri : June 15th – Barberton Raceway Park ; Barberton : OH – Main Event Super Late Models
Fri : June 15th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Mod Lites
Fri : June 15th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Modifieds
Fri : June 15th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Street Stocks
Fri : June 15th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – 358 Modifieds
Fri : June 15th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Sportsman
Fri : June 15th – Estevan Motor Speedway ; Estevan : Saskatchewan – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : June 15th – Estevan Motor Speedway ; Estevan : Saskatchewan – IMCA Street Stocks
Fri : June 15th – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Late Models
Fri : June 15th – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Street Stocks
Fri : June 15th – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Super Stocks
Fri : June 15th – Devil's Bowl Speedway ; Mesquite : TX – 39th Annual Devil's Bowl Summer Nationals Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Fri : June 15th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : June 15th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : June 15th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Stock
Fri : June 15th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Street Stock
Fri : June 15th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; Somerset : WI – Hell Tour DIRTCar Late Models Summer Nationals
Fri : June 15th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; Somerset : WI – DIRTCar Summit UMP Modified Nationals
Fri : June 15th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; Somerset : WI – USMTS Casey's Cup Qualifier Modifieds
Fri : June 15th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Fri : June 15th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Sprint Cars
Fri : June 15th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Street Stock
Fri : June 15th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : June 15th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : June 15th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – Street Stocks
Sat : June 16th – East Alabama Motor Speedway ; Phenix City : AL – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Sat : June 16th – East Alabama Motor Speedway ; Phenix City : AL – USCS Outlaw Thunder Sprint Cars
Sat : June 16th – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Southern Superstars Super Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Sportsman
Sat : June 16th – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Pro Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – 305 Winged Sprints
Sat : June 16th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – 360 Winged Sprints
Sat : June 16th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – American Valley Speedway ; Quincy : CA – California Civil War Series Sprint Cars
Sat : June 16th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Sport Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Hobby Stocks
Sat : June 16th – Santa Maria Speedway ; Santa Maria : CA – USAC/CRA Sprint Cars
Sat : June 16th – El Paso County Speedway ; Calhan : CO – Rocky Mountain Midget Racing Association
Sat : June 16th – Waterford Speedbowl ; Waterford : CT – New England Truck Series
Sat : June 16th – Bubba Raceway Park ; Ocala : FL – Top Gun Sprint Series
Sat : June 16th – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – TBARA Winged Sprints
Sat : June 16th – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – Sportsman
Sat : June 16th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Super Late Models
Sat : June 16th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – E-Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – North Florida Speedway ; Lake City : FL – Florida Mini-Sprint Association
Sat : June 16th – Punta Gorda Speedway ; Punta Gorda : FL – Pro Trucks
Sat : June 16th – New Senoia Raceway ; Senoia : GA – Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Watermelon Capital Speedway ; Cordele : GA – Outlaw Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Magic Valley Speedway ; Twin Falls : ID – Rocky Mountain Challenge Series Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Indianapolis Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Figure 8 Special
Sat : June 16th – Lawrenceburg Speedway ; Lawrenceburg : IN – USAC MOPAR National Midgets
Sat : June 16th – Salem Speedway ; Salem : IN – Ken Ten Pro Late Models
Sat : June 16th – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Late Models
Sat : June 16th – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Sportsman
Sat : June 16th – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Street Stocks
Sat : June 16th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets Figure 8
Sat : June 16th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – 12th Annual Jake's Late Model Figure 8
Sat : June 16th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Stocks
Sat : June 16th – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Stock Cars
Sat : June 16th – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Sport Mods
Sat : June 16th – Mitchell County Fairgrounds ; Osage : IA – Henrick Racing Figures 8s
Sat : June 16th – Thunderhill Speedway ; Mayetta : KS – Midwest Late Model Racing Association
Sat : June 16th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Rebels
Sat : June 16th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Strictly Stock
Sat : June 16th – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – World of Outlaws Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Berlin Raceway ; Marne : MI – Outlaw Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Butler Speedway ; Quincy : MI – Michigan Dirt Cup Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – Springport Speedway ; Springport : MI – Schrader 125 CRA Super Series
Sat : June 16th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : June 16th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Super Stocks
Sat : June 16th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – USRA Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : June 16th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Super Stocks
Sat : June 16th – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Super Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – NeSmith Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Street Stocks
Sat : June 16th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – ASA Late Models
Sat : June 16th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Hillbilly 50 ASA Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Sportsman
Sat : June 16th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Road Warriors
Sat : June 16th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Chargers
Sat : June 16th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – Factory Stocks
Sat : June 16th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – A-Mods
Sat : June 16th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – B-Mods
Sat : June 16th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – United Late Model Association Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Missouri State Fair Speedway ; Sedalia : MO – ASCS Warriors Region Sprint Cars
Sat : June 16th – Riviera Raceway ; Norfolk : NE – Super Late Model Racing Series
Sat : June 16th – Speedway 660 ; Fredericton : New Brunswick – PASS North Super Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Monadnock Speedway ; Winchester : NH – Pro Four Modifieds of New England
Sat : June 16th – Wall Speedway ; Belmar : NJ – TQ Midgets
Sat : June 16th – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – Sportsman
Sat : June 16th – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – Street Stocks
Sat : June 16th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Late Model Trucks
Sat : June 16th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Street Stock
Sat : June 16th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Street Stock
Sat : June 16th – Riverside Speedway ; Antigonish : Nova Scotia – Parts for Trucks Pro Stocks
Sat : June 16th – Red River Valley Speedway ; West Fargo : ND – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sat : June 16th – Red River Valley Speedway ; West Fargo : ND – Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – Red River Valley Speedway ; West Fargo : ND – Super Stocks
Sat : June 16th – Southwest Speedway ; Dickinson : ND – IMCA Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – Southwest Speedway ; Dickinson : ND – Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : June 16th – Riverside International Speedway ; Antigonish : Nova Scotia ; Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour
Sat : June 16th – Sandusky Speedway ; Sandusky : OH – Buckeye Super Sprints
Sat : June 16th – Barrie Speedway ; Oro-Medonte : Ontario – OSCAAR Super Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Wissota Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Street Stocks
Sat : June 16th – Mosport Speedway ; Bowmanville : Ontario – NASCAR Canadian Tire Series
Sat : June 16th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – ARDC Midgets
Sat : June 16th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Keystone Legend Car Tour
Sat : June 16th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Xcel 600 CCs
Sat : June 16th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – Daryl Gohn/Glenn Gohn, Sr. Memorial 410 Sprints
Sat : June 16th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 305 Sprints
Sat : June 16th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – Thundercars
Sat : June 16th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Street Stocks
Sat : June 16th – Trail-Ways Speedway ; Hanover : PA – Sidewinder Sprints
Sat : June 16th – Williams Grove Speedway ; Mechanicsburg : PA – Super Sportsman
Sat : June 16th – Circuit Riverside Speedway ; Saint Croix : Quebec – ACT Castrol Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Newport Motor Speedway ; Newport : TN – UARA Stars Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Smoky Mountain Speedway ; Maryville : TN – Southern All Star Dirt Super Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Devil's Bowl Speedway ; Mesquite : TX – 39th Annual Devil's Bowl Summer Nationals Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Sat : June 16th – Thunderhill Raceway ; Kyle : TX – Dwarf Car Series of Texas
Sat : June 16th – Bear Ridge Speedway ; Bradford : VT – Sprint Cars of New England
Sat : June 16th – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Late Models x2
Sat : June 16th – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Limited Sportsman
Sat : June 16th – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Street Stock
Sat : June 16th – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – Late Models
Sat : June 16th – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – Sportsman
Sat : June 16th – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – Virginia Sprint Cars
Sat : June 16th – Wenatchee Valley Super Oval ; East Wenatchee : WA – Northwest Pro 4 Trucks
Sat : June 16th – Summit Point Raceway ; Charles Town : WV – 24 Hours of Lemons
Sat : June 16th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; Somerset : WI – Hell Tour DIRTCar Late Models Summer Nationals
Sat : June 16th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; Somerset : WI – DIRTCar Summit UMP Modified Nationals
Sat : June 16th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; Somerset : WI – USMTS Casey's Cup Qualifier Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 16th – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Wissota Street Stocks
Sun : June 17th – LaSalle Speedway ; LaSalle : IL – Hell Tour DIRTCar Late Models Summer Nationals
Sun : June 17th – LaSalle Speedway ; LaSalle : IL – DIRTCar Summit UMP Modified Nationals
Sun : June 17th – Kokomo Speedway ; Kokomo : IN – USAC MOPAR National Midgets
Sun : June 17th – Spartan Speedway ; Mason : MI – Slugfest #2 Late Models
Sun : June 17th – Monett Speedway ; Monett : MO – Oil Capital Racing Series
Sun : June 17th – Eriez Speedway ; Hammett : PA – World of Outlaws Late Models
Sun : June 17th – Summit Point Raceway ; Charles Town : WV – 24 Hours of Lemons
Mon : June 18th – Jones Motor Speedway ; Chatham : LA – Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Tue : June 19th – Diamond Park Speedway ; Murfreesboro : AR – Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Tue : June 19th – Spoon River Speedway ; Canton : IL – Hell Tour DIRTCar Late Models Summer Nationals
Tue : June 19th – Spoon River Speedway ; Canton : IL – DIRTCar Summit UMP Modified Nationals
Tue : June 19th – Berlin Raceway ; Marne : MI – Rowdy 251 CRA Super Series
Tue : June 19th – Berlin Raceway ; Marne : MI – Top Speed Modifieds
Wed : June 20th – Highland Speedway ; Highland : IL – Hell Tour DIRTCar Late Models Summer Nationals
Wed : June 20th – Highland Speedway ; Highland : IL – DIRTCar Summit UMP Modified Nationals
Wed : June 20th – Southern Iowa Speedway ; Oskaloosa : IA – Deery Brothers Summer Series IMCA Late Models
Wed : June 20th – Concord Speedway ; Concord : NC – USAC Eastern Focus Midgets
Wed : June 20th – Millbridge Speedway ; Salisbury : NC – Mini Outlaws
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: Quicken Loans 400
by Jeff Wolfe
There's really only one question to be asked this week. OK, well, there's more than one, but the main one that many are talking about: Can Dale Earnhardt, Jr. win at Michigan on Father's Day? The reason it's such a big deal is that the last time Junior won it was at Michigan ... on Father's Day ... four years and 143 races ago.
And it became a bigger question after last week's race at Pocono, where Junior finished eighth, but led 36 laps, including 16 late in the race where he appeared to have the strongest car. But with Junior being second in the points standings, and fuel being an issue, crew chief Steve Letarte made the call to bring him in, rather than going for the win and risk running out of fuel and finishing somewhere in the 20s.
Another factor is that Junior has 11 top-10 finishes this season, the most of any driver. Along with not getting a win, of course, the one black eye on Junior's record has been his inability to lead leaps. He has led 123 laps this season, the fewest of any driver in the top 12, with the exception of Clint Bowyer, who has just led five laps.
If Junior fans want more encouraging numbers, there are more. He is the only driver to complete every lap this season and he is also third, behind Brad Keselowski and Kyle Busch, in quality passes, which are defined by passing cars in the top 15 during a green flag.
Unlike before Talladega this year, I'm not guaranteeing that Junior will win. However, all of these factors just can't be ignored. The fact is, Junior is going to win sometime this year. He's run too strong for too long in too many races not to find Victory Lane. Whether it happens at Michigan Sunday on Father's Day remains to be seen.
Top 5 Picks
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. - In 25 starts at Michigan, Junior has started on the pole twice, has the one victory, and has eight top-10 finishes. Those aren't the best numbers at Michigan, but they do offer hope. Plus Junior and Letarte figured out Pocono pretty easily, so it's easy to think they'll do the same this weekend.
Matt Kenseth - He leads the points standings, has two wins at Michigan and an impressive 11 top-5 finishes in 25 starts there.
Greg Biffle - He's also got two wins and 10 top 10s and has been strong most of the season before engine woes dropped him to 24th last week at Pocono.
Tony Stewart - The defending champion has always been strong at Michigan with one win and 10 tops 5s in 26 starts and it's about time for his usual summertime surge, which may have started with a third last week at Pocono.
Denny Hamlin - He has just 12 starts at Michigan, but there are two wins, five top 5s and seven top 10s on his record already.
Shoulda, woulda, coulda - My inability to not pick Jimmie Johnson here is scary. There's no doubt he could end up in Victory Lane. He hasn't won at Michigan yet, which means he might be destined and even more determined to win there.
ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP
Here's a look at how last week's picks fared in the first 400-mile race at Pocono.
Jimmie Johnson: 4th. Caught speeding on pit road twice and still fourth. Not bad.
Carl Edwards: 11th. Not a terrible day, but not a factor to win either.
Jeff Gordon: 19th. Another difficult day for Wonder Boy, or Underdog, or whomever.
Denny Hamlin: 5th. The "Tricky Triangle" has never been too tricky for him.
Brad Keselowski: 18th. Last year's fall winner was not a factor Sunday.
Season Stats:
70 Predictions
7 wins
24 top 5s
31 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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ADVERTISEMENT
Are you looking to advertise your website, product or brand? A good way to get your name out there is via direct advertising here in the Frontstretch Newsletter! Interested parties can contact us at tony.lumbis@frontstretch.com for details.
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Frontstretch Folio: Quicken Loans 400
by Nick Schwartz
This weekend, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races to the newly repaved Michigan International Speedway for the Quicken Loans 400. Sunday's race will be the 15th of the 2012 season, and should see drivers regularly breaking the 200 mile per hour barrier. The race will be broadcast live Sunday, June 17th, at 12:00 PM EDT on TNT and 11:30 PM EDT on MRN Radio. Drivers will compete for 200 laps (400 miles) before taking the checkered flag.
Records and Facts
Denny Hamlin is the defending champion of this event, and on Sunday he'll try to win his third consecutive Spring race at Michigan. David Pearson holds the all-time record for wins at Michigan with nine; he also holds the record for most poles with 10.
Until recently, Michigan had been a track dominated by Ford, the most successful manufacturer at Michigan with 31 wins overall, but a Ford hasn't found victory lane since August of 2008, when Carl Edwards won the Fall Michigan race. Since then, Toyota has four wins, and Chevrolet has two.
Ryan Newman currently holds the track qualifying record, with a lap of 37.069 sec at 194.232 mph in qualifying for the 2005 Batman Begins 400, but but like last week at Pocono, the current qualifying record is sure to be shattered. In testing this week, every single driver bested Newman's record speed, with Tony Stewart topping the charts at 201.896 miles per hour.
Track Facts
Track/Race Length: 2.0-mile D-shaped oval, 200 laps (400 miles)
Pit Road Speed: 45 mph
Degree of Banking: 18 degrees in the corners
Frontstretch: 3,600 ft., banked 12 degrees
Backstretch: 2,242 ft., banked 5 degrees
Grandstand Seating: 108,000
Pre-race Schedule
Practice: Friday, June 15, 12:30 – 2:00 PM EST on SPEED
Happy Hour: Friday, June 15, 3:30 – 5:00 PM EST on SPEED
Qualifying: Saturday, June 16, at 1:00 PM EST on SPEED
VIPs
Grand Marshal: Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard
Command: Jimmy Howard & his father James Howard, II
Honorary Starter / Wave Green Flag: Detroit Lions center Dominic Raiola
Race Day Forecast
Sunday: Scattered thunderstorms, 40% chance of rain
High: 84
Low: 69
They Said It
"I'm not sure what to expect at Michigan. I know it's going to be fast after seeing what Kyle (Busch) and the guys said after they tested there, but you never know how a race is going to play out. Obviously, all of these tracks that are getting repaved, it's tough to make a tire that wears off enough to get a lot of passing, and most people are forced to run one groove, but Michigan is so wide and fast that hopefully it will give guys the opportunity to move around a little bit. That was always the best part about Michigan — moving your car around during the course of a run to see where it is at its best. For me, that's what I hope happens on Sunday." -Denny Hamlin
"No, absolutely not (will the track be as wide open as before). I think it is going to take a little bit for it to burn in. Much like Pocono (Raceway) and Phoenix (International Raceway) which were also repaved, it has a single groove for a little while, but as we test and as we run more laps it does open up. I'm looking forward to going there; it is going to be exciting. I think it's going to be the fastest track on the schedule." -Paul Menard
"The shape of Michigan International Speedway will allow us to run more places than just the bottom. The radius is so tight because the corners and racing groove are so wide. There is a huge difference in the corner radius at the bottom of the race track against the top of the race track. Sometimes with new pavement, there is only one place you can run and until we figure it out, it is hard to know that answer." –Jeff Burton
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:
Safe At Any Speed? NASCAR Puts Safety To the Test at Michigan
by Amy Henderson
Four Burning Questions: Busch's Return, Logano's Resurgence, and Michigan's Repave
by Summer Bedgood
Voices From the Cheapseats: Has NASCAR Really Changed Your Life?
by Jeff Meyer
Regan Smith Driver Diary: Building Momentum Again and Dover Analysis
as told to Tony Lumbis
For Development Drivers, Winning at MIS not the Route to a Title
by Bryan Davis Keith
IndyCar Series Milwaukee IndyFest Preview
by Matt Stallknecht
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: For Lake Speed, the 1996 GM Goodwrench Dealer 400 at Michigan International Speedway was one of his best runs of the season. He qualified in the top 10, led seven laps and stayed up in the hunt all day. Then, trouble ended his afternoon. What happened?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: The 1993 Detroit Gasket 200 for the then-Busch Grand National Series saw Mark Martin hold off Dale Earnhardt to take his third win of the season in his eighth start (Interesting Note: Martin either won, or DNF'd in every Busch race he competed in that season). However, Earnhardt was DQ'd after the race. Why?
A: Basically, Earnhardt's engine failed post-race inspection. Since Earnhardt wasn't racing for points (although he earned them anyway), NASCAR simply DQ'd the No. 3, relegating him to a 41st-place finish.
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!
~~~~~~~~~~
Coming Monday in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Quicken Loans 400 Race Recap by Jeff Wolfe
-- Secret Star and Stat of the Race by Tom Bowles
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
Monday on the Frontstretch:
Matt McLaughlin's Thinkin' Out Loud: Quicken Loans 400 by Matt McLaughlin
Matt will be here with his overall thoughts about the action from Sunday afternoon's action from Michgan.
Monday Morning Teardown by TBA
A website look at one of the big stories from Sunday's race from Michigan.
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 Michigan.
Big Six: Quicken Loans 400 by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving Sunday's event at Michigan? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing.
Pace Laps: Michigan 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 Michigan.
Nationwide Breakdown: Alliance Truck Parts 250 by Bryan Davis Keither
Bryan has all the post-race analysis you need following Saturday afternoon's Nationwide Series race from Michigan.
IZOD IndyCar Race Recap: Milwaukee IndyFest by Toni Montgomery
Matt has all of the post race analysis you need following Saturday afternoon's IZOD IndyCar Series race from Wisconsin.
-----------------------------
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