THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
June 8th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CIX
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Frontstretch at the Track: We're live at Texas Motor Speedway and Pocono Raceway for this weekend's events! Beth Lunkenheimer is at Texas for the Camping World Truck Series action Friday night while Tom Bowles and Bryan Davis Keith are at Pocono. Stayed tuned to the Breaking News box, Twitter (@thefrontstretch, @Beth_Frntstrtch, @FrntstretchRick, @NASCARBowles, @BryanDavisKeith) and Facebook for all of the latest news as it happens.
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Rain Washes Out Most of Thursday at Texas Motor Speedway
by Beth Lunkenheimer
A light rain fell over Texas Motor Speedway for most of the day Thursday, and while a few breaks in the clouds had track officials and drivers hopeful, most of the day's activities were rained out. Both of the practice sessions early in the day were canceled along with qualifying. With the field set by owners' points, Justin Lofton will start on the pole with Timothy Peters alongside. Ty Dillon, James Buescher and Parker Kligerman round out the top 5 in the 35-truck field.
The trucks finally took to the track at nearly 8 PM local time and practice until 9:30 PM. Johnny Sauter led the charts with a fast lap of 181.080 mph followed by teammate Matt Crafton. Todd Bodine, Joey Coulter and Nelson Piquet, Jr. rounded out the top 5. Max Grasham had a little trouble in practice and will start at the back of the field after going to a backup truck.
The good news this morning from TMS is that most of today's rain chances have been removed with just a 20% chance of scattered thunderstorms this afternoon that should completely miss the track altogether. The WinStar World Casino 500 is schedule for the green flag at 8:00 PM local time.
Rain Delay Quotes
compiled by Beth Lunkenheimer
Dakoda Armstrong
What have you been spending your rain delay doing?
We've just been waiting. It stinks too because we don't get a lot of practice time to being with, and now we're not going to qualify. We really have to unload off the trailer good if you want to be competitive because we're going to be fighting it and we don't get a whole lot of laps to work on it. It's a little bit of a setback, but we'll get it worked out here and have a good time at Texas.
Did you pull anything from Charlotte that you can use here?
For sure. One thing is these tracks are very similar. These trucks really have a lot of right side downforce and how they race on the right side, I think a pass on the top side is going to be the way to go. Restarts are going to be key just like they were in Charlotte. Hopefully we're fast and can go to the front.
What's your strategy for race day now that qualifying has been canceled?
I hate to say, it's kind of where we've been starting anyway. The only thing is we're not going to have a lot of practice time to know how good we are, but everyone's going to be there. It would be really good to start up front, especially in a deal like this where you don't know what you have. It would be helpful to be up front and then be able to work on it, but I know we're going to make some good changes and have good pit stops and get up there.
Do you use similar setups to your teammates Johnny Sauter and Matt Crafton?
We usually try to stay close. We're getting to the part where I'm starting to do my own thing where we use what I'm going to like that's different from them. No two drivers drive the same. We're working on it and everyone's doing a good job. We're getting better each week. I think we're going to be good here in Texas.
Ron Hornaday, Jr.
What have you been spending your free time today doing?
I never eat at the racetrack, but I've been eating a lot of good food. I didn't know our driver was such a good cook. Other than that, I won three games of solitaire out of ten, so I'm not very good at that and I've changed my socks twice."
How's it been working for Joe Denette Motorsports?
You still drive the same distance, you still pull in the same gates and you're still at the same building. The only difference is it's got No. 9 on the side. The guys are working hard, and we've put some great people in some good place up there. We're just not turning the corner and starting the gel together and bring good trucks to the track. Hopefully this weekend is our change of events where we'll be in victory lane.
Did you pull anything from Charlotte you can use here?
We probably would've brought the same truck if I hadn't wrecked it last week [at Dover]. We brought a new body on an older chassis that's been revamped. Hopefully we've spruced up the motor a bit and we're looking forward to [Friday] if it doesn't rain.
Miguel Paludo
What have you been spending your day doing?
Hanging out in the hauler. The toughest thing to do is when it rains. We are not prepared for it, so we're hanging out watching movies with the guys. I think it's going to stop and we'll get to practice today.
How does it change your approach for the weekend?
It changes a little bit because we're not having qualifying, so we'll start with owner ponits and we start 15th. We had a really good truck and we were supposed to qualify inside the top 10, but it's a long race and we have time to work on it. It doesn't change too much; we just want to use the practice time as well as we can so we're ready for the race [Friday].
Ty Dillon
What have you been spending all day doing?
Not much. I took a lot of the guys on my team to the Justin Boot outlet. We went and looked around as some hats and some guys got some boots. We've just been handing out just doing what guys do. We've been messing around with each other and trying to keep a light mood just waiting for a little action.
How does qualifying being rained out change your approach to the weekend?
It makes it a little easier. It's one less thing you have to worry about in practice now, so we can just go focus on the race. We got a good start in points; we're starting third and I'm looking forward to some fun.
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Top News
by Jeff Wolfe
The second day of testing at the newly paved Pocono Raceway resulted in even faster speeds Thursday on the 2.5-mile tri-oval. Kasey Kahne turned the fastest lap at 179.490 mph, following closely by Jamie McMurray with a speed of 179.401 mph. Kahne and McMurray were joined by Mark Martin(179.390 mph), Jeff Gordon (179.272 mph) and Paul Menard (179.005) as the only drivers to top the 179 mph mark.
Four-time Pocono winner Denny Hamlin thinks the new surface will add to closer racing at the track known as the Tricky Triangle for its three distinct corners.
"The race track is very fun in the sense of how they graded it and smoothed it out in different places. It's still Pocono, but it drives very different than what it used to. You're getting a feel of a lot of different race tracks here within the Pocono Raceway," Hamlin said. "You're going to see massive dive bombs going into the corner trying to get position. My estimation – you're going to see a lot of excitement. Anyone who takes time trials on Friday is going to break the track record (172.533 by Kasey Kahne in June 2004). All the cars should break the track record easily. Really, you drive it totally different than what you used to."
Just as, if not more, important than the increased speed is the safety of the tires on the track. NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton was pleased with the results from both the safety and competitive side of things.
"It's been really smooth," Pemberton said. "All in all it's been really positive in the garage area. (The track is) definitely faster but with the amount of grip that's here, you'll see the grooves widen out. With the 400 mile race and the outstanding job Goodyear did with these tires, I think we're in for an exceptional weekend."
Jimmie Johnson ran 53 laps Thursday afternoon, the most of any driver. However, he topped out at No. 19 on the speed chart with his fastest lap being 176.769.
Twitter and NASCAR Team up to Enhance Digital Experience
Whether you are at the race, watching on TV, or maybe pulled away from your weekly NASCAR race for family reasons, Twitter and NASCAR have teamed up to make the digital experience more exciting for race fans. To find out more about what's going on in NASCAR now, go to Twitter.com/#NASCAR to get the most up to date news and photos from the track. The agreement, reached earlier this spring, happened for real Wednesday when Twitter went live with its NASCAR production.
"Twitter brings fans closer to the sports and moments they're most passionate about," said Jack Dorsey, co-founder and executive chairman at Twitter. "The innovation of the NASCAR organization, the spirit of the fans, and the personalities of the drivers all shine on Twitter, making NASCAR a natural partner for us."
"Twitter.com/#NASCAR will offer fans an all-access pass to the race weekend action as it unfolds on the track, in the pit, in the garage and in the stands."
NASCAR and Twitter are also teaming up with broadcast partner Turner Sports that will allow fans to see important information via Twitter. Also, fans who search Twitter with #NASCAR will get the most recent and important information at the track from drivers, crews and family members.
"This is an exciting weekend for the NASCAR industry. We are pleased to be able to partner with Twitter and bring a great cutting-edge digital experience to our fans. This is a great extension of our strategy of innovation in the digital space to enhance the fan experience with our sport," said Marc Jenkins, NASCAR vice president of digital media. "Reflective of the strength of NASCAR's fan base and the sport's cutting-edge use of social media and Twitter in particular, the sanctioning body is pleased that Twitter partnered with NASCAR to launch this product and we look forward to a long and healthy relationship coming out of this weekend's launch in Pocono."
TNT and RaceBuddy Debut New Camera for Pits
While NASCAR fans see what happens during a pit stop, there is a lot of activity in the pits before and after stops too. During Sunday's Pocono race on TNT, fans will get a different look at the pits with a special 360-degree camera in Carl Edwards' No. 99 stall. The Race Buddy camera will be featured on NASCAR.com during the race and will allow fans to turn the camera with their mouse to see the action as they please.
"This will give the fans a unique opportunity to see what goes on in the pits during the race," said Bob Osborne, crew chief of the No. 99 Ford. "While television shows what is happening on the track, this camera will show what goes on behind the scenes. There is a lot of activity, especially before and after pit stops, that many fans probably are not aware goes on throughout the race."
Edwards will be racing a Frosted Flakes Ford at Pocono. He comes into the race 12th in the points standings and without a win 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.
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Got NASCAR-related questions or comments?
Send them John Potts' way at john.potts@frontstretch.com; and if you're lucky, you'll get your name in print when he does his weekly column answering back to you – the fans that keep Frontstretch afloat. Potts' Shots will run on Thursdays with a whole new set of Fan Questions and Answers!
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In Case You Missed It
by Nick Schwartz
NASCAR to Honor Sailors at Pocono
A group of sailors from the Lehigh Valley area will be honored by NASCAR at Pocono Raceway this weekend. 20 sailors in all representing the U.S. Navy Operational Support Center will be on hand at Pocono, and will get a tour of the garage area, pit road access and a special recognition during the drivers' pre-race meeting. Members of the group have served in the Arabian Gulf, Japan, Kuwait, Africa, Iraq, Guantanamo Bay and Afghanistan.
Danica Patrick to Appear in Children's Racing Video Game
Danica Patrick will be racing with a special paint scheme featuring longtime SEGA video game character Sonic the Hedgehog in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Challenge at Texas Motor Speedway in November – but Patrick will soon be appearing alongside Sonic on the virtual racetrack as well. Patrick will be a free playable character in the upcoming SEGA videogame "Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed," which is scheduled to be released in late 2012. In the game, Danica will appear with customized vehicles capable of racing on land, in water and in the air.
Nick Schwartz is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at nick.schwartz@ frontstretch.com.
NASCAR Announces Broadcast Leadership Moves
by Phil Allaway
On Tuesday, NASCAR announced what they described as "...a number of strategic moves designed to strengthen further its broadcasting and production units by refocusing business strategy, improving alignment with other key NASCAR departments and bolstering the overall leadership structure."
To this end, the NASCAR Media Group has been rebranded as NASCAR Productions. Steve Herbst will head up the rebranded company as its Vice President of Broadcasting and Production. Herbst formerly oversaw NASCAR's broadcasting and global media rights. He will work under Steve Phelps, NASCAR's Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer (and former "Undercover Boss").
In addition, Steve Stum will assume the position of Vice President of Operations and Technical Production, while Tally Hair will assume the position of Managing Director of Production and Programming. Finally, Seth Bacon will take on the role of Senior Director of Broadcasting. All these moves will be effective on June 12.
NASCAR Productions' focus in the future will be delivering content that furthers NASCAR's mission of serving current fans and bringing in new fans. Anything that doesn't have to do with NASCAR (and has not already started) will not be pursued. To help achieve this focus, NASCAR Productions will be more closely aligned with other departments charged with "Fan engagement and development" along with NASCAR Broadcasting, NASCAR Digital Media and NASCAR Entertainment.
NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France is excited about the possibility of future growth as a result of this move.
"Over the last two years, NASCAR has taken a number of steps and made significant investments to drive long-term growth and build value for industry stakeholders," France said. "This is the next evolution to better position NASCAR to meet the challenges of the existing business landscape and to capitalize on the growth opportunities before us."
Herbst has only been working for NASCAR for a year, but has over 20 years of experience in sports broadcasting. He spent 19 years working for the NBA in various roles all the way up to the General Manager of NBA TV before leaving for the roles of Executive Vice President and General Manager at the CBS College Sports Network (now CBS Sports Network).
Phil Allaway is the Newsletter Editor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com.
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Keepin' It Short: Hell on Wheels
by Mike Neff
The NASCAR Cup series is often touted as having the longest schedule of all major sports, and provided you don't consider golf a major sport, then that is a valid statement. The World of Outlaws Sprint cars run 44 races in just under as many weeks as the Cup series, which could cause some to think that it is a tougher schedule than the Cup boys are subjected to. While they do run more races, they have quite a bit easier schedule than the toughest in all of racing. This coming Thursday the UMP Summer Nationals begins at Brownstown Speedway in Brownstown, Indiana. 32 days later, in Wauseon, Ohio at Oakshade Raceway the tour will come to an end and crown a champion, after 29 races. 81% as many races as the Cup series runs over a 40 week time period will be contested in just over a month. They don't call it the Hell Tour for nothing.
The Hell Tour 2012 will cover over 5,000 miles and will have races in eight different states. In 2011 there were 306 drivers who ran in at least one of the races. The smallest field of the entire tour was 22 while the largest field had 52. The average field during the tour was 38 entrants. Shannon Babb took the tour championship for the third time in his career in 2012 by winning nine races, and posting 18 top five finishes.
This years Hell Tour Schedule:
DATE DAY TRACK TOWN MILES TO NEXT EVENT
13-Jun WED BROWNSTOWN SPEEDWAY BROWNSTOWN, IN. $5,000 226
14-Jun THUR KANKAKEE MOTOR SPEEDWAY KANKAKEE, IL. $5,000 446
15-Jun FRI CEDAR LAKE SPEEDWAY SOMERSET, WI. $5,000 0
16-Jun SAT CEDAR LAKE SPEEDWAY SOMERSET, WI. $10,000 340
17-Jun SUN WILMOT RACEWAY WILMOT, WI. $5,000 221
19-Jun TUE SPOON RIVER SPEEDWAY CANTON, IL. $5,000 173
20-Jun WED HIGHLAND SPEEDWAY HIGHLAND, IL. $5,000 44
21-Jun THUR FAYETTE CO. SPEEDWAY BROWNSTOWN, IL. $5,000 65
22-Jun FRI TRI CITY SPEEDWAY PONTOON BCH, IL. $10,000 188
23-Jun SAT FAIRBURY SPEEDWAY FAIRBURY, IL. $10,000 289
24-Jun SUN I 96 SPEEDWAY LAKE ODESSA, MI. $5,000 306
26-Jun TUE LINCOLN PARK SPEEDWAY PUTNAMVILLE, IN $5,000 199
27-Jun WED BELLE CLAIR SPEEDWAY BELLEVILLE, IL. $5,000 246
28-Jun THUR CLAY HILL MOTORSPORTS PK ATWOOD, TN. $5,000 98
29-Jun FRI PADUCAH INT. RACEWAY PADUCAH, KY. $12,000 166
30-Jun SAT FEDERATED AUTO PARTS I55 PEVELY, MO $10,000 158
1-Jul SUN LINCOLN SPEEDWAY LINCOLN, IL. $5,000 44
2-Jul MON PEORIA SPEEDWAY PEORIA, IL. $5,000 85
3-Jul TUE JACKSONVILLE SPEEDWAY JACKSONVILLE, IL. $5,000 163
4-Jul WED LASALLE SPEEDWAY LASALLE, IL. $5,000 123
5-Jul THUR MACON SPEEDWAY MACON, IL. $5,000 58
6-Jul FRI QUINCY RACEWAYS QUINCY, IL. $7,500 403
7-Jul SAT CLARKSVILLE SPEEDWAY CLARKSVILLE, TN. $7,500 125
8-Jul SUN TRI STATE SPEEDWAY HAUBSTADT, IN. $5,000 193
10-Jul TUE FLORENCE SPEEDWAY UNION, KY $5,000 80
11-Jul WED BRUSHCREEK MOTORSPORTS PEBBLES, OH. $5,000 255
12-Jul THUR TERRE HAUTE ACTION TRACK TERRE HAUTE, IN. $5,000 329
13-Jul FRI ATTICA RACEWAY PARK ATTICA, OH. $5,000 100
14-Jul SAT OAKSHADE RACEWAY WAUSEON, OH. $10,000
The champion of the tour will take home a $25,000 check in addition to his winnings throughout the tour and any contingency awards. There are a plethora of contingency awards to incent the drivers to compete for the full month and a day of the most grueling sport schedule anywhere.
If the opportunity presents itself for you to see one of the Hell Tour dates, take the chance to stop and see the ultimate road warriors. There will be drivers that compete in one race, a handful or races or most of the races, but there will be a select few who will attempt to run all 29 races. Show them the love and respect of short track fans everywhere and cheer them on this Summer.
Whelen All-American Point Standings
Place Name Races Wins Top 5s Top 10s Total Points
1. Anthony Anders 24 1 13 22 507
2. Nate Monteith 14 4 10 12 422
3. C E Falk III 13 6 10 12 414
4. Matt Bowling 14 1 11 12 397
5. Deac McCaskill 12 9 11 12 385
6. Ryan Preece 14 3 7 11 369
7. Ted Christopher 14 2 9 10 326
8. Austin McDaniel 11 2 10 11 326
9. Duane Howard 8 5 7 8 325
10. Keith Rocco 13 5 6 7 321
This Week's Race Schedule
Fri : June 8th – Ocean Speedway ; Watsonville : CA – Taco Bravo Ocean Sprints
Fri : June 8th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 39th Annual SK Mod 100 Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 39th Annual SK Mod 100 Limited Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 39th Annual SK Mod 100 SK Lights
Fri : June 8th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 39th Annual SK Mod 100 SK Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Bubba Raceway Park ; Ocala : FL – Florida Mini-Sprint Association
Fri : June 8th – Five Flags Speedway ; Pensacola : FL – Pro Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Tri-City Speedway ; Pontoon Beach : IL – Midwest Open Wheel Association
Fri : June 8th – Gas City I-69 Speedway ; Gas City : IN – USAC Midwest Ford Focus Midgets
Fri : June 8th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets
Fri : June 8th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Legends
Fri : June 8th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Roadsters
Fri : June 8th – Clay County Fair Speedway ; Spencer : IA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Fri : June 8th – Great American Dirt Track ; Jetmore : KS – BST Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – USRA Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – IMCA Stock Cars
Fri : June 8th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Street Stocks
Fri : June 8th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Comp Cams Super Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Street Stocks
Fri : June 8th – Gallatin Speedway ; Belgrade : MT – Big Sky Sprints
Fri : June 8th – I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE – Super Late Model Racing Series
Fri : June 8th – Eagle Raceway ; Eagle : NE – Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Fri : June 8th – Canaan Fair Speedway ; Canaan : NH – Sprint Cars of New England
Fri : June 8th – Aztec Speedway ; Aztec : NM – Championship Late Model Association
Fri : June 8th – Spencer Speedway ; Williamson : NY – Race of Champions Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Limited Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Modifieds x2
Fri : June 8th – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Street Stock
Fri : June 8th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – NDRA Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Open Wheel Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Street Stocks
Fri : June 8th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Street Stocks
Fri : June 8th – Southern Ohio Speedway ; Wheelersburg : OH – Buckeye Outlaw Sprints
Fri : June 8th – Southern Oklahoma Speedway ; Ardmore : OK – USMTS Casey's Cup Qualifier Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Fri : June 8th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – 358 Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Path Valley Speedway ; Spring Run : PA – Sidewinder Sprints
Fri : June 8th – Autodrome Chaudiere ; Vallee-Jonction : Quebec – ACT Castrol Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Sprint Cars
Fri : June 8th – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Street Stocks
Fri : June 8th – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Super Stocks
Fri : June 8th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Stock
Fri : June 8th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Street Stock
Fri : June 8th – Ephrata Raceway Park ; Ephrata : WA – West Coast Vintage Racers
Fri : June 8th – Langlade Speedway ; Antigo : WI – Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Langlade Speedway ; Antigo : WI – Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Sprint Cars
Fri : June 8th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Street Stock
Fri : June 8th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – Street Stocks
Fri : June 8th – St. Croix Valley Raceway ; St. Croix Falls : WI – Upper Midwest Sprint Series
Sat : June 9th – Talladega Short Track ; Eastaboga : AL – Southern All Star Dirt Super Late Models
Sat : June 9th – South Alabama Speedway ; Kinston : AL – Viper Pro Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Castrol Raceway ; Edmonton : Alberta – Northern Provincial Pipeline Late Models
Sat : June 9th – NEA Speedway ; Harrisburg : AR – Comp Cams Super Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – 305 Winged Sprints
Sat : June 9th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – 600 Mini Sprints
Sat : June 9th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Al Pombo Classic USAC Sprint Cars
Sat : June 9th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Al Pombo Classic 410/360 Super Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Al Pombo Classic BCRA/USAC Midgets
Sat : June 9th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Al Pombo Classic USAC Focus Midgets
Sat : June 9th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Al Pombo Classic NCMA Sprint Cars
Sat : June 9th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Al Pombo Classic Vintage Super Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Al Pombo Classic BCRA Vintage Sprints
Sat : June 9th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Al Pombo Classic BCRA Vintage Midgets
Sat : June 9th – Stockton 99 Speedway ; Stockton : CA – SRL Southwest Tour Late Models
Sat : June 9th – I-76 Speedway ; Fort Morgan : CO – Rocky Mountain Midget Racing Association
Sat : June 9th – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – Open Wheel Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Super Late Models
Sat : June 9th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Sportsman
Sat : June 9th – Punta Gorda Speedway ; Punta Gorda : FL – Late Model Sportsman
Sat : June 9th – Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA – NASCAR K&N Pro East Series
Sat : June 9th – Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA – Outlaws
Sat : June 9th – Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA – Trucks
Sat : June 9th – New Senoia Raceway ; Senoia : GA – Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Sugar Creek Raceway ; Blue Ridge : GA – Southern Regional Racing Series
Sat : June 9th – Waycross Motor Speedway ; Waycross : GA – Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Adams County Speedway ; Corning : IA – Super Late Model Racing Series
Sat : June 9th – Knoxville Raceway ; Knoxville : IA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sat : June 9th – Autobahn Country Club ; Joliet : IL – 24 Hours of Lemons
Sat : June 9th – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Limited Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Street Stocks
Sat : June 9th – Grundy County Speedway ; Morris : IL – USAC Mopar D1 Stars
Sat : June 9th – Lawrenceburg Speedway ; Lawrenceburg : IN – Buckeye Outlaw Sprints
Sat : June 9th – Lucas Oil Raceway Park ; Clermont : IN – CRA Super Series
Sat : June 9th – Lucas Oil Raceway Park ; Clermont : IN – Must See Racing Xtreme Sprints
Sat : June 9th – Montpelier Speedway ; Montpelier : IN – USAC Midwest Focus Midgets
Sat : June 9th – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Top Speed Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Sportsman
Sat : June 9th – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Street Stocks
Sat : June 9th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets
Sat : June 9th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Late Model Figure 8
Sat : June 9th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Stocks
Sat : June 9th – Highway 3 Raceway ; Allison : IA – Henrick Racing Figure 8s
Sat : June 9th – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Stock Cars
Sat : June 9th – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Sport Mods
Sat : June 9th – Knoxville Raceway ; Knoxville : IA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sat : June 9th – Great American Dirt Track ; Jetmore : KS – BST Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Sportsman
Sat : June 9th – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Pure Street
Sat : June 9th – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Mini/Stock
Sat : June 9th – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Outlaw Mini-Cup
Sat : June 9th – Beech Ridge Speedway ; Scarborough : ME – Pro Series Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Outlaws
Sat : June 9th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Strictly Stock
Sat : June 9th – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – Elvis Family Day Late Model Sportsman
Sat : June 9th – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – Pure Stocks
Sat : June 9th – Seekonk Speedway ; Seekonk : MA – MRS Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Outlaw Super Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Super Stocks
Sat : June 9th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Pro Stocks
Sat : June 9th – Springport Motor Speedway ; Springport : MI – Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Springport Motor Speedway ; Springport : MI – Wingless Sprints
Sat : June 9th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : June 9th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Super Stocks
Sat : June 9th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – USRA Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Kids' Night UMSS Sprint Cars
Sat : June 9th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Kids' Night Wissota Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Kids' Night Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Kids' Night Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : June 9th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Kids' Night Wissota Super Stocks
Sat : June 9th – Jackson Motor Speedway ; Jackson : MS – Cajun Sprinters Association
Sat : June 9th – Magnolia Motor Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Super Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Magnolia Motor Speedway ; Columbus : MS – NeSmith Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Magnolia Motor Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Street Stocks
Sat : June 9th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – ASA Late Models
Sat : June 9th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Sportsman
Sat : June 9th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Road Warriors
Sat : June 9th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Chargers
Sat : June 9th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – Factory Stocks
Sat : June 9th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – A-Mods
Sat : June 9th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – B-Mods
Sat : June 9th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – United Late Model Association Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Electric City Speedway ; Great Falls : MT – Big Sky Sprints
Sat : June 9th – Eagle Raceway ; Eagle : NE – Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Sat : June 9th – Petty International Raceway ; River Glade : New Brunswick – Parts for Trucks Pro Stocks
Sat : June 9th – Speedway 660 ; Fredericton : New Brunswick – PASS North Super Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Canaan Speedway ; Canaan : NH – Senior Tour Auto Racers
Sat : June 9th – Twin State Speedway ; Claremont : NH – Pro Four Modifieds of New England
Sat : June 9th – New Egypt Speedway ; New Egypt : NJ – North East Enduro Tour
Sat : June 9th – Aztec Speedway ; Aztec : NM – Championship Late Model Association
Sat : June 9th – Bethel Motor Speedway ; White Lake : NY – 4c Super Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Dunn Tire Raceway ; Lancaster : NY – Race of Champions Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – Street Stocks
Sat : June 9th – Concord Motorsports Park ; Concord : NC – Late Models Twin 50s
Sat : June 9th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – ISCARS Dash Series
Sat : June 9th – Red River Valley Speedway ; West Fargo : ND – Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Red River Valley Speedway ; West Fargo : ND – Super Stocks
Sat : June 9th – Shady Bowl Speedway ; DeGraff : OH – Main Event Super Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Wissota Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Street Stocks
Sat : June 9th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – All-Star Circuit of Champions 410 Sprints
Sat : June 9th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 358 Sprints
Sat : June 9th – Little Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Slingshots
Sat : June 9th – Little Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Thunder Cars
Sat : June 9th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Sport Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Factory Stocks
Sat : June 9th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – TQ Midgets
Sat : June 9th – Port Royal Speedway ; Port Royal : PA – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Sat : June 9th – Williams Grove Speedway ; Mechanicsburg : PA – Super Sportsman
Sat : June 9th – Florence Motor Speedway ; Florence : SC – Allison Legacy Race Series
Sat : June 9th – Devil's Bowl Speedway ; Mesquite : TX – Sprint Series of Texas
Sat : June 9th – I-37 Speedway ; Pleasanton : TX – Dwarf Car Series of Texas
Sat : June 9th – Route 66 Motor Speedway ; Amarillo : TX – USMTS Casey's Cup Qualifier Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – CARS Pro Cup Series
Sat : June 9th – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Street Stock
Sat : June 9th – South Boston Speedway ; South Boston : VA – PASS South
Sat : June 9th – Ephrata Raceway Park ; Ephrata : WA – West Coast Vintage Racers
Sat : June 9th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Wissota Street Stocks
Sun : June 10th – Autobahn Country Club ; Joliet : IL – 24 Hours of Lemons
Sun : June 10th – Lucas Oil Raceway Park ; Clermont : IN – CRA Super Series
Sun : June 10th – Springport Motor Speedway ; Springport : MI – Michigan All-Stars Super Late Models
Sun : June 10th – Wall Speedway ; Wall : NJ – North East Enduro Tour
Sun : June 10th – Beaver County Raceway ; Beaver : OK – USMTS Casey's Cup Qualifier Modifieds
Sun : June 10th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – 4th Annual Brad Kline Memorial Shootout Street Stocks
Tue : June 12th – Milwaukee Mile ; West Allis : WI – ASA Midwest Tour Milwaukee 150
Wed : June 13th – Brownstown Speedway ; Brownstown : IN – Hell Tour DIRTCar Late Models Summer Nationals
Wed : June 13th – Brownstown Speedway ; Brownstown : IN – DIRTCar Summit UMP Modified Nationals
Wed : June 13th – Gas City I-69 Speedway ; Gas City : IN – USAC MOPAR National Midgets
Wed : June 13th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Super Stock Klash
Wed : June 13th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Top Speed Modifieds
Wed : June 13th – Concord Speedway ; Concord : NC – USAC Eastern Focus Midgets
Wed : June 13th – Amsoil Speedway ; Superior : WI – USMTS Casey's Cup Qualifier Modifieds
Thu : June 14th – Kankakee County Speedway ; Kankakee : IL – Hell Tour DIRTCar Late Models Summer Nationals
Thu : June 14th – Kankakee County Speedway ; Kankakee : IL – DIRTCar Summit UMP Modified Nationals
Thu : June 14th – Lincoln Park Speedway ; Putnamville : IN – USAC MOPAR National Midgets
Thu : June 14th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – 14th Annual Masters Modifieds
Thu : June 14th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – 14th Annual Masters Midwest Modifieds
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
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Editor's Note: Frontstretch has a brand new, redesigned Facebook page. Click Here to "Like" Us and get a direct connect to all your Frontstretch favorites along with polls, interaction with fans and so much more.
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Fantasy Friday: Pocono 400 Presented by #NASCAR
by Jeff Wolfe
Editor's Note: Welcome to the newest feature in the Frontstretch Newsletter where Jeff Wolfe takes a look at your best bets when it comes to picking your fantasy racing teams. Each week, Jeff will have your top 5 best bets along with a bonus pick just in time to finalize your lineup and settle in for a weekend full of action.
With Dover in the rear-view, the first half of the "regular" season is over en route to the 10 race Chase for the Championship. With a new Pocono on the horizon, and a shorter race, there's sure to be excitement as the series takes to the new surface. Speeds crested 200 mph in test sessions Thursday at the Tricky Triangle.
Top 5 Picks
Jimmie Johnson - Wig or not, fastest car or not, he's on too big a roll not to pick. He does have two wins and 14 tops 10s at the Tricky Triangle.
Carl Edwards - He needs a win bad and Pocono comes up at the just the right time. He's got two career victories here and he needs to make it three to get back into the Chase picture.
Jeff Gordon - Yes, I'm well aware of his poor luck this year, but I've got a feeling it's going to change this week as he has five wins and 17 top-5 finishes at Pocono.
Denny Hamlin - He has four wins in 12 tries at Pocono.
Brad Keselowski - He's young, but he's also won at Pocono and the Penske cars seem to run well on the big tracks.
Shoulda, woulda, coulda - Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Yes, he's been close a few times to breaking his 142-race winless streak, but I just couldn't quite pick him, especially with an average finish of 17th in 24 starts. However, with his strong runs so far this year, he's definitely a long shot for victory lane.
ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP
Here's a look at how last week's picks fared in the 400-mile race at Dover.
Jimmie Johnson: 1st. Not the fastest car, but no mistakes either.
Matt Kenseth: 3rd. He was good all day, but couldn't challenge Johnson.
Greg Biffle: 11th. Points leader was OK, but never led a lap at Dover.
Kyle Busch: 29th. Ambushed by a grenade engine.
Martin Truex, Jr.: 7th. Did a steady job at Dover, but never a contender to win either.
Season Stats:
65 Predictions
7 wins
22 top 5s
29 top 10s
Grade for the week: B+. That's six winners in a row counting the All-Star race. Would have been an A week had Busch's engine not blown as he was in the top 5 much of the first half of the race.
One Last Thing: It's been a NASCAR Sprint Cup record 30 races since a driver won from the pole. The last driver to start on the pole and win at Pocono was Tony Stewart in 2009.
Jeff Wolfe is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at jeff.wolfe@frontstretch.com.
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Frontstretch Folio: Pocono 400 Presented by #NASCAR
by Nick Schwartz
This weekend, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to a newly-repaved Pocono Raceway for the Pocono 400 Presented by #NASCAR. Speeds at the track are up and drivers will have 100 fewer miles than usual in Sunday's race – the 14th of the season. The Pocono 400 will broadcast live Sunday, June 10th at 12:00 PM EDT on TNT and 11:30 AM EDT on MRN Radio. Drivers will compete for 160 laps (400 miles) before taking the checkered flag.
Records and Facts
Jeff Gordon is the defending winner of the event – he took his second victory of the 2011 season in a 500-mile race at Pocono in June. Gordon's win was his 84th career victory, which tied him for third on the all-time charts with Bobby Allison and Darrell Waltrip. He shares the track record for most wins at five with Bill Elliott.
Kasey Kahne holds the track qualifying record with a lap of 52.164 sec at
172.533 mph in qualifying for the 2004 Pocono 500, but all signs point to a new record being set this weekend. With the new pavement at Pocono, drivers were routinely approaching lap speeds of 179 mph, with Kahne setting the top speed at 179.490 mph.
Track Facts
Track/Race Length: 2.5-mile tri-oval, 160 laps (400 miles)
Pit Road Speed: 55 mph
Banking: Progressive banking ranges from 6 to 14 degrees
Frontstretch: 3,740 ft.
Grandstand Seating: 100,000
Pre-race Schedule
Practice: Friday, June 8, 12:30 – 2:00 PM ET on SPEED
Happy Hour: Friday, June 8, 3:30 – 5:00 PM EST on SPEED
Qualifying: Saturday, June 9, 11:00 AM EST on SPEED
Race Day Forecast
Sunday: Isolated thunderstorms, 30% chance of rain
High: 77
Low: 56
They Said It
"There's definitely a lot of grip on the racetrack. You can see it by the lap times. You know, the biggest thing is there's a huge balance difference between going out there on brand new tires and having full fuel in the car and then running eight or 10 laps and going back out there after the tires cool down. The tires just pick up a lot of speed, so I think that's where you keep seeing the fast laps keep popping up." -AJ Allmendinger
"It really feels like a different track. You're pretty much starting over from scratch. You're putting in something similar to what you have at Indianapolis in your car and hoping for the best. Goodyear did a good job with the tire. I feel like we have a tire that doesn't wear as much as I like, but it's got good grip. For a new pavement surface, they did a good job matching the surface and the tire. Really, we're just running in each other's snow tracks right now. There's a distinct line along the bottom of which you have to run and you can't get out of it. That part of it is going to be tough, but really it's going to be a fight for whoever gets position on each other into the corner." -Denny Hamlin
"I've always enjoyed racing here and felt I had a good handle on it and where the braking points were and how I'd apex my corners and now that's completely out the window as far as I'm concerned. It feels like a new race track to me. The way you drive into turn one, you can be much more aggressive on the throttle. You can be really aggressive on the brakes. It feels different, so I think it will be an opportunity to really shake things up here. The guys who normally run well here don't have an advantage anymore. It's a new day." -Carl Edwards
Nick Schwartz is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at nick.schwartz@frontstretch.com.
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THIS WEEKEND ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Tracking the Trucks: WinStar World Casino 400 by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth has all the post-race analysis you need following Friday night's Camping World Truck Series race at Texas.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
by Amy Henderson
by Summer Bedgood
by Jeff Meyer
as told to Amy Henderson
by Toni Montgomery
by Andy Hollis
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: The 1999 Pocono 500 was the first race of a Pocono sweep for Bobby Labonte. However, it is likely best known for a crash involving Dave Marcis. What happened?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: Our readers probably remember the nasty hit that Elliott Sadler took at Pocono back in August, 2010 on the Long Pond Straightaway. However, the guardrails at Pocono were not always so reinforced. What happened to cause the track to reinforce their inner guardrails with earthen banks?
A: On the very first lap of the 2002 Pennsylvania 500, Steve Park and Rusty Wallace collided exiting Turn 1. Wallace was turned into the concrete wall, while Park swerved left to avoid Wallace's Ford. Unfortunately, by doing this, he was hooked by teammate Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Both cars spun across the wet, uneven grass and slammed into the two strand Armco barrier on the inside of the track. The barrier was basically ripped up and broken while Park's car dug in and rolled a couple of times before landing on the drivers' side. All three drivers were ok, but the red flag was flown to replace the guardrail. That red flag, along with a later red flag due to rain resulted in the race being shortened to 175 laps.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: Take the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
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Coming Monday in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Pocono 400 Presented by #NASCAR 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: Pocono 400 Presented by #NASCAR by Matt McLaughlin
Matt will be here with his overall thoughts about the action from Sunday afternoon's action from Pocono.
Monday Morning Teardown by Ron Lemasters
Ron returns for a website look at one of the big stories from Sunday's race from Pocono.
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 Pocono.
Big Six: Pocono 400 Presented by #NASCAR by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving Sunday's event at Pocono? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing.
Pace Laps: Pocono / Texas 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 Texas and Pocono.
IZOD IndyCar Race Recap: Firestone 550 by Toni Montgomery
Matt has all of the post race analysis you need following Saturday night's IZOD IndyCar Series race from Texas.
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Talk back to the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Got something to say about an article you've seen in the newsletter? It's as easy as replying directly to this message or sending an email to editors@frontstretch.com. We'll take the best comments and publish them here!
©2012 Frontstretch.com
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
June 8th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CIX
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Frontstretch at the Track: We're live at Texas Motor Speedway and Pocono Raceway for this weekend's events! Beth Lunkenheimer is at Texas for the Camping World Truck Series action Friday night while Tom Bowles and Bryan Davis Keith are at Pocono. Stayed tuned to the Breaking News box, Twitter (@thefrontstretch, @Beth_Frntstrtch, @FrntstretchRick, @NASCARBowles, @BryanDavisKeith) and Facebook for all of the latest news as it happens.
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Rain Washes Out Most of Thursday at Texas Motor Speedway
by Beth Lunkenheimer
A light rain fell over Texas Motor Speedway for most of the day Thursday, and while a few breaks in the clouds had track officials and drivers hopeful, most of the day's activities were rained out. Both of the practice sessions early in the day were canceled along with qualifying. With the field set by owners' points, Justin Lofton will start on the pole with Timothy Peters alongside. Ty Dillon, James Buescher and Parker Kligerman round out the top 5 in the 35-truck field.
The trucks finally took to the track at nearly 8 PM local time and practice until 9:30 PM. Johnny Sauter led the charts with a fast lap of 181.080 mph followed by teammate Matt Crafton. Todd Bodine, Joey Coulter and Nelson Piquet, Jr. rounded out the top 5. Max Grasham had a little trouble in practice and will start at the back of the field after going to a backup truck.
The good news this morning from TMS is that most of today's rain chances have been removed with just a 20% chance of scattered thunderstorms this afternoon that should completely miss the track altogether. The WinStar World Casino 500 is schedule for the green flag at 8:00 PM local time.
Rain Delay Quotes
compiled by Beth Lunkenheimer
Dakoda Armstrong
What have you been spending your rain delay doing?
We've just been waiting. It stinks too because we don't get a lot of practice time to being with, and now we're not going to qualify. We really have to unload off the trailer good if you want to be competitive because we're going to be fighting it and we don't get a whole lot of laps to work on it. It's a little bit of a setback, but we'll get it worked out here and have a good time at Texas.
Did you pull anything from Charlotte that you can use here?
For sure. One thing is these tracks are very similar. These trucks really have a lot of right side downforce and how they race on the right side, I think a pass on the top side is going to be the way to go. Restarts are going to be key just like they were in Charlotte. Hopefully we're fast and can go to the front.
What's your strategy for race day now that qualifying has been canceled?
I hate to say, it's kind of where we've been starting anyway. The only thing is we're not going to have a lot of practice time to know how good we are, but everyone's going to be there. It would be really good to start up front, especially in a deal like this where you don't know what you have. It would be helpful to be up front and then be able to work on it, but I know we're going to make some good changes and have good pit stops and get up there.
Do you use similar setups to your teammates Johnny Sauter and Matt Crafton?
We usually try to stay close. We're getting to the part where I'm starting to do my own thing where we use what I'm going to like that's different from them. No two drivers drive the same. We're working on it and everyone's doing a good job. We're getting better each week. I think we're going to be good here in Texas.
Ron Hornaday, Jr.
What have you been spending your free time today doing?
I never eat at the racetrack, but I've been eating a lot of good food. I didn't know our driver was such a good cook. Other than that, I won three games of solitaire out of ten, so I'm not very good at that and I've changed my socks twice."
How's it been working for Joe Denette Motorsports?
You still drive the same distance, you still pull in the same gates and you're still at the same building. The only difference is it's got No. 9 on the side. The guys are working hard, and we've put some great people in some good place up there. We're just not turning the corner and starting the gel together and bring good trucks to the track. Hopefully this weekend is our change of events where we'll be in victory lane.
Did you pull anything from Charlotte you can use here?
We probably would've brought the same truck if I hadn't wrecked it last week [at Dover]. We brought a new body on an older chassis that's been revamped. Hopefully we've spruced up the motor a bit and we're looking forward to [Friday] if it doesn't rain.
Miguel Paludo
What have you been spending your day doing?
Hanging out in the hauler. The toughest thing to do is when it rains. We are not prepared for it, so we're hanging out watching movies with the guys. I think it's going to stop and we'll get to practice today.
How does it change your approach for the weekend?
It changes a little bit because we're not having qualifying, so we'll start with owner ponits and we start 15th. We had a really good truck and we were supposed to qualify inside the top 10, but it's a long race and we have time to work on it. It doesn't change too much; we just want to use the practice time as well as we can so we're ready for the race [Friday].
Ty Dillon
What have you been spending all day doing?
Not much. I took a lot of the guys on my team to the Justin Boot outlet. We went and looked around as some hats and some guys got some boots. We've just been handing out just doing what guys do. We've been messing around with each other and trying to keep a light mood just waiting for a little action.
How does qualifying being rained out change your approach to the weekend?
It makes it a little easier. It's one less thing you have to worry about in practice now, so we can just go focus on the race. We got a good start in points; we're starting third and I'm looking forward to some fun.
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Top News
by Jeff Wolfe
The second day of testing at the newly paved Pocono Raceway resulted in even faster speeds Thursday on the 2.5-mile tri-oval. Kasey Kahne turned the fastest lap at 179.490 mph, following closely by Jamie McMurray with a speed of 179.401 mph. Kahne and McMurray were joined by Mark Martin(179.390 mph), Jeff Gordon (179.272 mph) and Paul Menard (179.005) as the only drivers to top the 179 mph mark.
Four-time Pocono winner Denny Hamlin thinks the new surface will add to closer racing at the track known as the Tricky Triangle for its three distinct corners.
"The race track is very fun in the sense of how they graded it and smoothed it out in different places. It's still Pocono, but it drives very different than what it used to. You're getting a feel of a lot of different race tracks here within the Pocono Raceway," Hamlin said. "You're going to see massive dive bombs going into the corner trying to get position. My estimation – you're going to see a lot of excitement. Anyone who takes time trials on Friday is going to break the track record (172.533 by Kasey Kahne in June 2004). All the cars should break the track record easily. Really, you drive it totally different than what you used to."
Just as, if not more, important than the increased speed is the safety of the tires on the track. NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton was pleased with the results from both the safety and competitive side of things.
"It's been really smooth," Pemberton said. "All in all it's been really positive in the garage area. (The track is) definitely faster but with the amount of grip that's here, you'll see the grooves widen out. With the 400 mile race and the outstanding job Goodyear did with these tires, I think we're in for an exceptional weekend."
Jimmie Johnson ran 53 laps Thursday afternoon, the most of any driver. However, he topped out at No. 19 on the speed chart with his fastest lap being 176.769.
Twitter and NASCAR Team up to Enhance Digital Experience
Whether you are at the race, watching on TV, or maybe pulled away from your weekly NASCAR race for family reasons, Twitter and NASCAR have teamed up to make the digital experience more exciting for race fans. To find out more about what's going on in NASCAR now, go to Twitter.com/#NASCAR to get the most up to date news and photos from the track. The agreement, reached earlier this spring, happened for real Wednesday when Twitter went live with its NASCAR production.
"Twitter brings fans closer to the sports and moments they're most passionate about," said Jack Dorsey, co-founder and executive chairman at Twitter. "The innovation of the NASCAR organization, the spirit of the fans, and the personalities of the drivers all shine on Twitter, making NASCAR a natural partner for us."
"Twitter.com/#NASCAR will offer fans an all-access pass to the race weekend action as it unfolds on the track, in the pit, in the garage and in the stands."
NASCAR and Twitter are also teaming up with broadcast partner Turner Sports that will allow fans to see important information via Twitter. Also, fans who search Twitter with #NASCAR will get the most recent and important information at the track from drivers, crews and family members.
"This is an exciting weekend for the NASCAR industry. We are pleased to be able to partner with Twitter and bring a great cutting-edge digital experience to our fans. This is a great extension of our strategy of innovation in the digital space to enhance the fan experience with our sport," said Marc Jenkins, NASCAR vice president of digital media. "Reflective of the strength of NASCAR's fan base and the sport's cutting-edge use of social media and Twitter in particular, the sanctioning body is pleased that Twitter partnered with NASCAR to launch this product and we look forward to a long and healthy relationship coming out of this weekend's launch in Pocono."
TNT and RaceBuddy Debut New Camera for Pits
While NASCAR fans see what happens during a pit stop, there is a lot of activity in the pits before and after stops too. During Sunday's Pocono race on TNT, fans will get a different look at the pits with a special 360-degree camera in Carl Edwards' No. 99 stall. The Race Buddy camera will be featured on NASCAR.com during the race and will allow fans to turn the camera with their mouse to see the action as they please.
"This will give the fans a unique opportunity to see what goes on in the pits during the race," said Bob Osborne, crew chief of the No. 99 Ford. "While television shows what is happening on the track, this camera will show what goes on behind the scenes. There is a lot of activity, especially before and after pit stops, that many fans probably are not aware goes on throughout the race."
Edwards will be racing a Frosted Flakes Ford at Pocono. He comes into the race 12th in the points standings and without a win 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.
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Got NASCAR-related questions or comments?
Send them John Potts' way at john.potts@frontstretch.com; and if you're lucky, you'll get your name in print when he does his weekly column answering back to you – the fans that keep Frontstretch afloat. Potts' Shots will run on Thursdays with a whole new set of Fan Questions and Answers!
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In Case You Missed It
by Nick Schwartz
NASCAR to Honor Sailors at Pocono
A group of sailors from the Lehigh Valley area will be honored by NASCAR at Pocono Raceway this weekend. 20 sailors in all representing the U.S. Navy Operational Support Center will be on hand at Pocono, and will get a tour of the garage area, pit road access and a special recognition during the drivers' pre-race meeting. Members of the group have served in the Arabian Gulf, Japan, Kuwait, Africa, Iraq, Guantanamo Bay and Afghanistan.
Danica Patrick to Appear in Children's Racing Video Game
Danica Patrick will be racing with a special paint scheme featuring longtime SEGA video game character Sonic the Hedgehog in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Challenge at Texas Motor Speedway in November – but Patrick will soon be appearing alongside Sonic on the virtual racetrack as well. Patrick will be a free playable character in the upcoming SEGA videogame "Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed," which is scheduled to be released in late 2012. In the game, Danica will appear with customized vehicles capable of racing on land, in water and in the air.
Nick Schwartz is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at nick.schwartz@ frontstretch.com.
NASCAR Announces Broadcast Leadership Moves
by Phil Allaway
On Tuesday, NASCAR announced what they described as "...a number of strategic moves designed to strengthen further its broadcasting and production units by refocusing business strategy, improving alignment with other key NASCAR departments and bolstering the overall leadership structure."
To this end, the NASCAR Media Group has been rebranded as NASCAR Productions. Steve Herbst will head up the rebranded company as its Vice President of Broadcasting and Production. Herbst formerly oversaw NASCAR's broadcasting and global media rights. He will work under Steve Phelps, NASCAR's Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer (and former "Undercover Boss").
In addition, Steve Stum will assume the position of Vice President of Operations and Technical Production, while Tally Hair will assume the position of Managing Director of Production and Programming. Finally, Seth Bacon will take on the role of Senior Director of Broadcasting. All these moves will be effective on June 12.
NASCAR Productions' focus in the future will be delivering content that furthers NASCAR's mission of serving current fans and bringing in new fans. Anything that doesn't have to do with NASCAR (and has not already started) will not be pursued. To help achieve this focus, NASCAR Productions will be more closely aligned with other departments charged with "Fan engagement and development" along with NASCAR Broadcasting, NASCAR Digital Media and NASCAR Entertainment.
NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France is excited about the possibility of future growth as a result of this move.
"Over the last two years, NASCAR has taken a number of steps and made significant investments to drive long-term growth and build value for industry stakeholders," France said. "This is the next evolution to better position NASCAR to meet the challenges of the existing business landscape and to capitalize on the growth opportunities before us."
Herbst has only been working for NASCAR for a year, but has over 20 years of experience in sports broadcasting. He spent 19 years working for the NBA in various roles all the way up to the General Manager of NBA TV before leaving for the roles of Executive Vice President and General Manager at the CBS College Sports Network (now CBS Sports Network).
Phil Allaway is the Newsletter Editor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com.
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COME JOIN THE FRONTSTRETCH FAMILY!
Hey Frontstretch Readers,
We are looking for someone who shares our enthusiasm for NASCAR and has an experienced background in web design. Specifically, we are looking for someone who can help maintain and enhance our website, increase our SEO, and upgrade our publishing platform while producing a limited amount of content throughout the season. This job presents a perfect opportunity for someone with a technical background, a person who wants their work to gain national exposure.
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Keepin' It Short: Hell on Wheels
by Mike Neff
The NASCAR Cup series is often touted as having the longest schedule of all major sports, and provided you don't consider golf a major sport, then that is a valid statement. The World of Outlaws Sprint cars run 44 races in just under as many weeks as the Cup series, which could cause some to think that it is a tougher schedule than the Cup boys are subjected to. While they do run more races, they have quite a bit easier schedule than the toughest in all of racing. This coming Thursday the UMP Summer Nationals begins at Brownstown Speedway in Brownstown, Indiana. 32 days later, in Wauseon, Ohio at Oakshade Raceway the tour will come to an end and crown a champion, after 29 races. 81% as many races as the Cup series runs over a 40 week time period will be contested in just over a month. They don't call it the Hell Tour for nothing.
The Hell Tour 2012 will cover over 5,000 miles and will have races in eight different states. In 2011 there were 306 drivers who ran in at least one of the races. The smallest field of the entire tour was 22 while the largest field had 52. The average field during the tour was 38 entrants. Shannon Babb took the tour championship for the third time in his career in 2012 by winning nine races, and posting 18 top five finishes.
This years Hell Tour Schedule:
DATE DAY TRACK TOWN MILES TO NEXT EVENT
13-Jun WED BROWNSTOWN SPEEDWAY BROWNSTOWN, IN. $5,000 226
14-Jun THUR KANKAKEE MOTOR SPEEDWAY KANKAKEE, IL. $5,000 446
15-Jun FRI CEDAR LAKE SPEEDWAY SOMERSET, WI. $5,000 0
16-Jun SAT CEDAR LAKE SPEEDWAY SOMERSET, WI. $10,000 340
17-Jun SUN WILMOT RACEWAY WILMOT, WI. $5,000 221
19-Jun TUE SPOON RIVER SPEEDWAY CANTON, IL. $5,000 173
20-Jun WED HIGHLAND SPEEDWAY HIGHLAND, IL. $5,000 44
21-Jun THUR FAYETTE CO. SPEEDWAY BROWNSTOWN, IL. $5,000 65
22-Jun FRI TRI CITY SPEEDWAY PONTOON BCH, IL. $10,000 188
23-Jun SAT FAIRBURY SPEEDWAY FAIRBURY, IL. $10,000 289
24-Jun SUN I 96 SPEEDWAY LAKE ODESSA, MI. $5,000 306
26-Jun TUE LINCOLN PARK SPEEDWAY PUTNAMVILLE, IN $5,000 199
27-Jun WED BELLE CLAIR SPEEDWAY BELLEVILLE, IL. $5,000 246
28-Jun THUR CLAY HILL MOTORSPORTS PK ATWOOD, TN. $5,000 98
29-Jun FRI PADUCAH INT. RACEWAY PADUCAH, KY. $12,000 166
30-Jun SAT FEDERATED AUTO PARTS I55 PEVELY, MO $10,000 158
1-Jul SUN LINCOLN SPEEDWAY LINCOLN, IL. $5,000 44
2-Jul MON PEORIA SPEEDWAY PEORIA, IL. $5,000 85
3-Jul TUE JACKSONVILLE SPEEDWAY JACKSONVILLE, IL. $5,000 163
4-Jul WED LASALLE SPEEDWAY LASALLE, IL. $5,000 123
5-Jul THUR MACON SPEEDWAY MACON, IL. $5,000 58
6-Jul FRI QUINCY RACEWAYS QUINCY, IL. $7,500 403
7-Jul SAT CLARKSVILLE SPEEDWAY CLARKSVILLE, TN. $7,500 125
8-Jul SUN TRI STATE SPEEDWAY HAUBSTADT, IN. $5,000 193
10-Jul TUE FLORENCE SPEEDWAY UNION, KY $5,000 80
11-Jul WED BRUSHCREEK MOTORSPORTS PEBBLES, OH. $5,000 255
12-Jul THUR TERRE HAUTE ACTION TRACK TERRE HAUTE, IN. $5,000 329
13-Jul FRI ATTICA RACEWAY PARK ATTICA, OH. $5,000 100
14-Jul SAT OAKSHADE RACEWAY WAUSEON, OH. $10,000
The champion of the tour will take home a $25,000 check in addition to his winnings throughout the tour and any contingency awards. There are a plethora of contingency awards to incent the drivers to compete for the full month and a day of the most grueling sport schedule anywhere.
If the opportunity presents itself for you to see one of the Hell Tour dates, take the chance to stop and see the ultimate road warriors. There will be drivers that compete in one race, a handful or races or most of the races, but there will be a select few who will attempt to run all 29 races. Show them the love and respect of short track fans everywhere and cheer them on this Summer.
Whelen All-American Point Standings
Place Name Races Wins Top 5s Top 10s Total Points
1. Anthony Anders 24 1 13 22 507
2. Nate Monteith 14 4 10 12 422
3. C E Falk III 13 6 10 12 414
4. Matt Bowling 14 1 11 12 397
5. Deac McCaskill 12 9 11 12 385
6. Ryan Preece 14 3 7 11 369
7. Ted Christopher 14 2 9 10 326
8. Austin McDaniel 11 2 10 11 326
9. Duane Howard 8 5 7 8 325
10. Keith Rocco 13 5 6 7 321
This Week's Race Schedule
Fri : June 8th – Ocean Speedway ; Watsonville : CA – Taco Bravo Ocean Sprints
Fri : June 8th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 39th Annual SK Mod 100 Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 39th Annual SK Mod 100 Limited Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 39th Annual SK Mod 100 SK Lights
Fri : June 8th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 39th Annual SK Mod 100 SK Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Bubba Raceway Park ; Ocala : FL – Florida Mini-Sprint Association
Fri : June 8th – Five Flags Speedway ; Pensacola : FL – Pro Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Tri-City Speedway ; Pontoon Beach : IL – Midwest Open Wheel Association
Fri : June 8th – Gas City I-69 Speedway ; Gas City : IN – USAC Midwest Ford Focus Midgets
Fri : June 8th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets
Fri : June 8th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Legends
Fri : June 8th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Roadsters
Fri : June 8th – Clay County Fair Speedway ; Spencer : IA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Fri : June 8th – Great American Dirt Track ; Jetmore : KS – BST Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – USRA Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – IMCA Stock Cars
Fri : June 8th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Street Stocks
Fri : June 8th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Comp Cams Super Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Street Stocks
Fri : June 8th – Gallatin Speedway ; Belgrade : MT – Big Sky Sprints
Fri : June 8th – I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE – Super Late Model Racing Series
Fri : June 8th – Eagle Raceway ; Eagle : NE – Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Fri : June 8th – Canaan Fair Speedway ; Canaan : NH – Sprint Cars of New England
Fri : June 8th – Aztec Speedway ; Aztec : NM – Championship Late Model Association
Fri : June 8th – Spencer Speedway ; Williamson : NY – Race of Champions Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Limited Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Modifieds x2
Fri : June 8th – Ace Speedway ; Altamahaw : NC – Street Stock
Fri : June 8th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – NDRA Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Open Wheel Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Street Stocks
Fri : June 8th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Street Stocks
Fri : June 8th – Southern Ohio Speedway ; Wheelersburg : OH – Buckeye Outlaw Sprints
Fri : June 8th – Southern Oklahoma Speedway ; Ardmore : OK – USMTS Casey's Cup Qualifier Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Fri : June 8th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – 358 Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Path Valley Speedway ; Spring Run : PA – Sidewinder Sprints
Fri : June 8th – Autodrome Chaudiere ; Vallee-Jonction : Quebec – ACT Castrol Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Sprint Cars
Fri : June 8th – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Street Stocks
Fri : June 8th – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Super Stocks
Fri : June 8th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Stock
Fri : June 8th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Street Stock
Fri : June 8th – Ephrata Raceway Park ; Ephrata : WA – West Coast Vintage Racers
Fri : June 8th – Langlade Speedway ; Antigo : WI – Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Langlade Speedway ; Antigo : WI – Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Fri : June 8th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Sprint Cars
Fri : June 8th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Street Stock
Fri : June 8th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : June 8th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – Street Stocks
Fri : June 8th – St. Croix Valley Raceway ; St. Croix Falls : WI – Upper Midwest Sprint Series
Sat : June 9th – Talladega Short Track ; Eastaboga : AL – Southern All Star Dirt Super Late Models
Sat : June 9th – South Alabama Speedway ; Kinston : AL – Viper Pro Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Castrol Raceway ; Edmonton : Alberta – Northern Provincial Pipeline Late Models
Sat : June 9th – NEA Speedway ; Harrisburg : AR – Comp Cams Super Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – 305 Winged Sprints
Sat : June 9th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – 600 Mini Sprints
Sat : June 9th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Al Pombo Classic USAC Sprint Cars
Sat : June 9th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Al Pombo Classic 410/360 Super Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Al Pombo Classic BCRA/USAC Midgets
Sat : June 9th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Al Pombo Classic USAC Focus Midgets
Sat : June 9th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Al Pombo Classic NCMA Sprint Cars
Sat : June 9th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Al Pombo Classic Vintage Super Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Al Pombo Classic BCRA Vintage Sprints
Sat : June 9th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Al Pombo Classic BCRA Vintage Midgets
Sat : June 9th – Stockton 99 Speedway ; Stockton : CA – SRL Southwest Tour Late Models
Sat : June 9th – I-76 Speedway ; Fort Morgan : CO – Rocky Mountain Midget Racing Association
Sat : June 9th – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – Open Wheel Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Super Late Models
Sat : June 9th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Sportsman
Sat : June 9th – Punta Gorda Speedway ; Punta Gorda : FL – Late Model Sportsman
Sat : June 9th – Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA – NASCAR K&N Pro East Series
Sat : June 9th – Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA – Outlaws
Sat : June 9th – Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA – Trucks
Sat : June 9th – New Senoia Raceway ; Senoia : GA – Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Sugar Creek Raceway ; Blue Ridge : GA – Southern Regional Racing Series
Sat : June 9th – Waycross Motor Speedway ; Waycross : GA – Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Adams County Speedway ; Corning : IA – Super Late Model Racing Series
Sat : June 9th – Knoxville Raceway ; Knoxville : IA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sat : June 9th – Autobahn Country Club ; Joliet : IL – 24 Hours of Lemons
Sat : June 9th – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Limited Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Street Stocks
Sat : June 9th – Grundy County Speedway ; Morris : IL – USAC Mopar D1 Stars
Sat : June 9th – Lawrenceburg Speedway ; Lawrenceburg : IN – Buckeye Outlaw Sprints
Sat : June 9th – Lucas Oil Raceway Park ; Clermont : IN – CRA Super Series
Sat : June 9th – Lucas Oil Raceway Park ; Clermont : IN – Must See Racing Xtreme Sprints
Sat : June 9th – Montpelier Speedway ; Montpelier : IN – USAC Midwest Focus Midgets
Sat : June 9th – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Top Speed Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Sportsman
Sat : June 9th – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Street Stocks
Sat : June 9th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets
Sat : June 9th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Late Model Figure 8
Sat : June 9th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Stocks
Sat : June 9th – Highway 3 Raceway ; Allison : IA – Henrick Racing Figure 8s
Sat : June 9th – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Stock Cars
Sat : June 9th – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Sport Mods
Sat : June 9th – Knoxville Raceway ; Knoxville : IA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sat : June 9th – Great American Dirt Track ; Jetmore : KS – BST Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Sportsman
Sat : June 9th – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Pure Street
Sat : June 9th – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Mini/Stock
Sat : June 9th – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Outlaw Mini-Cup
Sat : June 9th – Beech Ridge Speedway ; Scarborough : ME – Pro Series Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Outlaws
Sat : June 9th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Strictly Stock
Sat : June 9th – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – Elvis Family Day Late Model Sportsman
Sat : June 9th – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – Pure Stocks
Sat : June 9th – Seekonk Speedway ; Seekonk : MA – MRS Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Outlaw Super Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Super Stocks
Sat : June 9th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Pro Stocks
Sat : June 9th – Springport Motor Speedway ; Springport : MI – Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Springport Motor Speedway ; Springport : MI – Wingless Sprints
Sat : June 9th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : June 9th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Super Stocks
Sat : June 9th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – USRA Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Kids' Night UMSS Sprint Cars
Sat : June 9th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Kids' Night Wissota Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Kids' Night Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Kids' Night Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : June 9th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Kids' Night Wissota Super Stocks
Sat : June 9th – Jackson Motor Speedway ; Jackson : MS – Cajun Sprinters Association
Sat : June 9th – Magnolia Motor Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Super Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Magnolia Motor Speedway ; Columbus : MS – NeSmith Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Magnolia Motor Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Street Stocks
Sat : June 9th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – ASA Late Models
Sat : June 9th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Sportsman
Sat : June 9th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Road Warriors
Sat : June 9th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Chargers
Sat : June 9th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – Factory Stocks
Sat : June 9th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – A-Mods
Sat : June 9th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – B-Mods
Sat : June 9th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – United Late Model Association Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Electric City Speedway ; Great Falls : MT – Big Sky Sprints
Sat : June 9th – Eagle Raceway ; Eagle : NE – Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Sat : June 9th – Petty International Raceway ; River Glade : New Brunswick – Parts for Trucks Pro Stocks
Sat : June 9th – Speedway 660 ; Fredericton : New Brunswick – PASS North Super Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Canaan Speedway ; Canaan : NH – Senior Tour Auto Racers
Sat : June 9th – Twin State Speedway ; Claremont : NH – Pro Four Modifieds of New England
Sat : June 9th – New Egypt Speedway ; New Egypt : NJ – North East Enduro Tour
Sat : June 9th – Aztec Speedway ; Aztec : NM – Championship Late Model Association
Sat : June 9th – Bethel Motor Speedway ; White Lake : NY – 4c Super Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Dunn Tire Raceway ; Lancaster : NY – Race of Champions Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – Street Stocks
Sat : June 9th – Concord Motorsports Park ; Concord : NC – Late Models Twin 50s
Sat : June 9th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – ISCARS Dash Series
Sat : June 9th – Red River Valley Speedway ; West Fargo : ND – Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Red River Valley Speedway ; West Fargo : ND – Super Stocks
Sat : June 9th – Shady Bowl Speedway ; DeGraff : OH – Main Event Super Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Wissota Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Street Stocks
Sat : June 9th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – All-Star Circuit of Champions 410 Sprints
Sat : June 9th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 358 Sprints
Sat : June 9th – Little Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Slingshots
Sat : June 9th – Little Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Thunder Cars
Sat : June 9th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Sport Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Factory Stocks
Sat : June 9th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – TQ Midgets
Sat : June 9th – Port Royal Speedway ; Port Royal : PA – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Sat : June 9th – Williams Grove Speedway ; Mechanicsburg : PA – Super Sportsman
Sat : June 9th – Florence Motor Speedway ; Florence : SC – Allison Legacy Race Series
Sat : June 9th – Devil's Bowl Speedway ; Mesquite : TX – Sprint Series of Texas
Sat : June 9th – I-37 Speedway ; Pleasanton : TX – Dwarf Car Series of Texas
Sat : June 9th – Route 66 Motor Speedway ; Amarillo : TX – USMTS Casey's Cup Qualifier Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – CARS Pro Cup Series
Sat : June 9th – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Street Stock
Sat : June 9th – South Boston Speedway ; South Boston : VA – PASS South
Sat : June 9th – Ephrata Raceway Park ; Ephrata : WA – West Coast Vintage Racers
Sat : June 9th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Late Models
Sat : June 9th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : June 9th – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Wissota Street Stocks
Sun : June 10th – Autobahn Country Club ; Joliet : IL – 24 Hours of Lemons
Sun : June 10th – Lucas Oil Raceway Park ; Clermont : IN – CRA Super Series
Sun : June 10th – Springport Motor Speedway ; Springport : MI – Michigan All-Stars Super Late Models
Sun : June 10th – Wall Speedway ; Wall : NJ – North East Enduro Tour
Sun : June 10th – Beaver County Raceway ; Beaver : OK – USMTS Casey's Cup Qualifier Modifieds
Sun : June 10th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – 4th Annual Brad Kline Memorial Shootout Street Stocks
Tue : June 12th – Milwaukee Mile ; West Allis : WI – ASA Midwest Tour Milwaukee 150
Wed : June 13th – Brownstown Speedway ; Brownstown : IN – Hell Tour DIRTCar Late Models Summer Nationals
Wed : June 13th – Brownstown Speedway ; Brownstown : IN – DIRTCar Summit UMP Modified Nationals
Wed : June 13th – Gas City I-69 Speedway ; Gas City : IN – USAC MOPAR National Midgets
Wed : June 13th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Super Stock Klash
Wed : June 13th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Top Speed Modifieds
Wed : June 13th – Concord Speedway ; Concord : NC – USAC Eastern Focus Midgets
Wed : June 13th – Amsoil Speedway ; Superior : WI – USMTS Casey's Cup Qualifier Modifieds
Thu : June 14th – Kankakee County Speedway ; Kankakee : IL – Hell Tour DIRTCar Late Models Summer Nationals
Thu : June 14th – Kankakee County Speedway ; Kankakee : IL – DIRTCar Summit UMP Modified Nationals
Thu : June 14th – Lincoln Park Speedway ; Putnamville : IN – USAC MOPAR National Midgets
Thu : June 14th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – 14th Annual Masters Modifieds
Thu : June 14th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – 14th Annual Masters Midwest Modifieds
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
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Editor's Note: Frontstretch has a brand new, redesigned Facebook page. Click Here to "Like" Us and get a direct connect to all your Frontstretch favorites along with polls, interaction with fans and so much more.
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Fantasy Friday: Pocono 400 Presented by #NASCAR
by Jeff Wolfe
Editor's Note: Welcome to the newest feature in the Frontstretch Newsletter where Jeff Wolfe takes a look at your best bets when it comes to picking your fantasy racing teams. Each week, Jeff will have your top 5 best bets along with a bonus pick just in time to finalize your lineup and settle in for a weekend full of action.
With Dover in the rear-view, the first half of the "regular" season is over en route to the 10 race Chase for the Championship. With a new Pocono on the horizon, and a shorter race, there's sure to be excitement as the series takes to the new surface. Speeds crested 200 mph in test sessions Thursday at the Tricky Triangle.
Top 5 Picks
Jimmie Johnson - Wig or not, fastest car or not, he's on too big a roll not to pick. He does have two wins and 14 tops 10s at the Tricky Triangle.
Carl Edwards - He needs a win bad and Pocono comes up at the just the right time. He's got two career victories here and he needs to make it three to get back into the Chase picture.
Jeff Gordon - Yes, I'm well aware of his poor luck this year, but I've got a feeling it's going to change this week as he has five wins and 17 top-5 finishes at Pocono.
Denny Hamlin - He has four wins in 12 tries at Pocono.
Brad Keselowski - He's young, but he's also won at Pocono and the Penske cars seem to run well on the big tracks.
Shoulda, woulda, coulda - Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Yes, he's been close a few times to breaking his 142-race winless streak, but I just couldn't quite pick him, especially with an average finish of 17th in 24 starts. However, with his strong runs so far this year, he's definitely a long shot for victory lane.
ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP
Here's a look at how last week's picks fared in the 400-mile race at Dover.
Jimmie Johnson: 1st. Not the fastest car, but no mistakes either.
Matt Kenseth: 3rd. He was good all day, but couldn't challenge Johnson.
Greg Biffle: 11th. Points leader was OK, but never led a lap at Dover.
Kyle Busch: 29th. Ambushed by a grenade engine.
Martin Truex, Jr.: 7th. Did a steady job at Dover, but never a contender to win either.
Season Stats:
65 Predictions
7 wins
22 top 5s
29 top 10s
Grade for the week: B+. That's six winners in a row counting the All-Star race. Would have been an A week had Busch's engine not blown as he was in the top 5 much of the first half of the race.
One Last Thing: It's been a NASCAR Sprint Cup record 30 races since a driver won from the pole. The last driver to start on the pole and win at Pocono was Tony Stewart in 2009.
Jeff Wolfe is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at jeff.wolfe@frontstretch.com.
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Are you looking to advertise your website, product or brand? A good way to get your name out there is via direct advertising here in the Frontstretch Newsletter! Interested parties can contact us at tony.lumbis@frontstretch.com for details.
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Frontstretch Folio: Pocono 400 Presented by #NASCAR
by Nick Schwartz
This weekend, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to a newly-repaved Pocono Raceway for the Pocono 400 Presented by #NASCAR. Speeds at the track are up and drivers will have 100 fewer miles than usual in Sunday's race – the 14th of the season. The Pocono 400 will broadcast live Sunday, June 10th at 12:00 PM EDT on TNT and 11:30 AM EDT on MRN Radio. Drivers will compete for 160 laps (400 miles) before taking the checkered flag.
Records and Facts
Jeff Gordon is the defending winner of the event – he took his second victory of the 2011 season in a 500-mile race at Pocono in June. Gordon's win was his 84th career victory, which tied him for third on the all-time charts with Bobby Allison and Darrell Waltrip. He shares the track record for most wins at five with Bill Elliott.
Kasey Kahne holds the track qualifying record with a lap of 52.164 sec at
172.533 mph in qualifying for the 2004 Pocono 500, but all signs point to a new record being set this weekend. With the new pavement at Pocono, drivers were routinely approaching lap speeds of 179 mph, with Kahne setting the top speed at 179.490 mph.
Track Facts
Track/Race Length: 2.5-mile tri-oval, 160 laps (400 miles)
Pit Road Speed: 55 mph
Banking: Progressive banking ranges from 6 to 14 degrees
Frontstretch: 3,740 ft.
Grandstand Seating: 100,000
Pre-race Schedule
Practice: Friday, June 8, 12:30 – 2:00 PM ET on SPEED
Happy Hour: Friday, June 8, 3:30 – 5:00 PM EST on SPEED
Qualifying: Saturday, June 9, 11:00 AM EST on SPEED
Race Day Forecast
Sunday: Isolated thunderstorms, 30% chance of rain
High: 77
Low: 56
They Said It
"There's definitely a lot of grip on the racetrack. You can see it by the lap times. You know, the biggest thing is there's a huge balance difference between going out there on brand new tires and having full fuel in the car and then running eight or 10 laps and going back out there after the tires cool down. The tires just pick up a lot of speed, so I think that's where you keep seeing the fast laps keep popping up." -AJ Allmendinger
"It really feels like a different track. You're pretty much starting over from scratch. You're putting in something similar to what you have at Indianapolis in your car and hoping for the best. Goodyear did a good job with the tire. I feel like we have a tire that doesn't wear as much as I like, but it's got good grip. For a new pavement surface, they did a good job matching the surface and the tire. Really, we're just running in each other's snow tracks right now. There's a distinct line along the bottom of which you have to run and you can't get out of it. That part of it is going to be tough, but really it's going to be a fight for whoever gets position on each other into the corner." -Denny Hamlin
"I've always enjoyed racing here and felt I had a good handle on it and where the braking points were and how I'd apex my corners and now that's completely out the window as far as I'm concerned. It feels like a new race track to me. The way you drive into turn one, you can be much more aggressive on the throttle. You can be really aggressive on the brakes. It feels different, so I think it will be an opportunity to really shake things up here. The guys who normally run well here don't have an advantage anymore. It's a new day." -Carl Edwards
Nick Schwartz is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at nick.schwartz@frontstretch.com.
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THIS WEEKEND ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Tracking the Trucks: WinStar World Casino 400 by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth has all the post-race analysis you need following Friday night's Camping World Truck Series race at Texas.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
by Amy Henderson
by Summer Bedgood
by Jeff Meyer
as told to Amy Henderson
by Toni Montgomery
by Andy Hollis
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: The 1999 Pocono 500 was the first race of a Pocono sweep for Bobby Labonte. However, it is likely best known for a crash involving Dave Marcis. What happened?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: Our readers probably remember the nasty hit that Elliott Sadler took at Pocono back in August, 2010 on the Long Pond Straightaway. However, the guardrails at Pocono were not always so reinforced. What happened to cause the track to reinforce their inner guardrails with earthen banks?
A: On the very first lap of the 2002 Pennsylvania 500, Steve Park and Rusty Wallace collided exiting Turn 1. Wallace was turned into the concrete wall, while Park swerved left to avoid Wallace's Ford. Unfortunately, by doing this, he was hooked by teammate Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Both cars spun across the wet, uneven grass and slammed into the two strand Armco barrier on the inside of the track. The barrier was basically ripped up and broken while Park's car dug in and rolled a couple of times before landing on the drivers' side. All three drivers were ok, but the red flag was flown to replace the guardrail. That red flag, along with a later red flag due to rain resulted in the race being shortened to 175 laps.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: Take the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
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Coming Monday in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Pocono 400 Presented by #NASCAR 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: Pocono 400 Presented by #NASCAR by Matt McLaughlin
Matt will be here with his overall thoughts about the action from Sunday afternoon's action from Pocono.
Monday Morning Teardown by Ron Lemasters
Ron returns for a website look at one of the big stories from Sunday's race from Pocono.
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 Pocono.
Big Six: Pocono 400 Presented by #NASCAR by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving Sunday's event at Pocono? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing.
Pace Laps: Pocono / Texas 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 Texas and Pocono.
IZOD IndyCar Race Recap: Firestone 550 by Toni Montgomery
Matt has all of the post race analysis you need following Saturday night's IZOD IndyCar Series race from Texas.
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