THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
June 6th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CVII
~~~~~~~~~~
What To Watch: Wednesday
- NASCAR Sprint Cup teams will take to the track at Pocono a couple of days earlier than normal. Two extra days of testing have been added, for all teams prior to the start of opening practice Friday so everyone can get a handle on the newly repaved, 2.5-mile triangular-shaped facility. It's the first time new asphalt has been laid down at Pocono since 1996, changing the way in which drivers will attempt to race each lap. At a Goodyear tire test, held the end of April many claimed they could now run through one of the most difficult corners in all of racing, the Tunnel Turn, wide open; average times were also as much as seven-tenths of a second faster than the track record.
The first testing run will be for four hours, from noon to four on Wednesday afternoon with Sprint Cup Series Director John Darby among those making themselves available to the media.
- Eldora's dirt track will light up Wednesday night, with a plethora of popular racing names, from the much-ballyhooed Danica Patrick to track owner Tony Stewart participating in the 8th annual Prelude To The Dream. The midweek charity event, attracting drivers from several different motorsports disciplines includes qualifying, heat races, and a 40-lap main feature with all participants driving dirt late models. The half-mile dirt track, in existence for well over half-a-century presents a unique challenge for these superstars, a throwback to their roots once they started working their way up the racing ladder.
Clint Bowyer is the defending champion of the event, which has attracted an entry list of 26 drivers for 2012. The Prelude, televised live can be seen at 8:00 PM/ET on HBO Pay-Per View. Don't know how to order? Click here to find out all the necessary information based on your individual cable provider.
Prelude To The Dream Entry List:
Justin Allgaier, NASCAR Nationwide Series
Aric Almirola, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Dave Blaney, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Clint Bowyer, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Kurt Busch, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Kyle Busch, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Ron Capps, NHRA
Austin Dillon, NASCAR Nationwide Series
Ty Dillon, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
Bill Elliott, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (part-time)
Ray Evernham, former NASCAR crew chief / car owner
David Gilliland, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Kasey Kahne, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Tony Kanaan, IndyCar
Steve Kinser, World Of Outlaws
Bobby Labonte, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Jason Leffler, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
Ryan Newman, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Danica Patrick, NASCAR Nationwide Series
Cruz Pedregon, NHRA
Donny Schatz, World Of Outlaws
Ken Schrader, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Tony Stewart, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Kenny Wallace, NASCAR Nationwide Series / SPEED Commentator
J.J. Yeley, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
For a list of Prelude To The Dream pre-race quotes, click here.
Three-Way Driver Swap For Pocono After Busch Punishment
by Tom Bowles
Kurt Busch's suspension could breathe new life into David Reutimann's Sprint Cup career, at least for one week. The driver, who has been running for a combination of teams this season has been hired to drive the No. 51 Chevy in a one-race deal this weekend at Pocono. Phoenix Racing owner James Finch worked with Tommy Baldwin Racing to make this move, as Reutimann is under contract to drive the No. 10 for each event that Danica Patrick doesn't run the car number.
"I understand the position James was put in this week," explained car owner Tommy Baldwin. "As an owner of a small team, I wanted to help him out. We talked and thought that this lineup would be best for both of our teams."
Reutimann's departure puts Dave Blaney behind the wheel of Baldwin's No. 10 Chevy this weekend. Both that car and the No. 36, which will now be driven by Tony Raines remain unsponsored for this Sunday's event. Raines, a journeyman in NASCAR's top three divisions these days will make his first start in Sprint Cup since finishing 38th at Talladega Superspeedway in May. However, this weekend he will almost certainly park the second car; at this point, it's even unclear whether the "Danica No. 10" will run the distance. Both teams have over a full-race advantage in points on those trying to knock them out of NASCAR's "top 35," guaranteeing those owners a qualifying spot for the following Sprint Cup event.
Reutimann, who spent the previous five years running for Michael Waltrip Racing, has yet to score a top-20 finish this season in mostly underfunded equipment. He'll run the distance in the Phoenix Racing car, while Finch remains undetermined on the future beyond that. In an interview with SIRIUS XM Radio Tuesday morning, the car owner said he plans to meet with Busch and that any future association with the driver will be strictly on a "race-by-race" basis. (see below)
Top News
by Brad Morgan
Busch's Fate To Be Determined Next Week
Kurt Busch's short temper may have cost him more than the 10-day suspension that NASCAR handed down Monday; it could also mean his job at Phoenix Racing. The fiery driver's already stained reputation has continuously taken hits since last season's finale at Homestead-Miami, and car owner James Finch reiterated his displeasure with Busch's behavior in a radio interview Tuesday.
After being suspended by NASCAR following a verbal tirade, directed at the Sporting News' Bob Pockrass following Saturday's Nationwide Race at Dover, Busch now faces an in-person meeting with Finch on Tuesday. The car owner told SIRIUS XM Channel 90, as part of a wide-ranging interview that will inevitably determine his fate only 13 races into a one-year contact.
"We're going to meet in the next week and have a come-to-Jesus meeting," Finch proclaimed. "(Kurt) needs to either get his mind right or he's going to be working somewhere else."
The 2004 champion, who was already on the hot seat because of a series of incidents with Ryan Newman at Darlington last month, was suspended through June 13th and had his existing probation extended from July 25 to the remainder of the season as a result of his latest actions. Embroiled in controversy over the past 12 months, the driver has also struggled on-track; according to Finch, he's crashed 14 cars since the beginning of 2012, many of them beyond repair.
"Quit wrecking cars," the car owner said when asked what he'll tell Busch. "Be nice to people. That's not hard to do."
Due to Busch's suspension, David Reutimann will be behind the wheel of the No. 51 Chevrolet Impala for the Pocono 400 in a one-race deal, as previously explained. However, because the 42-year-old remains under contract with two other teams, Finch may need to look for an entirely new full-time driver if Busch is released.
Parties Settle in Diversity Lawsuit
A settlement has been reached in the racial discrimination lawsuit involving NASCAR and former Drive for Diversity applicant Michael Rodriguez. The sanctioning body was quickly dismissed as a defendant after the trial began on Monday, while the driver reached a settlement with fellow defendant Access Communications.
Rodriguez, who alleged that he was not allowed to participate in NASCAR's Drive For Diversity program because he was deemed "too Caucasian," filed the suit with the U.S. District Court on grounds that he was racially discriminated against on numerous occasions by program officials. The Pennsylvania native was never allowed seat time during the program's combine event, restricting him from earning a spot on the sport's specialty roster for minority talent. According to the previously mentioned report, attorneys representing both sides argued whether officials of Access or NASCAR had the final say in determining which drivers would be given the opportunity to try out and eventually race in a subsidiary series.
The details of the settlement weren't immediately released by the Rodriguez family or any of the attorneys involved in the trial, according to The Sporting News' Bob Pockrass. However, with the case finally closed the driver stated he now plans to compete in ARCA after being away from stock car competition for four years.
Biffle Set to Appear on Television Series
Greg Biffle's aggressive driving style and unique personality get him plenty of airtime during many of NASCAR's televised events. Now, he'll get a chance to display it on a national stage outside the sport. The Roush Fenway driver is set to appear on an episode of HISTORY's popular program "American Restorations" after meeting the show's host, Rick Dale, last year.
"I can't tell you how excited I am," said Biffle about the upcoming appearance. "I can't give too much away, but I can tell you that the restoration that Rick and his crew did for me is unbelievable. I hope everyone watches the show this Wednesday to see what they were able to do with something that has meant a lot to me for a long time."
Fans of Roush Fenway Racing and Greg Biffle can view the driver's episode on Wednesday, June 6th on HISTORY at 10:00 PM ET.
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Got NASCAR-related questions or comments?
Send them John Potts' way at john.potts@frontstretch.com; and, if you're lucky, you'll get your name in print when he does his weekly column answering back to you – the fans that keep Frontstretch afloat. Potts' Shots will run on Thursday with a whole new set of Fan Questions and Answers!
~~~~~~~~~~
Today's Featured Commentary
It's Time to Get Down and Dirty
Full Throttle
by Mike Neff
One of racing's most popular exhibitions will mark its eighth consecutive year of competition on Wednesday night. Since its debut in 2005, the Prelude to the Dream, at Eldora Speedway in Ohio has become the perfect mix of charitable success and wheel-to-wheel action amongst drivers from all different types of racing backgrounds. The special event, the brainchild of track owner/Sprint Cup driver Tony Stewart started out as a way for him to continue donating funds to the Victory Junction Gang Camp. So far, it's been mission accomplished, and then some; from 2005 through 2008, the race raised over $1 million for the camp and also for the Tony Stewart Foundation. Over the last four years, the annual event has transitioned towards raising money for various types of different charities and this year is no different. For 2012, all funds raised will be going to Feed the Children, an organization that's kept over 365,000 families nationwide from going hungry in just the past four years alone. The main event itself, attracting over two dozen racing superstars can be watched on HBO, via Pay-Per-View, with the proceeds (it's $24.95 to purchase) making up a part of the total donation to the charity. While the event is a fantastic effort, one that exemplifies the philanthropic side of NASCAR, it also fills a need, whetting the appetite for those fans of the sport who long, once again, to see the best stock car drivers in the world turn laps on a dirt racing surface. Of course, it hasn't happened in a points-paying race on the Cup schedule since 1971, the powers that be relying on asphalt, concrete... and little else.
Will that ever change? Since the Prelude exhibition has remained so popular, seemingly building its audience during an era of NASCAR decline you wonder why the sanctioning body doesn't consider returning to dirt... for points. It's not a foreign concept, even in this day and age as the ARCA Series has been competing on dirt since 1996, running at both the DuQuoin and Springfield race tracks in Illinois. They do not utilize customized dirt cars like the Late Models that are used at the Prelude; instead, ARCA simply modifies their normal stock cars with a slightly different setup than they run on asphalt and have at it. The results are part of the season-long championship race, a title that crowns a winner who is able to compete on short tracks, intermediates, superspeedways, road courses... and dirt. That gives ARCA, and not NASCAR, the most diverse schedule of tracks run by any touring series in North America.
Those tracks, even now can provide an important historical connection. Back then, the roots of NASCAR were buried deep in the red clay of the Carolinas. The earliest competitors were moonshine runners who got together to try and prove who had the fastest cars; asphalt was a luxury, dirt a necessity as wheelmen drove rough and rugged around any circular oval where there was a crowd and a checkered flag. During its formative years, NASCAR's premier series competed on small, dusty bullrings throughout the Southeast, and the majority of them were under a half-mile in length, testing the drivers' physical skills every lap. However, when the schedule was revamped in 1972, all such tracks under a half-mile were eliminated, causing the dirt-track heritage of the sport to be left behind.
With the recent slide in attendance numbers at the racetrack, plus the television audience that has been a little more worse than flat over the last half-decade, sparking new interest in the sport would certainly be beneficial to everyone involved. As the Prelude continues to draw bigger and bigger numbers every year, the people in Daytona have to be taking notice. Perhaps the time has come to take the sport back to its humbler roots? So many people are clamoring for the sport to get back to more short tracks - why not kill two birds with one stone?
The Prelude will be a great display of driving talent from drivers inside and outside of NASCAR and will raise a truckload of money for charity. It will also showcase the fact that there is a massive audience for dirt track racing that is now completely untapped by stock car competition. It's time to change that.
To quote an old racing adage: "Dirt is for racing, asphalt is for getting there."
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via e-mail at mike.neff@frontstretch.com
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Tweet 'N' Greet
by Summer Bedgood
Editor's Note: With the NASCAR Twitter community expanding by leaps and bounds, it remains a place for instantaneous news, reactions, and a whole lot of inside jokes. We understand if you don't want to join the Twitter community - but as a fan, it's important to know the news and info you're missing out on! That's why, every week, Summer Bedgood will sort through the thousands of messages and give us a little taste of what's going on each Wednesday.
So, without further ado, here's a look at what those in NASCAR were thinking over the past seven days...
@landoncassill: An eighth grade girl just spelled yttriferous in the National Spelling Bee contest. What do these kids do when they grow up?
@BradSweet49: Had fun learning today on the road course. only got off track a few times! Thanks @NelsonPiquet for a few tips! Can't wait for Dover!
@AllWaltrip (Darrell Waltrip): Concrete and Crab Cakes now you throw in a #Nascar race and that's a perfect weekend, Sambo's tomorrow night
@ESPNMcGee (Ryan McGee): You know it's Dover when you see the world's biggest deer stand. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/DPvrHbE6
@jeff_gluck: Few things in NASCAR are better than watching the start of a race at the exit of Dover's Turn 2. Cars get scary close.
@jeff_gluck: They're like right there. http://t.co/aUPMhPaQ
@jeff_gluck: From the bridge! http://t.co/y4CfDuCt
@AllWaltrip: darn, if that caution hadn't come out I think the vortex would have kept the rain away, once they slow down not quite as effective!
@ESPNMcGee: That'd be the @MonsterMile in the distance. Pack it up, folks. It's over. #NASCAR http://t.co/JgZm22sr
@JenJoCobb (Jennifer Jo Cobb): Rain delay... JJC fr the truck here. I need rookie stripes 2day. Caught speeding on out rd, fuel can penalty on pit road. Rough day!
@ClintBowyer: You gotta love racing! Guy spins out and ends up being the very thing that's going to win him the race.
@DeLanaHarvick: And that's it... They just called the race. What a pisser of an ending.
@KevinHarvick: Man that really sucks but some days it's better to be lucky than good....
@bscottracing (Brian Scott): Our truck race summary: 2 pit penalties, two wrecks, two rain delays, finished a disappointing 13th.
@nascarcasm: The Cup driver didn't win the truck race. Fans at #Dover - take cover from the rain, as well as the giant snowball rolling in from hell.
@AllWaltrip: you know the weather is bad when your satellite stops working right when you're trying to watch the weather channel, really!!!!
@TimothyPeters17: Proud of my @RedHorseRacing guys. Had a good truck all race and we made it better towards the end. Big Congrats to @Team_Onion!! Awesome win
@KyleBusch: I hate to c @DickBerggren retire. He is 1 of few that I've always enjoyed 2 talk 2 and listen 2 w grt stories! Hope he visits us still
@bscottracing: Wonder what a @NASCAR_Trucks winner eats after a race? Here's the victor @Team_Onion's dinner. http://t.co/hVMlpmZf
@bscottracing: If anyone needs to get a hold of me I got a new job... http://t.co/eaBFfkgv
@Rchildress (Richard Childress): NNWS CARS GOOD! CUP CARS GOOD !!
@mw55 (Michael Waltrip): Bday boy! http://t.co/N4jThFCE
@RickAllenRacing: Rain definitely changed the outcome of last night's truck race! @KevinHarvick had it covered but @team_onion was right place right time!
@JimmieJohnson: Thanks to @clintbowyer and his dirt shop for building me a car again. I'm so ready for the @preludetodream. http://t.co/9WcWQaUL
@ClintBowyer: This is the guy that I have to trust figuring my fuel mileage for these races! #outtagas http://t.co/eWrHS3IN
@ericmcclure: Hoping & praying I'll return at Michigan. Optimistic about it. I told Jeff I do feel guilty about replacing him though :) he's my friend
@Kerry_Tharp: Day's Inn has penthouse suite overlooking fleet of utility trucks. Might come in handy later. Let's get after it #saddleup
@nascarcasm: If we learned anything from @keselowski & his ankle and @ryan_truex & his appendectomy, it's that with physical injury comes great success.
@Leonard_Wood: Just found this pic. I made this go kart in '47 out of 2 railroad ties and a washing machine motor. I was 13. Still runs http://t.co/J4CplnP3
@mattkenseth: Man @55MarkMartin you sure were in a hurry! Were you afraid of missing your afternoon nap? Btw are you running pocono? #stilltheman
@TheMiniChad: If this Joey Logano guy ever gets a break and can get a full-time ride in Sprint Cup, watch out.
@keselowski (Brad Keselowski): Wow, lots of hate for Joey over an incident for a lapped car... and people wonder why there are less wrecks in cup. #vilified #thatsracin
@jeff_gluck: How many devices does one #nascar reporter need? http://t.co/LJ2KRVuE
@keselowski: I'm just sayin. Race hard & announcers hammer you & call u a jerk. Don't race hard and fans get mad. Can't make both happy...
@keselowski: That's a perfect example of why u have to run hard around lap cars... Sad but true. Accidents will happen in the process but u gotta do it.
@jeff_gluck: Danica talked to ESPN, looked at the rest of us schmucks and stormed into her hauler without further comment. #NASCAR
@katrinachilders: Thanks @55MarkMartin for making my hubby a happy man this year ;) Congrats on the pole buddy!!
@55MarkMartin: @Ryan_Truex That was a incredible job of driving young man. Your day is coming.
@MartinTruexJr56: watching sportscenter and they called @Ryan_Truex, ryan truex jr again!!! Hello???
@Kenny_Wallace: Oh Boy! Oh Boy! Our show @Racedayonspeed is gonna have "The Whole" Kurt Busch and Bob Pockrass DRAMA for YO Baby Mama! Tune in at 10:30.
@CJMearsGang (Casey Mears): A little bump drafting in the motor home lot!! http://instagr.am/p/LWO0SVhKuY/
@joeylogano: "@JFindish20: @joeylogano my friends and I wanna know: have u ever had to sneeze when u race? lol :)" Ha only under caution for some reason
@mattkenseth: And I appear to be giving him the steely-eyed stare down! RT @jeff_gluck: Brad @Keselowski gives a head nod and peace sign to @mattkenseth. http://instagr.am/p/LYOcM6NXht/
@JimmieJohnson: What did I get myself into... instagr.am/p/LavKDsEpUl/
@Writer_Amy (Amy Henderson): Too bad @JimmieJohnson is so boring that he'd never wear the circus afro in Victory Lane...oh, wait...
@MartinTruexJr56: What a handful today! I crashed 30 times just never hit nothing lol. Chad did a great job adjusting and getting us in the ballpark.
@keselowski: Woke up to Bob Marley playing in my head, wondering y pop up video is no longer on. Random thoughts... #GoodMorning
@AricAlmirola: "@BJones2319: Good run yesterday, by the way do you eat a lot of bacon? #Smithfields" Thanks. - Does Elmer Fudd have trouble with his R's?
@NASCARBowles: In the last 2 races, no Hendrick Motorsports car has finished lower than 13th. No Stewart-Haas Racing car has run higher than 14th.
@keselowski: Hasn't happened to me... Yet @DuckSauce0 What do you do when nature calls and you have to use the bathroom during a race?
@55MarkMartin: Hey @mattkenseth I'm getting ready to download Metallica for my morning workout. I know you are a expert on them, what ones do I want?
@TBayne21: #missionaccomplished Made it over home plate! http://pic.twitter.com/v2RpPAG4
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
June 6th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CVII
~~~~~~~~~~
What To Watch: Wednesday
- NASCAR Sprint Cup teams will take to the track at Pocono a couple of days earlier than normal. Two extra days of testing have been added, for all teams prior to the start of opening practice Friday so everyone can get a handle on the newly repaved, 2.5-mile triangular-shaped facility. It's the first time new asphalt has been laid down at Pocono since 1996, changing the way in which drivers will attempt to race each lap. At a Goodyear tire test, held the end of April many claimed they could now run through one of the most difficult corners in all of racing, the Tunnel Turn, wide open; average times were also as much as seven-tenths of a second faster than the track record.
The first testing run will be for four hours, from noon to four on Wednesday afternoon with Sprint Cup Series Director John Darby among those making themselves available to the media.
- Eldora's dirt track will light up Wednesday night, with a plethora of popular racing names, from the much-ballyhooed Danica Patrick to track owner Tony Stewart participating in the 8th annual Prelude To The Dream. The midweek charity event, attracting drivers from several different motorsports disciplines includes qualifying, heat races, and a 40-lap main feature with all participants driving dirt late models. The half-mile dirt track, in existence for well over half-a-century presents a unique challenge for these superstars, a throwback to their roots once they started working their way up the racing ladder.
Clint Bowyer is the defending champion of the event, which has attracted an entry list of 26 drivers for 2012. The Prelude, televised live can be seen at 8:00 PM/ET on HBO Pay-Per View. Don't know how to order? Click here to find out all the necessary information based on your individual cable provider.
Prelude To The Dream Entry List:
Justin Allgaier, NASCAR Nationwide Series
Aric Almirola, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Dave Blaney, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Clint Bowyer, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Kurt Busch, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Kyle Busch, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Ron Capps, NHRA
Austin Dillon, NASCAR Nationwide Series
Ty Dillon, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
Bill Elliott, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (part-time)
Ray Evernham, former NASCAR crew chief / car owner
David Gilliland, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Kasey Kahne, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Tony Kanaan, IndyCar
Steve Kinser, World Of Outlaws
Bobby Labonte, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Jason Leffler, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
Ryan Newman, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Danica Patrick, NASCAR Nationwide Series
Cruz Pedregon, NHRA
Donny Schatz, World Of Outlaws
Ken Schrader, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Tony Stewart, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Kenny Wallace, NASCAR Nationwide Series / SPEED Commentator
J.J. Yeley, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
For a list of Prelude To The Dream pre-race quotes, click here.
Three-Way Driver Swap For Pocono After Busch Punishment
by Tom Bowles
Kurt Busch's suspension could breathe new life into David Reutimann's Sprint Cup career, at least for one week. The driver, who has been running for a combination of teams this season has been hired to drive the No. 51 Chevy in a one-race deal this weekend at Pocono. Phoenix Racing owner James Finch worked with Tommy Baldwin Racing to make this move, as Reutimann is under contract to drive the No. 10 for each event that Danica Patrick doesn't run the car number.
"I understand the position James was put in this week," explained car owner Tommy Baldwin. "As an owner of a small team, I wanted to help him out. We talked and thought that this lineup would be best for both of our teams."
Reutimann's departure puts Dave Blaney behind the wheel of Baldwin's No. 10 Chevy this weekend. Both that car and the No. 36, which will now be driven by Tony Raines remain unsponsored for this Sunday's event. Raines, a journeyman in NASCAR's top three divisions these days will make his first start in Sprint Cup since finishing 38th at Talladega Superspeedway in May. However, this weekend he will almost certainly park the second car; at this point, it's even unclear whether the "Danica No. 10" will run the distance. Both teams have over a full-race advantage in points on those trying to knock them out of NASCAR's "top 35," guaranteeing those owners a qualifying spot for the following Sprint Cup event.
Reutimann, who spent the previous five years running for Michael Waltrip Racing, has yet to score a top-20 finish this season in mostly underfunded equipment. He'll run the distance in the Phoenix Racing car, while Finch remains undetermined on the future beyond that. In an interview with SIRIUS XM Radio Tuesday morning, the car owner said he plans to meet with Busch and that any future association with the driver will be strictly on a "race-by-race" basis. (see below)
Top News
by Brad Morgan
Busch's Fate To Be Determined Next Week
Kurt Busch's short temper may have cost him more than the 10-day suspension that NASCAR handed down Monday; it could also mean his job at Phoenix Racing. The fiery driver's already stained reputation has continuously taken hits since last season's finale at Homestead-Miami, and car owner James Finch reiterated his displeasure with Busch's behavior in a radio interview Tuesday.
After being suspended by NASCAR following a verbal tirade, directed at the Sporting News' Bob Pockrass following Saturday's Nationwide Race at Dover, Busch now faces an in-person meeting with Finch on Tuesday. The car owner told SIRIUS XM Channel 90, as part of a wide-ranging interview that will inevitably determine his fate only 13 races into a one-year contact.
"We're going to meet in the next week and have a come-to-Jesus meeting," Finch proclaimed. "(Kurt) needs to either get his mind right or he's going to be working somewhere else."
The 2004 champion, who was already on the hot seat because of a series of incidents with Ryan Newman at Darlington last month, was suspended through June 13th and had his existing probation extended from July 25 to the remainder of the season as a result of his latest actions. Embroiled in controversy over the past 12 months, the driver has also struggled on-track; according to Finch, he's crashed 14 cars since the beginning of 2012, many of them beyond repair.
"Quit wrecking cars," the car owner said when asked what he'll tell Busch. "Be nice to people. That's not hard to do."
Due to Busch's suspension, David Reutimann will be behind the wheel of the No. 51 Chevrolet Impala for the Pocono 400 in a one-race deal, as previously explained. However, because the 42-year-old remains under contract with two other teams, Finch may need to look for an entirely new full-time driver if Busch is released.
Parties Settle in Diversity Lawsuit
A settlement has been reached in the racial discrimination lawsuit involving NASCAR and former Drive for Diversity applicant Michael Rodriguez. The sanctioning body was quickly dismissed as a defendant after the trial began on Monday, while the driver reached a settlement with fellow defendant Access Communications.
Rodriguez, who alleged that he was not allowed to participate in NASCAR's Drive For Diversity program because he was deemed "too Caucasian," filed the suit with the U.S. District Court on grounds that he was racially discriminated against on numerous occasions by program officials. The Pennsylvania native was never allowed seat time during the program's combine event, restricting him from earning a spot on the sport's specialty roster for minority talent. According to the previously mentioned report, attorneys representing both sides argued whether officials of Access or NASCAR had the final say in determining which drivers would be given the opportunity to try out and eventually race in a subsidiary series.
The details of the settlement weren't immediately released by the Rodriguez family or any of the attorneys involved in the trial, according to The Sporting News' Bob Pockrass. However, with the case finally closed the driver stated he now plans to compete in ARCA after being away from stock car competition for four years.
Biffle Set to Appear on Television Series
Greg Biffle's aggressive driving style and unique personality get him plenty of airtime during many of NASCAR's televised events. Now, he'll get a chance to display it on a national stage outside the sport. The Roush Fenway driver is set to appear on an episode of HISTORY's popular program "American Restorations" after meeting the show's host, Rick Dale, last year.
"I can't tell you how excited I am," said Biffle about the upcoming appearance. "I can't give too much away, but I can tell you that the restoration that Rick and his crew did for me is unbelievable. I hope everyone watches the show this Wednesday to see what they were able to do with something that has meant a lot to me for a long time."
Fans of Roush Fenway Racing and Greg Biffle can view the driver's episode on Wednesday, June 6th on HISTORY at 10:00 PM ET.
Have news for Brad and the Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com with a promising lead or tip.
~~~~~~~~~~
Got NASCAR-related questions or comments?
Send them John Potts' way at john.potts@frontstretch.com; and, if you're lucky, you'll get your name in print when he does his weekly column answering back to you – the fans that keep Frontstretch afloat. Potts' Shots will run on Thursday with a whole new set of Fan Questions and Answers!
~~~~~~~~~~
Today's Featured Commentary
It's Time to Get Down and Dirty
Full Throttle
by Mike Neff
One of racing's most popular exhibitions will mark its eighth consecutive year of competition on Wednesday night. Since its debut in 2005, the Prelude to the Dream, at Eldora Speedway in Ohio has become the perfect mix of charitable success and wheel-to-wheel action amongst drivers from all different types of racing backgrounds. The special event, the brainchild of track owner/Sprint Cup driver Tony Stewart started out as a way for him to continue donating funds to the Victory Junction Gang Camp. So far, it's been mission accomplished, and then some; from 2005 through 2008, the race raised over $1 million for the camp and also for the Tony Stewart Foundation. Over the last four years, the annual event has transitioned towards raising money for various types of different charities and this year is no different. For 2012, all funds raised will be going to Feed the Children, an organization that's kept over 365,000 families nationwide from going hungry in just the past four years alone. The main event itself, attracting over two dozen racing superstars can be watched on HBO, via Pay-Per-View, with the proceeds (it's $24.95 to purchase) making up a part of the total donation to the charity. While the event is a fantastic effort, one that exemplifies the philanthropic side of NASCAR, it also fills a need, whetting the appetite for those fans of the sport who long, once again, to see the best stock car drivers in the world turn laps on a dirt racing surface. Of course, it hasn't happened in a points-paying race on the Cup schedule since 1971, the powers that be relying on asphalt, concrete... and little else.
Will that ever change? Since the Prelude exhibition has remained so popular, seemingly building its audience during an era of NASCAR decline you wonder why the sanctioning body doesn't consider returning to dirt... for points. It's not a foreign concept, even in this day and age as the ARCA Series has been competing on dirt since 1996, running at both the DuQuoin and Springfield race tracks in Illinois. They do not utilize customized dirt cars like the Late Models that are used at the Prelude; instead, ARCA simply modifies their normal stock cars with a slightly different setup than they run on asphalt and have at it. The results are part of the season-long championship race, a title that crowns a winner who is able to compete on short tracks, intermediates, superspeedways, road courses... and dirt. That gives ARCA, and not NASCAR, the most diverse schedule of tracks run by any touring series in North America.
Those tracks, even now can provide an important historical connection. Back then, the roots of NASCAR were buried deep in the red clay of the Carolinas. The earliest competitors were moonshine runners who got together to try and prove who had the fastest cars; asphalt was a luxury, dirt a necessity as wheelmen drove rough and rugged around any circular oval where there was a crowd and a checkered flag. During its formative years, NASCAR's premier series competed on small, dusty bullrings throughout the Southeast, and the majority of them were under a half-mile in length, testing the drivers' physical skills every lap. However, when the schedule was revamped in 1972, all such tracks under a half-mile were eliminated, causing the dirt-track heritage of the sport to be left behind.
With the recent slide in attendance numbers at the racetrack, plus the television audience that has been a little more worse than flat over the last half-decade, sparking new interest in the sport would certainly be beneficial to everyone involved. As the Prelude continues to draw bigger and bigger numbers every year, the people in Daytona have to be taking notice. Perhaps the time has come to take the sport back to its humbler roots? So many people are clamoring for the sport to get back to more short tracks - why not kill two birds with one stone?
The Prelude will be a great display of driving talent from drivers inside and outside of NASCAR and will raise a truckload of money for charity. It will also showcase the fact that there is a massive audience for dirt track racing that is now completely untapped by stock car competition. It's time to change that.
To quote an old racing adage: "Dirt is for racing, asphalt is for getting there."
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via e-mail at mike.neff@frontstretch.com
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Tweet 'N' Greet
by Summer Bedgood
Editor's Note: With the NASCAR Twitter community expanding by leaps and bounds, it remains a place for instantaneous news, reactions, and a whole lot of inside jokes. We understand if you don't want to join the Twitter community - but as a fan, it's important to know the news and info you're missing out on! That's why, every week, Summer Bedgood will sort through the thousands of messages and give us a little taste of what's going on each Wednesday.
So, without further ado, here's a look at what those in NASCAR were thinking over the past seven days...
@landoncassill: An eighth grade girl just spelled yttriferous in the National Spelling Bee contest. What do these kids do when they grow up?
@BradSweet49: Had fun learning today on the road course. only got off track a few times! Thanks @NelsonPiquet for a few tips! Can't wait for Dover!
@AllWaltrip (Darrell Waltrip): Concrete and Crab Cakes now you throw in a #Nascar race and that's a perfect weekend, Sambo's tomorrow night
@ESPNMcGee (Ryan McGee): You know it's Dover when you see the world's biggest deer stand. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/DPvrHbE6
@jeff_gluck: Few things in NASCAR are better than watching the start of a race at the exit of Dover's Turn 2. Cars get scary close.
@jeff_gluck: They're like right there. http://t.co/aUPMhPaQ
@jeff_gluck: From the bridge! http://t.co/y4CfDuCt
@AllWaltrip: darn, if that caution hadn't come out I think the vortex would have kept the rain away, once they slow down not quite as effective!
@ESPNMcGee: That'd be the @MonsterMile in the distance. Pack it up, folks. It's over. #NASCAR http://t.co/JgZm22sr
@JenJoCobb (Jennifer Jo Cobb): Rain delay... JJC fr the truck here. I need rookie stripes 2day. Caught speeding on out rd, fuel can penalty on pit road. Rough day!
@ClintBowyer: You gotta love racing! Guy spins out and ends up being the very thing that's going to win him the race.
@DeLanaHarvick: And that's it... They just called the race. What a pisser of an ending.
@KevinHarvick: Man that really sucks but some days it's better to be lucky than good....
@bscottracing (Brian Scott): Our truck race summary: 2 pit penalties, two wrecks, two rain delays, finished a disappointing 13th.
@nascarcasm: The Cup driver didn't win the truck race. Fans at #Dover - take cover from the rain, as well as the giant snowball rolling in from hell.
@AllWaltrip: you know the weather is bad when your satellite stops working right when you're trying to watch the weather channel, really!!!!
@TimothyPeters17: Proud of my @RedHorseRacing guys. Had a good truck all race and we made it better towards the end. Big Congrats to @Team_Onion!! Awesome win
@KyleBusch: I hate to c @DickBerggren retire. He is 1 of few that I've always enjoyed 2 talk 2 and listen 2 w grt stories! Hope he visits us still
@bscottracing: Wonder what a @NASCAR_Trucks winner eats after a race? Here's the victor @Team_Onion's dinner. http://t.co/hVMlpmZf
@bscottracing: If anyone needs to get a hold of me I got a new job... http://t.co/eaBFfkgv
@Rchildress (Richard Childress): NNWS CARS GOOD! CUP CARS GOOD !!
@mw55 (Michael Waltrip): Bday boy! http://t.co/N4jThFCE
@RickAllenRacing: Rain definitely changed the outcome of last night's truck race! @KevinHarvick had it covered but @team_onion was right place right time!
@JimmieJohnson: Thanks to @clintbowyer and his dirt shop for building me a car again. I'm so ready for the @preludetodream. http://t.co/9WcWQaUL
@ClintBowyer: This is the guy that I have to trust figuring my fuel mileage for these races! #outtagas http://t.co/eWrHS3IN
@ericmcclure: Hoping & praying I'll return at Michigan. Optimistic about it. I told Jeff I do feel guilty about replacing him though :) he's my friend
@Kerry_Tharp: Day's Inn has penthouse suite overlooking fleet of utility trucks. Might come in handy later. Let's get after it #saddleup
@nascarcasm: If we learned anything from @keselowski & his ankle and @ryan_truex & his appendectomy, it's that with physical injury comes great success.
@Leonard_Wood: Just found this pic. I made this go kart in '47 out of 2 railroad ties and a washing machine motor. I was 13. Still runs http://t.co/J4CplnP3
@mattkenseth: Man @55MarkMartin you sure were in a hurry! Were you afraid of missing your afternoon nap? Btw are you running pocono? #stilltheman
@TheMiniChad: If this Joey Logano guy ever gets a break and can get a full-time ride in Sprint Cup, watch out.
@keselowski (Brad Keselowski): Wow, lots of hate for Joey over an incident for a lapped car... and people wonder why there are less wrecks in cup. #vilified #thatsracin
@jeff_gluck: How many devices does one #nascar reporter need? http://t.co/LJ2KRVuE
@keselowski: I'm just sayin. Race hard & announcers hammer you & call u a jerk. Don't race hard and fans get mad. Can't make both happy...
@keselowski: That's a perfect example of why u have to run hard around lap cars... Sad but true. Accidents will happen in the process but u gotta do it.
@jeff_gluck: Danica talked to ESPN, looked at the rest of us schmucks and stormed into her hauler without further comment. #NASCAR
@katrinachilders: Thanks @55MarkMartin for making my hubby a happy man this year ;) Congrats on the pole buddy!!
@55MarkMartin: @Ryan_Truex That was a incredible job of driving young man. Your day is coming.
@MartinTruexJr56: watching sportscenter and they called @Ryan_Truex, ryan truex jr again!!! Hello???
@Kenny_Wallace: Oh Boy! Oh Boy! Our show @Racedayonspeed is gonna have "The Whole" Kurt Busch and Bob Pockrass DRAMA for YO Baby Mama! Tune in at 10:30.
@CJMearsGang (Casey Mears): A little bump drafting in the motor home lot!! http://instagr.am/p/LWO0SVhKuY/
@joeylogano: "@JFindish20: @joeylogano my friends and I wanna know: have u ever had to sneeze when u race? lol :)" Ha only under caution for some reason
@mattkenseth: And I appear to be giving him the steely-eyed stare down! RT @jeff_gluck: Brad @Keselowski gives a head nod and peace sign to @mattkenseth. http://instagr.am/p/LYOcM6NXht/
@JimmieJohnson: What did I get myself into... instagr.am/p/LavKDsEpUl/
@Writer_Amy (Amy Henderson): Too bad @JimmieJohnson is so boring that he'd never wear the circus afro in Victory Lane...oh, wait...
@MartinTruexJr56: What a handful today! I crashed 30 times just never hit nothing lol. Chad did a great job adjusting and getting us in the ballpark.
@keselowski: Woke up to Bob Marley playing in my head, wondering y pop up video is no longer on. Random thoughts... #GoodMorning
@AricAlmirola: "@BJones2319: Good run yesterday, by the way do you eat a lot of bacon? #Smithfields" Thanks. - Does Elmer Fudd have trouble with his R's?
@NASCARBowles: In the last 2 races, no Hendrick Motorsports car has finished lower than 13th. No Stewart-Haas Racing car has run higher than 14th.
@keselowski: Hasn't happened to me... Yet @DuckSauce0 What do you do when nature calls and you have to use the bathroom during a race?
@55MarkMartin: Hey @mattkenseth I'm getting ready to download Metallica for my morning workout. I know you are a expert on them, what ones do I want?
@TBayne21: #missionaccomplished Made it over home plate! http://pic.twitter.com/v2RpPAG4
Summer Bedgood is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via email at summer.bedgood@frontstretch.com.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Did You Notice? ... Who Crashes And Burns, A NASCAR Bridesmaid In Crisis And A+ Attendance... How?
by Tom Bowles
Mirror Driving: Lesson Learned?, NASCAR Survivor, And "Testing" The Waters
by the Frontstretch Staff
The Chase: Who's In, Out, On The Bubble And The Next Keselowski?
by Danny Peters
NASCAR And IndyCar: How A Pothole Can Unite Two Series
by Toni Montgomery
NASCAR Sprint Cup Power Rankings: Top 15 After Dover
compiled by Summer Bedgood
Top Ten Things That, With His Luck, Will Happen to Jeff Gordon Next
by the Frontstretch Staff
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: In the 1997 Pocono 500, Greg Sacks (driving in place of Robby Gordon, who was recovering from the rather unusual burns he suffered during the Indianapolis 500) qualified fourth for the race. However, his day was over before it really got going. What happened?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Tuesday's Answer:
Tuesday's Answer:
Q: In the 1996 UAW-GM Teamwork 500, Dale Jarrett's day ended after 37 laps with engine trouble. However, he came out of the race weekend worse off than with just a broken crankshaft. What happened?
A: On Friday, Jarrett spun his No. 88 Ford Quality Care Thunderbird in Turn 3 and hit the wall hard, breaking some bones in his right foot. Despite the injury, Jarrett still managed to start the race in 28th (he had to qualify in the second round due to the crash occurring in Pole Qualifying).
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: If we mess up, you get the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
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Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- What's Vexing Vito by Vito Pugliese
-- Critic's Annex by Phil Allaway
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, the Line of the Week and more!
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Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
MPM2Nite by Matt McLaughlin
Matt McLaughlin is back again this season with his usual sarcastic sense of humor ... and incomparable insight.
Potts' Shots by John Potts
Fanning the Flames has become Potts' Shots, and John Potts is here to answer your questions in our weekly Fan Q & A. Do you have something you'd like to ask John? Don't sit on the sidelines! Send it to john.potts@frontstretch.com and you just may see your question in print next week!
Professor Of Speed by Mark Howell
Our professor of racing history "has at it" with another column pertinent to the sport at large. This week, Mark takes a look at the evolution of Pocono Raceway and how they've successfully managed to meet the demands of the motorsports industry in changing times.
Dollars and Sense by Jesse Medford
The newest addition to the Frontstretch family will take a look at the business side of NASCAR.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth is back this year on a new night, but it's the same great commentary you've come to enjoy on NASCAR's Truck Series! This week, Beth previews the WinStar World Casino 400 at Texas Motor Speedway.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: If we mess up, you get the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
~~~~~~~~~~
Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- What's Vexing Vito by Vito Pugliese
-- Critic's Annex by Phil Allaway
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, the Line of the Week and more!
~~~~~~~~~~
Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
MPM2Nite by Matt McLaughlin
Matt McLaughlin is back again this season with his usual sarcastic sense of humor ... and incomparable insight.
Potts' Shots by John Potts
Fanning the Flames has become Potts' Shots, and John Potts is here to answer your questions in our weekly Fan Q & A. Do you have something you'd like to ask John? Don't sit on the sidelines! Send it to john.potts@frontstretch.com and you just may see your question in print next week!
Professor Of Speed by Mark Howell
Our professor of racing history "has at it" with another column pertinent to the sport at large. This week, Mark takes a look at the evolution of Pocono Raceway and how they've successfully managed to meet the demands of the motorsports industry in changing times.
Dollars and Sense by Jesse Medford
The newest addition to the Frontstretch family will take a look at the business side of NASCAR.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth is back this year on a new night, but it's the same great commentary you've come to enjoy on NASCAR's Truck Series! This week, Beth previews the WinStar World Casino 400 at Texas Motor Speedway.
-----------------------------
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©2012 Frontstretch.com
-- Talk back to the Frontstretch Newsletter!
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©2012 Frontstretch.com
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