THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
June 22nd, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CXXI
~~~~~~~~~~
Top News
by Jeff Wolfe
Watkins Glen Closing In On Multi-Year Sponsorship Deal for Sprint Cup Race
Watkins Glen International was left in the cold in when Heluva Good! backed out as the primary sponsor for the track's August 12th NASCAR Sprint Cup race back in February. But according to The Leader (http://www.the-leader.com/sports/x57807286/Printup-Were-close-to-inking-title-sponsor) there could be some good news on the horizon for the track that hosts one of the two road course races on the Sprint Cup circuit.
"I'd say there's a 90 percent chance that we are wrapped up and ready to rock-n-roll, so we're pretty close," Watkins Glen President Michael Printup said.
He warned that a contract has not been signed yet, but is optimistic that a multi-year deal can be reached with a consumer goods-focused company. Heluva Good! pulled out of its deal with Watkins Glen in February after being the primary sponsor for the Sprint Cup race from 2009 to 2011. The February backout didn't sit well with Printup.
"It really was the timing that bothered me," he said. "It was just the way that Heluva Good! did what they did, in leaving us without any notice or anything . . . just the timing of trying to knock on doors in February, when you're six months away, is very difficult."
Printup said he and Watkins Glen officials have worked hard to find sponsorship. They were optimistic enough to turn down some one-year offers to try and find a multi-year deal.
"It's a matter of knocking on the right door," he said. "We got a lot of deals out there, we got a lot of calls back, but we've got one serious contender at this point."
The track was scheduled to announce a partnership with the Corning Museum of Glass Thursday. Budweiser was the primary sponsor for the Watkins Glen Sprint Cup race from 1986 to 1998. Since then, there have been several sponsors for the race.
Marcos Ambrose won his first Sprint Cup race at Watkins Glen last year.
Chicagoland Speedway Hopes New Logo, New Food Items Help Lure More Fans
Chicagoland Speedway is about an hour drive from Chicago, about 60 miles south of the Second City in Joliet, Illinois. However the speedway's new logo and a deal to bring on more Chicago style food shows the track is making an appeal to bring in more fans from the Chicago area. According to CBSSports.com, the new logo features the Chicago skyline.
"As we kickoff our 11th year as NASCAR's home in Chicago, we are proud to host two major event weekends of racing for one of the most watched and attended sports in the country," Chicagoland Speedway President Scott Paddock said. "Each year we welcome thousands of guests from all 50 states and several different countries who expect to see elements of Chicago when they come to an event at our facility, and we intend to deliver on that."
Additionally, officials announced the speedway has reached a deal with Levy Restaurants to bring more of a Chicago flavor to the track.
"In addition to our new branding, we're proud to have our partners at Levy Restaurants, a long-time staple of the Chicago sports and restaurant scene, committed to enhancing the food and beverage experience by bringing classic Chicago foods and introducing signature offerings to the Speedway. Their expertise will allow fans to experience one of the world's greatest cities each time they visit."
Some menu items are expected to include a Chicago-style hotdog, an Italian beef sandwich, Blueberry Moonshine, the chicken and waffle sandwich, a brisket slider and the Intimidator Dog.
Chicagoland will host the first race of NASCAR's 10-race Sprint Cup Series Chase for the Championship on September 16th. Last year's winner was Tony Stewart, who used the victory to help him take the 2011 Sprint Cup title.
Regan Smith Gets a Road Racing Tutorial From Rick Carelli
Regan Smith and his Furniture Row Racing team did a little extra work this week to help the driver of the No. 78 Chevrolet with his road course race at Sonoma Sunday. Smith received some road course lessons from Rick Carelli, also known as the High Plains Drifter because of his feats at the High Plains Raceway, a road course near Denver the location of Front Row Furniture's shop.
"They even have a corner named after Rick at High Plains Raceway," Smith said. "It's pretty neat that we have a road-course facility fairly close to our Denver shop, and to have Rick offering his expertise is a bonus."
Smith is hoping to improve on his 16th-place finish at Sonoma last year, his best finish in six road course races. Carelli, who raced in the Camping World Truck Series in 1995 thinks there is an opportunity for that to happen.
"If you don't like road racing chances are you're not going to do well at it," Carelli said. "But that's not the case with Regan. He is a good student and welcomes the challenge to improve his road-racing skills. I am looking for a solid weekend out of this Furniture Row Racing team."
Smith currently sits 25th in the NASCAR Sprint Cup points standings and does not have a top-10 finish this season.
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
Kyle Busch Beats Chase Elliot in ARCA / Super Series Race
For the past four years, Kyle Busch has made the trek to Marne, Michigan after the Sprint Cup Series stop at Michigan International Speedway for the ARCA/Super Series Rowdy 251 at Berlin Raceway. On Tuesday, he took the checkered flag at Berlin for the third consecutive year, finishing just ahead of Chase Elliot, son of Bill Elliot. For his efforts, Busch earned $18,000 dollars.
"I say it all the time, but I love coming here because these are a great bunch of guys," Busch said, according to mlive.com. "I like to come to Berlin not just to race, but to see the competitors, my friends like Brian Campbell, Johnny VanDoorn, Chase Elliott and Ross Kenseth. I like to see them and I like to see how they are progressing."
Denny Hamlin Plans Trip to Alaska
Just a day after the Toyota / Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway, Denny Hamlin will be in the far north, visiting a FedEx Express Hub in Anchorage, Alaska on June 25th. As a part of his visit, Hamlin will have a chance to learn the secrets of dog sled racing from current Iditarod champion Dallas Seavey. At the end of the day, Hamlin and Seavey will face off in a 100-yard dog sled race.
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
June 22nd, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CXXI
~~~~~~~~~~
Top News
by Jeff Wolfe
Watkins Glen Closing In On Multi-Year Sponsorship Deal for Sprint Cup Race
Watkins Glen International was left in the cold in when Heluva Good! backed out as the primary sponsor for the track's August 12th NASCAR Sprint Cup race back in February. But according to The Leader (http://www.the-leader.com/sports/x57807286/Printup-Were-close-to-inking-title-sponsor) there could be some good news on the horizon for the track that hosts one of the two road course races on the Sprint Cup circuit.
"I'd say there's a 90 percent chance that we are wrapped up and ready to rock-n-roll, so we're pretty close," Watkins Glen President Michael Printup said.
He warned that a contract has not been signed yet, but is optimistic that a multi-year deal can be reached with a consumer goods-focused company. Heluva Good! pulled out of its deal with Watkins Glen in February after being the primary sponsor for the Sprint Cup race from 2009 to 2011. The February backout didn't sit well with Printup.
"It really was the timing that bothered me," he said. "It was just the way that Heluva Good! did what they did, in leaving us without any notice or anything . . . just the timing of trying to knock on doors in February, when you're six months away, is very difficult."
Printup said he and Watkins Glen officials have worked hard to find sponsorship. They were optimistic enough to turn down some one-year offers to try and find a multi-year deal.
"It's a matter of knocking on the right door," he said. "We got a lot of deals out there, we got a lot of calls back, but we've got one serious contender at this point."
The track was scheduled to announce a partnership with the Corning Museum of Glass Thursday. Budweiser was the primary sponsor for the Watkins Glen Sprint Cup race from 1986 to 1998. Since then, there have been several sponsors for the race.
Marcos Ambrose won his first Sprint Cup race at Watkins Glen last year.
Chicagoland Speedway Hopes New Logo, New Food Items Help Lure More Fans
Chicagoland Speedway is about an hour drive from Chicago, about 60 miles south of the Second City in Joliet, Illinois. However the speedway's new logo and a deal to bring on more Chicago style food shows the track is making an appeal to bring in more fans from the Chicago area. According to CBSSports.com, the new logo features the Chicago skyline.
"As we kickoff our 11th year as NASCAR's home in Chicago, we are proud to host two major event weekends of racing for one of the most watched and attended sports in the country," Chicagoland Speedway President Scott Paddock said. "Each year we welcome thousands of guests from all 50 states and several different countries who expect to see elements of Chicago when they come to an event at our facility, and we intend to deliver on that."
Additionally, officials announced the speedway has reached a deal with Levy Restaurants to bring more of a Chicago flavor to the track.
"In addition to our new branding, we're proud to have our partners at Levy Restaurants, a long-time staple of the Chicago sports and restaurant scene, committed to enhancing the food and beverage experience by bringing classic Chicago foods and introducing signature offerings to the Speedway. Their expertise will allow fans to experience one of the world's greatest cities each time they visit."
Some menu items are expected to include a Chicago-style hotdog, an Italian beef sandwich, Blueberry Moonshine, the chicken and waffle sandwich, a brisket slider and the Intimidator Dog.
Chicagoland will host the first race of NASCAR's 10-race Sprint Cup Series Chase for the Championship on September 16th. Last year's winner was Tony Stewart, who used the victory to help him take the 2011 Sprint Cup title.
Regan Smith Gets a Road Racing Tutorial From Rick Carelli
Regan Smith and his Furniture Row Racing team did a little extra work this week to help the driver of the No. 78 Chevrolet with his road course race at Sonoma Sunday. Smith received some road course lessons from Rick Carelli, also known as the High Plains Drifter because of his feats at the High Plains Raceway, a road course near Denver the location of Front Row Furniture's shop.
"They even have a corner named after Rick at High Plains Raceway," Smith said. "It's pretty neat that we have a road-course facility fairly close to our Denver shop, and to have Rick offering his expertise is a bonus."
Smith is hoping to improve on his 16th-place finish at Sonoma last year, his best finish in six road course races. Carelli, who raced in the Camping World Truck Series in 1995 thinks there is an opportunity for that to happen.
"If you don't like road racing chances are you're not going to do well at it," Carelli said. "But that's not the case with Regan. He is a good student and welcomes the challenge to improve his road-racing skills. I am looking for a solid weekend out of this Furniture Row Racing team."
Smith currently sits 25th in the NASCAR Sprint Cup points standings and does not have a top-10 finish this season.
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
Kyle Busch Beats Chase Elliot in ARCA / Super Series Race
For the past four years, Kyle Busch has made the trek to Marne, Michigan after the Sprint Cup Series stop at Michigan International Speedway for the ARCA/Super Series Rowdy 251 at Berlin Raceway. On Tuesday, he took the checkered flag at Berlin for the third consecutive year, finishing just ahead of Chase Elliot, son of Bill Elliot. For his efforts, Busch earned $18,000 dollars.
"I say it all the time, but I love coming here because these are a great bunch of guys," Busch said, according to mlive.com. "I like to come to Berlin not just to race, but to see the competitors, my friends like Brian Campbell, Johnny VanDoorn, Chase Elliott and Ross Kenseth. I like to see them and I like to see how they are progressing."
Denny Hamlin Plans Trip to Alaska
Just a day after the Toyota / Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway, Denny Hamlin will be in the far north, visiting a FedEx Express Hub in Anchorage, Alaska on June 25th. As a part of his visit, Hamlin will have a chance to learn the secrets of dog sled racing from current Iditarod champion Dallas Seavey. At the end of the day, Hamlin and Seavey will face off in a 100-yard dog sled race.
~~~~~~~~~~
COME JOIN THE FRONTSTRETCH FAMILY!
If you are interested, contact frontstretcheditors@googlegroups.com. Please include references to your past work in your e-mail.
~~~~~~~~~~
Keepin' It Short: Remembering a Fallen Snowmobiler
by Mike Neff
State Park Speedway put on a special race for a special friend on Thursday night. Flip Merwin was a snowmobile racer who passed away from injuries suffered during a race accident in 2003 at the Eagle River World Championship Snowmobile Derby. Since the Wimmer family purchased State Park Speedway they've held the Merwin Memorial race and it has continued to grow every year. This season's race features a winner's purse of $2,525. The number 525 was Merwin's number on his snowmobile and the number is prominent throughout the speedway during the event.
The race is a two segment event with a 52 lap segment followed by a 25 lap segment. The race is for Super Late Model cars.
"Each year since we've owned the track the Flip Merwin Memorial Race has been one of the biggest events of the year," said Owner Ron Wimmer, "Flip was a friend of our family and a great guy and it's been awesome to see the people that continue to come out to this race and remember him."
The track supporters, including River Valley State Bank, helped improve the purse for the Memorial race. River Valley added a $500 bonus to the Super Late Model race and doubled the winnings for the support division winners. After River Valley's generosity, a few other supports came on board--DeLisle Construction, Bartelt Insurance, ESPN Radio, and Curt Keene--to make the 77-lap Super Late Model Feature $2,525 to win.
"Flip was one of my best friends growing up," said Owner Scott Wimmer, "It's a very special night for his family and my family and I'm just happy we've been able to make this race so great. When you can walk around the track and see 525 everywhere it's a special feeling."
Scott Wimmer, a name familiar to NASCAR fans, is part of the family who owns the race track and was a friend of Merwin.
"This just goes to show the awesome sponsors and supports we have out at State Park Speedway," Scott Wimmer said. "To have companies like River Valley that want to get so involved is amazing and for us to be able to give a little more to all the drivers definitely helps out."
There are memorial races across America every weekend and each one has a special story. The Flip Merwin Memorial is a special example of asphalt racers helping out someone from a completely different discipline. The fans showed up in such numbers that they had to be shuttled to the track from remote parking locations. In the end, it is all about sharing and giving, and State Park Speedway gave a ton on Thursday night.
Whelen All-American National Points Standings
Position Name Races Wins Top 5s Top 10s Total Points
1. Anthony Anders 29 2 17 27 550
2. CE Falk III 16 9 13 15 515
3. Nate Monteith 17 5 12 14 503
4. Ryan Preece 18 5 11 15 497
5. Deac McCaskill 15 10 14 15 486
6. Ted Christopher 19 3 14 15 485
7. Keith Rocco 18 6 10 12 468
8. Matt Bowling 17 1 12 15 457
9. Lee Pulliam 13 7 10 11 439
10. Duane Howard 10 6 9 10 402
ASA National Point Standings
Position Name Average Points
1. Shelby Stroebel 2.0283
2. Mike Slone 1.8658
3. Michael Hale 1.7488
4. Speedy Faucette 1.6334
5. Barry Beggarly 1.6074
6. Wayne Webb 1.2793
7. Lance Gatlin 0.8359
8. Mark Mackesy 0.7918
This Weekend's Racing Schedule
Fri : June 22nd – Beebe Speedway ; Beebe : AR – Comp Cams Super Late Models
Fri : June 22nd – Ocean Speedway ; Watsonville : CA – Taco Bravo Ocean Sprints
Fri : June 22nd – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 2nd Annual Valenti Modified Racing Series Late Models
Fri : June 22nd – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 2nd Annual Valenti Modified Racing Series Limited Late Models
Fri : June 22nd – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 2nd Annual Valenti Modified Racing Series of New England
Fri : June 22nd – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 2nd Annual Valenti Modified Racing Series SK Lights
Fri : June 22nd – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 2nd Annual Valenti Modified Racing Series SK Modifieds
Fri : June 22nd – Five Flags Speedway ; Pensacola : FL – Blizzard Series Super Late Models
Fri : June 22nd – Tri-City Speedway ; Pontoon Beach : IL – Hell Tour DIRTCar Late Models Summer Nationals
Fri : June 22nd – Tri-City Speedway ; Pontoon Beach : IL – DIRTCar Summit UMP Modified Nationals
Fri : June 22nd – Gas City I-69 Speedway ; Gas City : IN – USAC Midwest Focus Midgets
Fri : June 22nd – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets
Fri : June 22nd – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Legends
Fri : June 22nd – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Roadsters
Fri : June 22nd – Iowa Speedway ; Newton : IA – USAC MOPAR National Midgets
Fri : June 22nd – Iowa Speedway ; Newton : IA – USAC Silver Crown
Fri : June 22nd – Dodge City Raceway Park ; Dodge City : KS – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Fri : June 22nd – Humboldt Speedway ; Humboldt : KS – USMTS National Championship Series Modifieds
Fri : June 22nd – Hartford Motor Speedway ; Hartford : MI – Michigan Dirt Cup Late Models
Fri : June 22nd – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – USRA Modifieds
Fri : June 22nd – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – UMSS Sprint Cars
Fri : June 22nd – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – IMCA Stock Cars
Fri : June 22nd – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds
Fri : June 22nd – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Street Stocks
Fri : June 22nd – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Late Models
Fri : June 22nd – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Modifieds
Fri : June 22nd – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Street Stocks
Fri : June 22nd – Valley Speedway ; Grain Valley : MO – United Late Model Association Late Models
Fri : June 22nd – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Late Models
Fri : June 22nd – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Modifieds
Fri : June 22nd – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Street Stocks
Fri : June 22nd – Salina Highbanks ; Salina : OK – Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Fri : June 22nd – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – 358 Modifieds
Fri : June 22nd – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Sportsman
Fri : June 22nd – Autodrome Granby ; Granby : Quebec – World of Outlaws Late Models
Fri : June 22nd – Cherokee Speedway ; Gaffney : SC – Lucas Oil Late Models
Fri : June 22nd – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Sprint Cars
Fri : June 22nd – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Street Stocks
Fri : June 22nd – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Super Stocks
Fri : June 22nd – Boyd Speedway ; Boyd : TX – Sprint Series of Texas
Fri : June 22nd – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : June 22nd – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : June 22nd – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Stock
Fri : June 22nd – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Street Stock
Fri : June 22nd – Langlade Speedway ; Antigo : WI – Late Models
Fri : June 22nd – Langlade Speedway ; Antigo : WI – Modifieds
Fri : June 22nd – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Fri : June 22nd – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Sprint Cars
Fri : June 22nd – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Street Stock
Fri : June 22nd – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : June 22nd – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : June 22nd – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – IRA Outlaw Sprint Cars
Sat : June 23rd – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Miller Lite Super Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Super Stock Trucks
Sat : June 23rd – 67 Speedway ; Texarkana : AR – Comp Cams Super Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – 305 Winged Sprints
Sat : June 23rd – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – 360 Winged Sprints
Sat : June 23rd – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – All American Speedway ; Roseville : CA – NCMA Sprints
Sat : June 23rd – Infineon Raceway ; Sonoma : CA – NASCAR K&N Pro East Series
Sat : June 23rd – Santa Maria Speedway ; Santa Maria : CA – USAC 360 Sprints
Sat : June 23rd – Waterford Speedbowl ; Waterford : CT – NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour
Sat : June 23rd – Auburndale Speedway ; Winter Haven : FL – Florida United Promoters Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Bubba Raceway Park ; Ocala : FL – Florida Mini-Sprint Association
Sat : June 23rd – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – Open Wheel Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – East Bay Raceway ; Gibsonton : FL – Top Gun Sprint Series
Sat : June 23rd – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Pro Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Sportsman
Sat : June 23rd – Punta Gorda Speedway ; Punta Gorda : FL – Super Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – New Senoia Raceway ; Senoia : GA – Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Waycross Motor Speedway ; Waycross : GA – National Late Model Series
Sat : June 23rd – Fairbury Speedway ; Fairbury : IL – Hell Tour DIRTCar Late Models Summer Nationals
Sat : June 23rd – Fairbury Speedway ; Fairbury : IL – DIRTCar Summit UMP Modified Nationals
Sat : June 23rd – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Limited Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – Anderson Speedway ; Anderson : IN – Top Speed Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – Illiana Motor Speedway ; Shererville : IN – ASA Midwest Tour 11th Annual Elmer Musgrave Memorial 100
Sat : June 23rd – Montpelier Speedway ; Montpelier : IN – USAC Midwest Focus Midgets
Sat : June 23rd – Montpelier Speedway ; Montpelier : IN – Midwest Mini-Sprint Association
Sat : June 23rd – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Sportsman
Sat : June 23rd – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Street Stocks
Sat : June 23rd – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets Figure 8
Sat : June 23rd – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Late Model Figure 8
Sat : June 23rd – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Stocks Figure 8
Sat : June 23rd – Winchester Speedway ; Winchester : IN – CRA Super Series
Sat : June 23rd – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Stock Cars
Sat : June 23rd – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Sport Mods
Sat : June 23rd – Dodge City Raceway Park ; Dodge City : KS – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sat : June 23rd – Boothill Speedway ; Shreveport : LA – Ark-La-Tex Winged Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Outlaws
Sat : June 23rd – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Rebels
Sat : June 23rd – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Strictly Stock
Sat : June 23rd – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – Armed Forces Appreciation Night Three State Flyers Shootout Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – Armed Forces Appreciation Night 5th Annual Red Nininger Memorial Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – Armed Forces Appreciation Night Pure Stocks
Sat : June 23rd – Flat Rock Speedway ; Flat Rock : MI – ARCA Gold Cup
Sat : June 23rd – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Outlaw Super Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Super Stocks
Sat : June 23rd – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Pro Stocks
Sat : June 23rd – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Midseason Points Race Wissota Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Midseason Points Race Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Midseason Points Race Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : June 23rd – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Midseason Points Race Wissota Super Stocks
Sat : June 23rd – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Midseason Points Race USRA Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : June 23rd – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Super Stocks
Sat : June 23rd – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Super Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – NeSmith Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Street Stocks
Sat : June 23rd – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Central Bank Night at the Races ASA Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Central Bank Night at the Races Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Central Bank Night at the Races Sportsman
Sat : June 23rd – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Central Bank Night at the Races Road Warriors
Sat : June 23rd – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Central Bank Night at the Races Chargers
Sat : June 23rd – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Cars
Sat : June 23rd – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – WAR Wingless Sprint Cars
Sat : June 23rd – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – B-Mods
Sat : June 23rd – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – United Late Model Association Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Valley Speedway ; Grain Valley : MO – USMTS National Championship Series Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – Junction Motor Speedway ; McCool Junction : NE – Super Late Model Racing Series
Sat : June 23rd – White Mountain Motorsports Park ; North Woodstock : NH – ACT Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – White Mountain Motorsports Park ; North Woodstock : NH – Senior Tour Auto Racers
Sat : June 23rd – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – Sportsman
Sat : June 23rd – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – Street Stocks
Sat : June 23rd – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – CARS Pro Cup Series
Sat : June 23rd – Concord Motorsports Park ; Concord : NC – Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – UARA Stars Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Allison Legacy Race Series
Sat : June 23rd – Scotia Speedworld ; Halifax : Nova Scotia – Parts for Trucks Pro Stocks
Sat : June 23rd – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Wissota Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Street Stocks
Sat : June 23rd – Delaware Speedway ; Delaware : Ontario – NASCAR Canadian Tire Series
Sat : June 23rd – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 410 Sprints
Sat : June 23rd – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 358 Sprints
Sat : June 23rd – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – Thundercars
Sat : June 23rd – Little Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Slingshots
Sat : June 23rd – Little Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Thunder Cars
Sat : June 23rd – Mahoning Valley Speedway ; Lehighton : PA – 4c Super Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Sport Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Factory Stocks
Sat : June 23rd – Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Motor Speedway ; Imperial : PA – Buckeye Outlaw Sprins
Sat : June 23rd – Shippensburg Speedway ; Shippensburg : PA – Sidewinder Sprints
Sat : June 23rd – Williams Grove Speedway ; Mechanicsburg : PA – Super Sportsman
Sat : June 23rd – L'Autodrome Chaudiere ; Vallee Junction : Quebec – PASS North Super Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Langley Speedway ; Hampton : VA – NASCAR K&N Pro East Series
Sat : June 23rd – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Limited Sportsman
Sat : June 23rd – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Street Stock
Sat : June 23rd – Wythe Raceway ; Rural Retreat : VA – Lucas Oil Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : June 23rd – Wilmot Raceway ; Wilmot : WI – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Sun : June 24th – Kokomo Speedway ; Kokomo : IN – Midwest Mini-Sprint Association
Sun : June 24th – Winchester Speedway ; Winchester : IN – ARCA Racing Series
Sun : June 24th – Highway 3 Raceway ; Allison : IA – Henrick Racing Figure 8s
Sun : June 24th – I-96 Speedway ; Lake Odessa : MI – Hell Tour DIRTCar Late Models Summer Nationals
Sun : June 24th – I-96 Speedway ; Lake Odessa : MI – DIRTCar Summit UMP Modified Nationals
Sun : June 24th – Legon Speedway ; Wentworth : NH – Sprint Cars of New England
Sun : June 24th – Thunder Mountain Speedway ; Bottineau : ND – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sun : June 24th – Thunder Mountain Speedway ; Bottineau : ND – Sport Stocks
Sun : June 24th – Cornwall Motor Speedway ; Cornwall : Ontario – World of Outlaws Late Models
Sun : June 24th – Grandview Speedway ; Bechtelsville : PA – North East Enduro Tour
Sun : June 24th – Angell Park Speedway ; Sun Prairie : WI – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Tue : June 26th – Belle-Clair Speedway ; Belleville : IL – Hell Tour DIRTCar Late Models Summer Nationals
Tue : June 26th – Belle-Clair Speedway ; Belleville : IL – DIRTCar Summit UMP Modified Nationals
Tue : June 26th – Canandaigua Speedway ; Canandaigua : NY – World of Outlaws Late Models
Tue : June 26th – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – DIRT 358 Modifieds
Tue : June 26th – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – Street Stocks
Tue : June 26th – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – TQ Midgets
Wed : June 27th – Mineral City Speedway ; Fort Dodge : IA – USMTS Casey's Cup Qualifier
Wed : June 27th – Clarksville Speedway ; Clarksville : TN – Hell Tour DIRTCar Late Models Summer Nationals
Wed : June 27th – Clarksville Speedway ; Clarksville : TN – DIRTCar Summit UMP Modified Nationals
Thu : June 28th – Fairmont Raceway ; Fairmont : MN – USMTS National Championship Series Modifieds
Thu : June 28th – Van Wert Fairgrounds ; Van Wert : OH – Antique Auto Racing Association
Thu : June 28th – Coos Bay International Speedway ; Coos Bay : OR – West Coast Vintage Racers
Thu : June 28th – Lernerville Speedway ; Sarver : PA – World of Outlaws Late Models
Thu : June 28th – Clay Hill Motorsports Park ; Atwood : TN – Hell Tour DIRTCar Late Models Summer Nationals
Thu : June 28th – Clay Hill Motorsports Park ; Atwood : TN – DIRTCar Summit UMP Modified Nationals
Thu : June 28th – Duck River Speedway ; Wheel : TN – Southern Regional Racing Series
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
Editor's Note: Frontstretch has a brand new, redesigned Facebook page. Click Here to "Like" Us and get a direct connect to all your Frontstretch favorites along with polls, interaction with fans and so much more.
~~~~~~~~~~
Fantasy Friday: Toyota / Save Mart 350
by Jeff Wolfe
It's all different this week. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to Sonoma, Calif., for the first of its two road races of the year. That means there will be some different drivers in the field this week, too, as the so-called road course ringers will be in play. And they will be a threat to win, too, because they understand just how to make the right turns work with left turns.
They also understand that driving a Sprint Cup car on the road course is a little different than the lighter and easier handling models they are accustomed too. Unlike with sports cars and open wheel cars, the Sprint Cup cars allow drivers to nudge slower cars in front of them out of the way. Some are better at that than others, so, for sure, during the race on driver radios, and maybe even after the race, we're going to hear some California whining, which will be appropriate since the track sits in the middle of California wine country.
To be good on this track, you have to understand the car your driving, and also maybe be a little bit of a bully here and there. If not, then it's a lot of follow the leader with restarts being the best--and one of the few--chances to make passes.
Top 5 Picks
Jeff Gordon - He's got five wins here and this may be his best chance to put himself in the midst of the wild-card hunt in the race to make the Chase for the Championship as he sits 20th in points.
Tony Stewart - He's still got a bit of that bully mentality in him, which is a compliment when it comes to racing on road courses. He's also got two wins and four top 5s at Sonoma and could be the first driver to win three races this season.
Juan Pablo Montoya - He may be the most skilled Sprint Cup regular when it comes to road courses. The former Formula One and Indy Car driver understands the road courses and does have a win at Sonoma and also isn't afraid to use bumper on slower cars if necessary.
Marcos Ambrose - He doesn't have a win here, but he'll be one of the favorites with his vast road course racing experience and his first career victory last August at Watkins Glen
Boris Said - This one for the Said Heads out there. There's only two races a year where he can be a legitimate pick, so we might as well go for it.
Shoulda, woulda, coulda - Robby Gordon. While he's not yet officially considered a road course ringer, he's pretty close to it. He's also not afraid to stick his car's nose into another's bumper to make a clear path to the next car. He does have a Sprint Cup win at Sonoma. He could either win it, or be so out of control, end up placing 30 something.
ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP
Here's a look at how last week's picks fared at Michigan.
Dale Earnhardt, Jr: 1st. I pretty much told you this was going to happen, like it or not.
Matt Kenseth: 3rd. He's been strong all year and a Roush-Fenway car at Michigan is never a bad choice.
Greg Biffle: 4th. See previous comment.
Tony Stewart: 2nd. Couldn't quite cover Junior, but a good day for the No. 14
Denny Hamlin: 34th. He had a wreck, then caught fire, just not his day.
Season Stats
75 Predictions
8 wins
28 top 5s
35 top 10s
Grade for the week: A-. Back on the winning track now, so to speak. Stewart challenged Junior for a while, but clearly wasn't as good. Kenseth and Biffle, with their history at Michigan, were must picks as well. Glad Hamlin didn't get burned by the fire. Good job by some other teams' crews helping get the fire out before it was out of control.
One Last Thing: The last road course ringer to win a Sprint Cup Series road course event was Delaware County, Pennsylvania's own Mark Donohue at Riverside in 1973.
Jeff Wolfe is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at jeff.wolfe@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
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.
~~~~~~~~~~
Frontstretch Folio: Toyota / Save Mart 350
by Nick Schwartz
This weekend, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to sunny California and the Sonoma Raceway for the Toyota / Save Mart 350. Sunday's race is the 16th of the 2012 season and will be broadcast live Sunday, June 24th, at 3:00 PM EDT on TNT and 2:00 PM EDT on MRN Radio. The race is scheduled to last 110 laps around the 1.99-mile circuit.
Records and Facts
Kurt Busch is the defending winner at Sonoma—he won his first Sprint Cup Series event on a road course in 2011—and he beat out none other than Jeff Gordon to take the checkered flag. Kurt joined his younger brother Kyle as a past winner of the event, as Kyle won at Sonoma in 2008.
Jeff Gordon holds the track qualifying record, with a lap of 94.235 sec at 75.950 mph during qualifying for the 2005 Dodge / Save Mart 350. Gordon finished 33rd in the race after leading 32 of 110 laps. Gordon holds the record for most wins at Sonoma with five, and he'll be a favorite to add to that total this weekend. Gordon, who once won three straight from 1998 to 2000, hasn't won at Sonoma since 2006.
Track Facts
Track/Race Length: 1.99-mile road course, 110 laps (218.9 miles)
Grandstand Seating: 47,000
VIPs
Grand Marshal / Command: Former MLB Manager Tony La Russa
National Anthem: The University of California Marching Band
Pre-race Schedule
Practice: Friday, June 22, 3:00 – 4:35 PM ET, on SPEED
Saturday, June 25, 12:30 – 1:15 PM ET, will air on SPEED at 2:30 PM ET
Qualifying: Friday, June 22, 6:30 PM EST, will air on SPEED at 11:00 PM EST
Happy Hour: Saturday, June 23, 1:45 – 3:00 PM ET, will air on SPEED at 11:00 PM EST
Race Day Forecast
Sunday: Sunny, 0% chance of rain
High: 74
Low: 47
They Said It
"I'm looking forward to Sonoma. I love road racing, it's a lot of fun. The thing I don't like about it is the restarts. Everybody gets bunched up going in the corner, people are in the grass, people are everywhere. Restarts are rough, but other than that I really enjoy it and I'm looking for a top-five finish. I guarantee there will be action this weekend." -Greg Biffle
"It's important for this FedEx team to bounce back with a good finish this weekend. We want to make sure we stay in the top-five or six in points in the next few weeks to make sure we can go for race wins and get the bonus points as the Chase approaches. Michigan was obviously a disappointment for us, but we had a fast car at Sonoma last year and led some laps. Hopefully we can do that again on Sunday and get a good finish for this team." -Denny Hamlin
"I love road racing. Sonoma is obviously very close to my hometown in Bakersfield, Calif., so you get a lot of family and friends that come out, but just the change of pace is something that I enjoy. I grew up racing go-karts on road courses so going to Sonoma and getting to race one of the two road courses we have on the schedule during the year should be fun." -Kevin Harvick
Nick Schwartz is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at nick.schwartz@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Boob Tube: How Television Is Bringing NASCAR Down
by Amy Henderson
Four Burning Questions: Earnhardt Revenue, Blown Engines, and Rough Road Courses
by Summer Bedgood
With Bristol, Perhaps There Is Room For Compromise
by Jeff Meyer
Road Racing the Lottery for Stock Car Racing's Development Ladder
by Bryan Davis Keith
IndyCar Preview: Iowa Corn Indy 250
by Matt Stallknecht
Formula 1 Friday: Tracks of My Years
by Andy Hollis
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: In 1998, Jerry Nadeau qualified second for the Save Mart/Kragen 350k. That was the height of his weekend as everything went downhill from there. What happened?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: In the first few years that the Sprint Cup Series made the trip out to then-Sears Point Raceway, there was a rash of unusual crashes both during the race and in practice sessions. Derrike Cope had one of these unusual crashes in Saturday practice for the Banquet Frozen Foods 300k in 1990. What happened?
A: Footage is a bit shaky, but it appeared that Cope cut a rear tire in the Esses. Cope was weaving back and forth before spinning out in Turn 10. The Purolator Chevrolet went into the tires rear first and promptly rolled over onto its roof. ESPN had an in-car camera in Cope's car and captured the crash. The footage aired during pre-race coverage at the 3:15 mark of this clip.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: Take the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
~~~~~~~~~~
Coming Monday in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Toyota / Save Mart 350 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: Toyota / Save Mart 350 by Matt McLaughlin
Matt will be here with his overall thoughts about the action from Sunday afternoon's road course race from Sonoma.
Monday Morning Teardown by TBA
A website look at one of the big stories from Sunday's race from Sonoma.
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 Sonoma.
Big Six: Toyota / Save Mart 350 by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving Sunday's event at Sonoma? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing.
Pace Laps: Sonoma / Road America 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 Sonoma and Road America.
Nationwide Breakdown: Sargento 200 by Bryan Davis Keither
Bryan has all the post-race analysis you need following Saturday afternoon's Nationwide Series race from Road America in Lake Elkhart, Wisconsin.
IZOD IndyCar Race Recap: Iowa Corn Indy 250 by Toni Montgomery
Matt has all of the post race analysis you need following Saturday night's IZOD IndyCar Series race from Iowa.
-----------------------------
Talk back to the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Got something to say about an article you've seen in the newsletter? It's as easy as replying directly to this message or sending an email to editors@frontstretch.com. We'll take the best comments and publish them here!
©2012 Frontstretch.com
COME JOIN THE FRONTSTRETCH FAMILY!
Hey Frontstretch Readers,
We are looking for someone who shares our enthusiasm for NASCAR and has an experienced background in web design. Specifically, we are looking for someone who can help maintain and enhance our website, increase our SEO, and upgrade our publishing platform while producing a limited amount of content throughout the season. This job presents a perfect opportunity for someone with a technical background, a person who wants their work to gain national exposure.
~~~~~~~~~~
Keepin' It Short: Remembering a Fallen Snowmobiler
by Mike Neff
State Park Speedway put on a special race for a special friend on Thursday night. Flip Merwin was a snowmobile racer who passed away from injuries suffered during a race accident in 2003 at the Eagle River World Championship Snowmobile Derby. Since the Wimmer family purchased State Park Speedway they've held the Merwin Memorial race and it has continued to grow every year. This season's race features a winner's purse of $2,525. The number 525 was Merwin's number on his snowmobile and the number is prominent throughout the speedway during the event.
The race is a two segment event with a 52 lap segment followed by a 25 lap segment. The race is for Super Late Model cars.
"Each year since we've owned the track the Flip Merwin Memorial Race has been one of the biggest events of the year," said Owner Ron Wimmer, "Flip was a friend of our family and a great guy and it's been awesome to see the people that continue to come out to this race and remember him."
The track supporters, including River Valley State Bank, helped improve the purse for the Memorial race. River Valley added a $500 bonus to the Super Late Model race and doubled the winnings for the support division winners. After River Valley's generosity, a few other supports came on board--DeLisle Construction, Bartelt Insurance, ESPN Radio, and Curt Keene--to make the 77-lap Super Late Model Feature $2,525 to win.
"Flip was one of my best friends growing up," said Owner Scott Wimmer, "It's a very special night for his family and my family and I'm just happy we've been able to make this race so great. When you can walk around the track and see 525 everywhere it's a special feeling."
Scott Wimmer, a name familiar to NASCAR fans, is part of the family who owns the race track and was a friend of Merwin.
"This just goes to show the awesome sponsors and supports we have out at State Park Speedway," Scott Wimmer said. "To have companies like River Valley that want to get so involved is amazing and for us to be able to give a little more to all the drivers definitely helps out."
There are memorial races across America every weekend and each one has a special story. The Flip Merwin Memorial is a special example of asphalt racers helping out someone from a completely different discipline. The fans showed up in such numbers that they had to be shuttled to the track from remote parking locations. In the end, it is all about sharing and giving, and State Park Speedway gave a ton on Thursday night.
Whelen All-American National Points Standings
Position Name Races Wins Top 5s Top 10s Total Points
1. Anthony Anders 29 2 17 27 550
2. CE Falk III 16 9 13 15 515
3. Nate Monteith 17 5 12 14 503
4. Ryan Preece 18 5 11 15 497
5. Deac McCaskill 15 10 14 15 486
6. Ted Christopher 19 3 14 15 485
7. Keith Rocco 18 6 10 12 468
8. Matt Bowling 17 1 12 15 457
9. Lee Pulliam 13 7 10 11 439
10. Duane Howard 10 6 9 10 402
ASA National Point Standings
Position Name Average Points
1. Shelby Stroebel 2.0283
2. Mike Slone 1.8658
3. Michael Hale 1.7488
4. Speedy Faucette 1.6334
5. Barry Beggarly 1.6074
6. Wayne Webb 1.2793
7. Lance Gatlin 0.8359
8. Mark Mackesy 0.7918
This Weekend's Racing Schedule
Fri : June 22nd – Beebe Speedway ; Beebe : AR – Comp Cams Super Late Models
Fri : June 22nd – Ocean Speedway ; Watsonville : CA – Taco Bravo Ocean Sprints
Fri : June 22nd – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 2nd Annual Valenti Modified Racing Series Late Models
Fri : June 22nd – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 2nd Annual Valenti Modified Racing Series Limited Late Models
Fri : June 22nd – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 2nd Annual Valenti Modified Racing Series of New England
Fri : June 22nd – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 2nd Annual Valenti Modified Racing Series SK Lights
Fri : June 22nd – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 2nd Annual Valenti Modified Racing Series SK Modifieds
Fri : June 22nd – Five Flags Speedway ; Pensacola : FL – Blizzard Series Super Late Models
Fri : June 22nd – Tri-City Speedway ; Pontoon Beach : IL – Hell Tour DIRTCar Late Models Summer Nationals
Fri : June 22nd – Tri-City Speedway ; Pontoon Beach : IL – DIRTCar Summit UMP Modified Nationals
Fri : June 22nd – Gas City I-69 Speedway ; Gas City : IN – USAC Midwest Focus Midgets
Fri : June 22nd – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets
Fri : June 22nd – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Legends
Fri : June 22nd – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Roadsters
Fri : June 22nd – Iowa Speedway ; Newton : IA – USAC MOPAR National Midgets
Fri : June 22nd – Iowa Speedway ; Newton : IA – USAC Silver Crown
Fri : June 22nd – Dodge City Raceway Park ; Dodge City : KS – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Fri : June 22nd – Humboldt Speedway ; Humboldt : KS – USMTS National Championship Series Modifieds
Fri : June 22nd – Hartford Motor Speedway ; Hartford : MI – Michigan Dirt Cup Late Models
Fri : June 22nd – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – USRA Modifieds
Fri : June 22nd – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – UMSS Sprint Cars
Fri : June 22nd – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – IMCA Stock Cars
Fri : June 22nd – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds
Fri : June 22nd – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Street Stocks
Fri : June 22nd – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Late Models
Fri : June 22nd – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Modifieds
Fri : June 22nd – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Street Stocks
Fri : June 22nd – Valley Speedway ; Grain Valley : MO – United Late Model Association Late Models
Fri : June 22nd – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Late Models
Fri : June 22nd – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Modifieds
Fri : June 22nd – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Street Stocks
Fri : June 22nd – Salina Highbanks ; Salina : OK – Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Fri : June 22nd – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – 358 Modifieds
Fri : June 22nd – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Sportsman
Fri : June 22nd – Autodrome Granby ; Granby : Quebec – World of Outlaws Late Models
Fri : June 22nd – Cherokee Speedway ; Gaffney : SC – Lucas Oil Late Models
Fri : June 22nd – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Sprint Cars
Fri : June 22nd – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Street Stocks
Fri : June 22nd – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Super Stocks
Fri : June 22nd – Boyd Speedway ; Boyd : TX – Sprint Series of Texas
Fri : June 22nd – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : June 22nd – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : June 22nd – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Stock
Fri : June 22nd – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Street Stock
Fri : June 22nd – Langlade Speedway ; Antigo : WI – Late Models
Fri : June 22nd – Langlade Speedway ; Antigo : WI – Modifieds
Fri : June 22nd – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Fri : June 22nd – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Sprint Cars
Fri : June 22nd – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Street Stock
Fri : June 22nd – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : June 22nd – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : June 22nd – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – IRA Outlaw Sprint Cars
Sat : June 23rd – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Miller Lite Super Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Super Stock Trucks
Sat : June 23rd – 67 Speedway ; Texarkana : AR – Comp Cams Super Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – 305 Winged Sprints
Sat : June 23rd – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – 360 Winged Sprints
Sat : June 23rd – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – All American Speedway ; Roseville : CA – NCMA Sprints
Sat : June 23rd – Infineon Raceway ; Sonoma : CA – NASCAR K&N Pro East Series
Sat : June 23rd – Santa Maria Speedway ; Santa Maria : CA – USAC 360 Sprints
Sat : June 23rd – Waterford Speedbowl ; Waterford : CT – NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour
Sat : June 23rd – Auburndale Speedway ; Winter Haven : FL – Florida United Promoters Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Bubba Raceway Park ; Ocala : FL – Florida Mini-Sprint Association
Sat : June 23rd – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – Open Wheel Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – East Bay Raceway ; Gibsonton : FL – Top Gun Sprint Series
Sat : June 23rd – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Pro Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Sportsman
Sat : June 23rd – Punta Gorda Speedway ; Punta Gorda : FL – Super Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – New Senoia Raceway ; Senoia : GA – Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Waycross Motor Speedway ; Waycross : GA – National Late Model Series
Sat : June 23rd – Fairbury Speedway ; Fairbury : IL – Hell Tour DIRTCar Late Models Summer Nationals
Sat : June 23rd – Fairbury Speedway ; Fairbury : IL – DIRTCar Summit UMP Modified Nationals
Sat : June 23rd – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Limited Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – Anderson Speedway ; Anderson : IN – Top Speed Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – Illiana Motor Speedway ; Shererville : IN – ASA Midwest Tour 11th Annual Elmer Musgrave Memorial 100
Sat : June 23rd – Montpelier Speedway ; Montpelier : IN – USAC Midwest Focus Midgets
Sat : June 23rd – Montpelier Speedway ; Montpelier : IN – Midwest Mini-Sprint Association
Sat : June 23rd – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Sportsman
Sat : June 23rd – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Street Stocks
Sat : June 23rd – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets Figure 8
Sat : June 23rd – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Late Model Figure 8
Sat : June 23rd – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Stocks Figure 8
Sat : June 23rd – Winchester Speedway ; Winchester : IN – CRA Super Series
Sat : June 23rd – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Stock Cars
Sat : June 23rd – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Sport Mods
Sat : June 23rd – Dodge City Raceway Park ; Dodge City : KS – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sat : June 23rd – Boothill Speedway ; Shreveport : LA – Ark-La-Tex Winged Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Outlaws
Sat : June 23rd – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Rebels
Sat : June 23rd – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Strictly Stock
Sat : June 23rd – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – Armed Forces Appreciation Night Three State Flyers Shootout Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – Armed Forces Appreciation Night 5th Annual Red Nininger Memorial Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – Armed Forces Appreciation Night Pure Stocks
Sat : June 23rd – Flat Rock Speedway ; Flat Rock : MI – ARCA Gold Cup
Sat : June 23rd – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Outlaw Super Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Super Stocks
Sat : June 23rd – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Pro Stocks
Sat : June 23rd – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Midseason Points Race Wissota Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Midseason Points Race Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Midseason Points Race Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : June 23rd – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Midseason Points Race Wissota Super Stocks
Sat : June 23rd – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Midseason Points Race USRA Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : June 23rd – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Super Stocks
Sat : June 23rd – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Super Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – NeSmith Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Street Stocks
Sat : June 23rd – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Central Bank Night at the Races ASA Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Central Bank Night at the Races Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Central Bank Night at the Races Sportsman
Sat : June 23rd – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Central Bank Night at the Races Road Warriors
Sat : June 23rd – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Central Bank Night at the Races Chargers
Sat : June 23rd – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Cars
Sat : June 23rd – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – WAR Wingless Sprint Cars
Sat : June 23rd – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – B-Mods
Sat : June 23rd – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – United Late Model Association Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Valley Speedway ; Grain Valley : MO – USMTS National Championship Series Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – Junction Motor Speedway ; McCool Junction : NE – Super Late Model Racing Series
Sat : June 23rd – White Mountain Motorsports Park ; North Woodstock : NH – ACT Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – White Mountain Motorsports Park ; North Woodstock : NH – Senior Tour Auto Racers
Sat : June 23rd – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – Sportsman
Sat : June 23rd – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – Street Stocks
Sat : June 23rd – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – CARS Pro Cup Series
Sat : June 23rd – Concord Motorsports Park ; Concord : NC – Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – UARA Stars Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Allison Legacy Race Series
Sat : June 23rd – Scotia Speedworld ; Halifax : Nova Scotia – Parts for Trucks Pro Stocks
Sat : June 23rd – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Wissota Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Street Stocks
Sat : June 23rd – Delaware Speedway ; Delaware : Ontario – NASCAR Canadian Tire Series
Sat : June 23rd – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 410 Sprints
Sat : June 23rd – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 358 Sprints
Sat : June 23rd – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – Thundercars
Sat : June 23rd – Little Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Slingshots
Sat : June 23rd – Little Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Thunder Cars
Sat : June 23rd – Mahoning Valley Speedway ; Lehighton : PA – 4c Super Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Sport Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Factory Stocks
Sat : June 23rd – Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Motor Speedway ; Imperial : PA – Buckeye Outlaw Sprins
Sat : June 23rd – Shippensburg Speedway ; Shippensburg : PA – Sidewinder Sprints
Sat : June 23rd – Williams Grove Speedway ; Mechanicsburg : PA – Super Sportsman
Sat : June 23rd – L'Autodrome Chaudiere ; Vallee Junction : Quebec – PASS North Super Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Langley Speedway ; Hampton : VA – NASCAR K&N Pro East Series
Sat : June 23rd – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Limited Sportsman
Sat : June 23rd – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Street Stock
Sat : June 23rd – Wythe Raceway ; Rural Retreat : VA – Lucas Oil Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Late Models
Sat : June 23rd – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 23rd – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : June 23rd – Wilmot Raceway ; Wilmot : WI – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Sun : June 24th – Kokomo Speedway ; Kokomo : IN – Midwest Mini-Sprint Association
Sun : June 24th – Winchester Speedway ; Winchester : IN – ARCA Racing Series
Sun : June 24th – Highway 3 Raceway ; Allison : IA – Henrick Racing Figure 8s
Sun : June 24th – I-96 Speedway ; Lake Odessa : MI – Hell Tour DIRTCar Late Models Summer Nationals
Sun : June 24th – I-96 Speedway ; Lake Odessa : MI – DIRTCar Summit UMP Modified Nationals
Sun : June 24th – Legon Speedway ; Wentworth : NH – Sprint Cars of New England
Sun : June 24th – Thunder Mountain Speedway ; Bottineau : ND – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sun : June 24th – Thunder Mountain Speedway ; Bottineau : ND – Sport Stocks
Sun : June 24th – Cornwall Motor Speedway ; Cornwall : Ontario – World of Outlaws Late Models
Sun : June 24th – Grandview Speedway ; Bechtelsville : PA – North East Enduro Tour
Sun : June 24th – Angell Park Speedway ; Sun Prairie : WI – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Tue : June 26th – Belle-Clair Speedway ; Belleville : IL – Hell Tour DIRTCar Late Models Summer Nationals
Tue : June 26th – Belle-Clair Speedway ; Belleville : IL – DIRTCar Summit UMP Modified Nationals
Tue : June 26th – Canandaigua Speedway ; Canandaigua : NY – World of Outlaws Late Models
Tue : June 26th – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – DIRT 358 Modifieds
Tue : June 26th – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – Street Stocks
Tue : June 26th – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – TQ Midgets
Wed : June 27th – Mineral City Speedway ; Fort Dodge : IA – USMTS Casey's Cup Qualifier
Wed : June 27th – Clarksville Speedway ; Clarksville : TN – Hell Tour DIRTCar Late Models Summer Nationals
Wed : June 27th – Clarksville Speedway ; Clarksville : TN – DIRTCar Summit UMP Modified Nationals
Thu : June 28th – Fairmont Raceway ; Fairmont : MN – USMTS National Championship Series Modifieds
Thu : June 28th – Van Wert Fairgrounds ; Van Wert : OH – Antique Auto Racing Association
Thu : June 28th – Coos Bay International Speedway ; Coos Bay : OR – West Coast Vintage Racers
Thu : June 28th – Lernerville Speedway ; Sarver : PA – World of Outlaws Late Models
Thu : June 28th – Clay Hill Motorsports Park ; Atwood : TN – Hell Tour DIRTCar Late Models Summer Nationals
Thu : June 28th – Clay Hill Motorsports Park ; Atwood : TN – DIRTCar Summit UMP Modified Nationals
Thu : June 28th – Duck River Speedway ; Wheel : TN – Southern Regional Racing Series
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
Editor's Note: Frontstretch has a brand new, redesigned Facebook page. Click Here to "Like" Us and get a direct connect to all your Frontstretch favorites along with polls, interaction with fans and so much more.
~~~~~~~~~~
Fantasy Friday: Toyota / Save Mart 350
by Jeff Wolfe
It's all different this week. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to Sonoma, Calif., for the first of its two road races of the year. That means there will be some different drivers in the field this week, too, as the so-called road course ringers will be in play. And they will be a threat to win, too, because they understand just how to make the right turns work with left turns.
They also understand that driving a Sprint Cup car on the road course is a little different than the lighter and easier handling models they are accustomed too. Unlike with sports cars and open wheel cars, the Sprint Cup cars allow drivers to nudge slower cars in front of them out of the way. Some are better at that than others, so, for sure, during the race on driver radios, and maybe even after the race, we're going to hear some California whining, which will be appropriate since the track sits in the middle of California wine country.
To be good on this track, you have to understand the car your driving, and also maybe be a little bit of a bully here and there. If not, then it's a lot of follow the leader with restarts being the best--and one of the few--chances to make passes.
Top 5 Picks
Jeff Gordon - He's got five wins here and this may be his best chance to put himself in the midst of the wild-card hunt in the race to make the Chase for the Championship as he sits 20th in points.
Tony Stewart - He's still got a bit of that bully mentality in him, which is a compliment when it comes to racing on road courses. He's also got two wins and four top 5s at Sonoma and could be the first driver to win three races this season.
Juan Pablo Montoya - He may be the most skilled Sprint Cup regular when it comes to road courses. The former Formula One and Indy Car driver understands the road courses and does have a win at Sonoma and also isn't afraid to use bumper on slower cars if necessary.
Marcos Ambrose - He doesn't have a win here, but he'll be one of the favorites with his vast road course racing experience and his first career victory last August at Watkins Glen
Boris Said - This one for the Said Heads out there. There's only two races a year where he can be a legitimate pick, so we might as well go for it.
Shoulda, woulda, coulda - Robby Gordon. While he's not yet officially considered a road course ringer, he's pretty close to it. He's also not afraid to stick his car's nose into another's bumper to make a clear path to the next car. He does have a Sprint Cup win at Sonoma. He could either win it, or be so out of control, end up placing 30 something.
ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP
Here's a look at how last week's picks fared at Michigan.
Dale Earnhardt, Jr: 1st. I pretty much told you this was going to happen, like it or not.
Matt Kenseth: 3rd. He's been strong all year and a Roush-Fenway car at Michigan is never a bad choice.
Greg Biffle: 4th. See previous comment.
Tony Stewart: 2nd. Couldn't quite cover Junior, but a good day for the No. 14
Denny Hamlin: 34th. He had a wreck, then caught fire, just not his day.
Season Stats
75 Predictions
8 wins
28 top 5s
35 top 10s
Grade for the week: A-. Back on the winning track now, so to speak. Stewart challenged Junior for a while, but clearly wasn't as good. Kenseth and Biffle, with their history at Michigan, were must picks as well. Glad Hamlin didn't get burned by the fire. Good job by some other teams' crews helping get the fire out before it was out of control.
One Last Thing: The last road course ringer to win a Sprint Cup Series road course event was Delaware County, Pennsylvania's own Mark Donohue at Riverside in 1973.
Jeff Wolfe is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at jeff.wolfe@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
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.
~~~~~~~~~~
Frontstretch Folio: Toyota / Save Mart 350
by Nick Schwartz
This weekend, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to sunny California and the Sonoma Raceway for the Toyota / Save Mart 350. Sunday's race is the 16th of the 2012 season and will be broadcast live Sunday, June 24th, at 3:00 PM EDT on TNT and 2:00 PM EDT on MRN Radio. The race is scheduled to last 110 laps around the 1.99-mile circuit.
Records and Facts
Kurt Busch is the defending winner at Sonoma—he won his first Sprint Cup Series event on a road course in 2011—and he beat out none other than Jeff Gordon to take the checkered flag. Kurt joined his younger brother Kyle as a past winner of the event, as Kyle won at Sonoma in 2008.
Jeff Gordon holds the track qualifying record, with a lap of 94.235 sec at 75.950 mph during qualifying for the 2005 Dodge / Save Mart 350. Gordon finished 33rd in the race after leading 32 of 110 laps. Gordon holds the record for most wins at Sonoma with five, and he'll be a favorite to add to that total this weekend. Gordon, who once won three straight from 1998 to 2000, hasn't won at Sonoma since 2006.
Track Facts
Track/Race Length: 1.99-mile road course, 110 laps (218.9 miles)
Grandstand Seating: 47,000
VIPs
Grand Marshal / Command: Former MLB Manager Tony La Russa
National Anthem: The University of California Marching Band
Pre-race Schedule
Practice: Friday, June 22, 3:00 – 4:35 PM ET, on SPEED
Saturday, June 25, 12:30 – 1:15 PM ET, will air on SPEED at 2:30 PM ET
Qualifying: Friday, June 22, 6:30 PM EST, will air on SPEED at 11:00 PM EST
Happy Hour: Saturday, June 23, 1:45 – 3:00 PM ET, will air on SPEED at 11:00 PM EST
Race Day Forecast
Sunday: Sunny, 0% chance of rain
High: 74
Low: 47
They Said It
"I'm looking forward to Sonoma. I love road racing, it's a lot of fun. The thing I don't like about it is the restarts. Everybody gets bunched up going in the corner, people are in the grass, people are everywhere. Restarts are rough, but other than that I really enjoy it and I'm looking for a top-five finish. I guarantee there will be action this weekend." -Greg Biffle
"It's important for this FedEx team to bounce back with a good finish this weekend. We want to make sure we stay in the top-five or six in points in the next few weeks to make sure we can go for race wins and get the bonus points as the Chase approaches. Michigan was obviously a disappointment for us, but we had a fast car at Sonoma last year and led some laps. Hopefully we can do that again on Sunday and get a good finish for this team." -Denny Hamlin
"I love road racing. Sonoma is obviously very close to my hometown in Bakersfield, Calif., so you get a lot of family and friends that come out, but just the change of pace is something that I enjoy. I grew up racing go-karts on road courses so going to Sonoma and getting to race one of the two road courses we have on the schedule during the year should be fun." -Kevin Harvick
Nick Schwartz is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at nick.schwartz@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Boob Tube: How Television Is Bringing NASCAR Down
by Amy Henderson
Four Burning Questions: Earnhardt Revenue, Blown Engines, and Rough Road Courses
by Summer Bedgood
With Bristol, Perhaps There Is Room For Compromise
by Jeff Meyer
Road Racing the Lottery for Stock Car Racing's Development Ladder
by Bryan Davis Keith
IndyCar Preview: Iowa Corn Indy 250
by Matt Stallknecht
Formula 1 Friday: Tracks of My Years
by Andy Hollis
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: In 1998, Jerry Nadeau qualified second for the Save Mart/Kragen 350k. That was the height of his weekend as everything went downhill from there. What happened?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: In the first few years that the Sprint Cup Series made the trip out to then-Sears Point Raceway, there was a rash of unusual crashes both during the race and in practice sessions. Derrike Cope had one of these unusual crashes in Saturday practice for the Banquet Frozen Foods 300k in 1990. What happened?
A: Footage is a bit shaky, but it appeared that Cope cut a rear tire in the Esses. Cope was weaving back and forth before spinning out in Turn 10. The Purolator Chevrolet went into the tires rear first and promptly rolled over onto its roof. ESPN had an in-car camera in Cope's car and captured the crash. The footage aired during pre-race coverage at the 3:15 mark of this clip.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: Take the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
~~~~~~~~~~
Coming Monday in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Toyota / Save Mart 350 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: Toyota / Save Mart 350 by Matt McLaughlin
Matt will be here with his overall thoughts about the action from Sunday afternoon's road course race from Sonoma.
Monday Morning Teardown by TBA
A website look at one of the big stories from Sunday's race from Sonoma.
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 Sonoma.
Big Six: Toyota / Save Mart 350 by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving Sunday's event at Sonoma? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing.
Pace Laps: Sonoma / Road America 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 Sonoma and Road America.
Nationwide Breakdown: Sargento 200 by Bryan Davis Keither
Bryan has all the post-race analysis you need following Saturday afternoon's Nationwide Series race from Road America in Lake Elkhart, Wisconsin.
IZOD IndyCar Race Recap: Iowa Corn Indy 250 by Toni Montgomery
Matt has all of the post race analysis you need following Saturday night's IZOD IndyCar Series race from Iowa.
-----------------------------
Talk back to the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Got something to say about an article you've seen in the newsletter? It's as easy as replying directly to this message or sending an email to editors@frontstretch.com. We'll take the best comments and publish them here!
©2012 Frontstretch.com
Feel free to forward this newsletter if you have any friends who loves
NASCAR and great NASCAR commentary. They can subscribe to the Frontstetch by visiting http://www.frontstretch.com/notice/9557/.
If you want to stop your Frontstretch Newsletter subscription, we're sorry
to see you go. Just send an email to
TheFrontstretch+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com from the address that you
recieve the Frontstretch Newsletter.
No comments:
Post a Comment