THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
July 4th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CXXIX
~~~~~~~~~~
Happy Independence Day, American readers! The Frontstretch salutes all soldiers, past and present, who have fought for our freedom within the United States.
~~~~~~~~~~
Top News
by Brad Morgan
Turner Motorsports to Debut at Daytona
Turner Motorsports will make its Sprint Cup Series debut this weekend at Daytona. The team that helped lead James Buescher to a win in the 2012 Nationwide Series season-opener returns to the 2.5-mile track looking for similar results in NASCAR's premier series.
Walmart and Turner Motorsports announced that they would partner together for the Coke Zero 400 powered by Coca-Cola in an effort to promote Wal-Mart's 50th anniversary in January. They will rely on former champion Bill Elliott to drive the No. 50 Walmart Chevrolet in what will be a huge night for all parties involved.
Elliott returns to Daytona for the first time since finishing 12th in the 2011 Daytona 500 while driving for James Finch. After 59 career starts at the famed track, the veteran knows what it takes to get the job done there.
"At Daytona, handling used to be the most important thing and what you spent most of your time working on," Elliott said. "Then with the new surface, handling became less of an issue. Now, since they have changed the rear spoiler, handling is back in and something you have to keep up with.
Crew Chief Trent Owens is also onboard for the team's first appearance and will call the shots from atop the pit box. Currently the crew chief for Turner Motorsports' No. 30 Nationwide Series entry driven by Buescher, he's thrilled about this inimitable opportunity.
"It's exciting to be part of Turner Motorsports' first Cup race with Bill Elliott and support from Walmart," Owens said. "We've come a long way in just the last two years, so to take this step is really going to be a milestone for everyone who works so hard for this team every day.
Truex, Jr. Close to Contract Extension
Martin Truex, Jr. entered his third season with Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) in 2012 after two prior seasons with the organization that felt substandard compared to the benchmarks he sat from 2006-2008 while driving for Dale Earnhardt, Incorporated.
But after a fast start to the season, in which Truex, Jr. cemented himself near the top of the standings, the driver seems primed to make a run at his second career Chase birth. With his success comes news that the New Jersey native may have found a long-term home with his current team.
According to SB Nation writer Jeff Gluck, the New Jersey native is close to signing a long-term contract extension with MWR. In a year that has seen an upsurge from both Truex Jr. and the entire MWR organization the contract talks come as little surprise.
"We're right on the edge of putting it all together… We're just working through some details," team owner Michael Waltrip told Gluck during a phone interview. "We'll have a deal done with Napa and Martin here before much longer."
The nine-year veteran has accumulated nine top 10s to go along with an 11.7 place average finish, and he currently sits eighth in points.
Colorado Fire Victims on Smith's Mind
While Regan Smith makes preparations for the Coke Zero 400 in Daytona this weekend, his mind is on the families affected by wildfires that have stricken areas of Colorado over the past weeks. Smith, now a Colorado native, moved to the state to be close to Furniture Row's racing shop near Denver. He understands what the victims are going through and assures that they are in his thoughts.
"I love this area and it tears your insides apart seeing the destruction that has taken place. Our recent issues are minimal compared to the fire-stricken families," Smith said. "I want Colorado residents to know that our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected and that Furniture Row Racing is very proud to represent the great state of Colorado on the NASCAR Sprint Cup circuit. I also want to give a team shout out to the brave firefighters and safety personnel who risk their lives daily in their continuing efforts to control and extinguish the fires."
A win at Daytona would mean a lot for both Smith's team and those who cheer for him in Colorado. It's a place where a victory isn't out of the question. Smith has been successful at restrictor plate tracks in the past; including a runner-up finish in his Gatorade Duel this season.
"We've had some strong performances in Daytona," Smith said. "It's the same old story -- you need to avoid the wrecks and be in the lead draft at the end. We have the potential of running up front, but avoiding wrecks is nothing but a crap shoot."
~~~~~~~~~~
Got NASCAR-related questions or comments?
Send them John Potts' way at john.potts@frontstretch.com; and, if you're lucky, you'll get your name in print when he does his weekly column answering back to you – the fans that keep Frontstretch afloat. Potts' Shots will run on Thursday with a whole new set of Fan Questions and Answers!
~~~~~~~~~~
Today's Featured Commentary
Probation Used to Mean Something
Full Throttle
by Mike Neff
For years the complaints have rained down on the suits in NASCAR that probation after a rules violation has the teeth of a 90 year-old man with no dentures. Chew chiefs, drivers, and crewmen are always placed on probation after a violation is announced, but it never means anything. At first glance, it appears to mean something, but only if the sanctioning body has been put in a very visible position where they have to make a statement or risk that the "casual fan" will find out what probation really means most of the time.
There have been hundreds, if not thousands, of examples of people placed on probation by NASCAR in the history of the sport, but the number of people actually suspended for violations while on probation can be counted on one hand. Early in his career, Kevin Harvick was on probation when he drove like a total ass in a Truck Series race at Martinsville. He was subsequently suspended for a race in order to spend a little time realigning his driving priorities. This year Kurt Busch was on probation for his actions on pit road at Darlington when he was caught on camera having a less-than-flattering discussion with Bob Pockrass. NASCAR took Busch out of the seat for the Pocono race. Finally, Todd Berrier was on probation a few years ago when he was the crew chief for Kevin Harvick when he was caught with some illegal items on his car and he was put on the bench for some races. There may be a couple of other instances but that is about it as far as I can recall. There have been many people on NASCAR probation but there have been very few actually suspended, even if they incurred an infraction while on the watch list.
This historical perspective has been laid out to give some framework to the events that took place at Kentucky Speedway this weekend. Austin Dillon scored his first career Nationwide victory, however when the car rolled through post race inspection the rear end was not high enough to be considered legal. As a result, Dillon was penalized but allowed to keep his win (as is standard procedure) while crew chief, Danny Stockman, Jr. was fined $10,000. In and of itself this would seem like a pretty standard penalty for such a violation, however it was not the first offense for Stockman this year. During initial inspection at Richmond in April, the front bumper cover on Dillon's car--along with the rest of the RCR and Turner Motorsports cars--was deemed illegal and had to be cut off. As a result, Stockman was fined $10,000 and placed on probation until December, 31st. Therefore, this was Stockman's second violation and occurred while he was on probation. The difference between Stockman and Busch or Harvick is that his misdeed was not viewed on national television or Youtube by millions of people. The potential for embarrassment to the sanctioning body was far smaller than it was with the drivers.
Kevin Harvick was just bursting onto the NASCAR scene in 2002 when he wrecked Coy Gibbs in a Truck race at Martinsville. NASCAR had already told Harvick that he needed to settle down his driving and he apparently did not take them seriously. Harvick's actions unfolded before a television audience, so NASCAR's hand was forced. Had they not acted they would have had a very visible credibility issue. The same thing is true for Kurt Busch. Busch was on probation for the events at the end of the Darlington Cup race and then had that interview with Pockrass that went south and was subsequently viewed by millions of people. Again, NASCAR had no choice but to do something public or they would have looked foolish.
For Stockman, the unacceptable behavior was behind closed doors, or at least away from the camera's view. Had Stockman come out in his post race interview and said that he was glad that he was able to get the spoiler out of the air by making the rear of the car too low, it would have been a very different story. Since the publicity involved for NASCAR is all by word of mouth, they can simply fine Stockman again and go on their merry way. If he continues to have run ins with the officials then things may change but for now, he's just another $10,000 light in the wallet but atop the pit box where Dillon needs him most. When Berrier was suspended, he had routinely pushed the technical inspection process, and done some things that were clearly designed to circumvent the spirit of the rules. Stockman's actions aren't quite to that level yet, and the newest violation was in a different area of the car, and that, apparently, is why he was fined and continues to be on probation.
Unfortunately, this continues to be a credibility issue for NASCAR, and has been for years. The difference from being on probation in NASCAR and not being on probation is hardly discernible. Provided you do not do anything that is caught on Youtube or national television, you're most likely not going to spend any time in the penalty box. The sanctioning body needs to either step up and put some teeth behind probation, or stop the farce and simply not use it as a go-to option for penalties anymore.
NASCAR does a great job of making the playing field as level as they possibly can and some would even say it is too level. Keeping people inside the ever shrinking rule box can result in violations that are not intentional at all, but the bottom line is, they are still violations. If rule violations do not result in stiffer penalties when people are on probation, then there is no reason for probation to exist. At the local short track level, a violation is a violation, and wins are routinely stripped for violations. While NASCAR won't take a win away, or at least hasn't taken a win from a driver who was the first to take the checkered flag since the 50s with Fireball Roberts at Daytona, they should at least enforce the rules and make them even more thoroughly enforced when someone is currently on probation. For now, unless you violate a rule in front of a million viewers, you're just going to have to write another check.
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via e-mail at mike.neff@frontstretch.com
~~~~~~~~~~
Tweet 'N' Greet
by Summer Bedgood
Editor's Note: With the NASCAR Twitter community expanding by leaps and bounds, it remains a place for instantaneous news, reactions, and a whole lot of inside jokes. We understand if you don't want to join the Twitter community - but as a fan, it's important to know the news and info you're missing out on! That's why, every week, Summer Bedgood will sort through the thousands of messages and give us a little taste of what's going on each Wednesday.
So, without further ado, here's a look at what those in NASCAR were thinking over the past seven days...
@keselowski (Brad Keselowski): because of @55MarkMartin I'm eating a banana instead of cocoa puffs for breakfast. #Blasphemy
@landoncassill: I had an apple @keselowski @55MarkMartin
@BubbaWallace: Changed it up last night and gave my trophy to a kid in the stands! The fans are what the sport is all about! Thanks for all the support #fb
@KyleBusch: Well I haven't shaken #mybadluck yet. Eating lunch I chomped thru my tongue and got blood. OUCH!!
@KyleLarsonRacin: Applebee's waitress said all the workers took bets on who is going to win tonight and she said she picked me before I ever came here to eat!
@jim_utter: Not staying so far from track after all
@Kris_Buescher: Oh my goodness...almost missed our flight. Walked up to the gate as they made the final call. ✈
@JamesBuescher: On the plane to Kentucky! @Kris_Buescher and I walked up at the last call for boarding! #cuttingitclose #travelday
@KevinHarvick: Walked into the new play room and I think #babyotis mother may be sending him a message already... pic.twitter.com/6np7Aihu
@jim_utter: In resposne to media RUMORS he took a pay cut, Matt Kenseth says "Three people know the deal, the media isn't one of them." #NASCAR
@KevinHarvick: As fast as we can put stuff up Lo drags it all out.. Not going to be happy when she realizes she has to share. http://pic.twitter.com/BNPHiG9b
@JimmieJohnson: Hey @mattkenseth, what's been going on?
@EyeInTheSky14 (Bob Jeffrey): I hate carrots RT @MikeCalinoff: Eat carrots. RT @JGR112018fan: @MikeCalinoff What is 1 thing u would tell any 1who wants 2 become a spotter
@MikeCalinoff: @EyeInTheSky14 It's obvious.
@JennaFryer: Win capped big week of charity work for @ClintBowyer "It just set us up in being able to celebrate, and that we did, let me tell you."
@DeLanaHarvick: Sitting in #babyotis room thinking this is all still a bit surreal.... http://img.ly/k5J0
@Regan_Smith_: Thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected, moved from or even lost homes. Very difficult situation here in CO right now.
@NewmanKrissie: just wait til your first night at home with him! "@DeLanaHarvick: Sitting in #babyotis room thinking this is all still a bit surreal....
@DanicaPatrick: Hey there hot stuff... You look like "the fastest girl in town"! http://img.ly/k5YQ
@AllWaltrip (Darrell Waltrip): @danicapatrick Danica, your interview after the race Saturday was a perfect example of how to control your emotions, great job last week!
@DeLanaHarvick: Outside less than 5 minutes & got a massive case of #swampass. Props to all the drivers, crews, officials & fans for toughing it out!!
@JamieLittleESPN: In our production meeting, our guest analyst for tonight, Carl Edwards, is here in a firesuit...#DoubleDuty pic.twitter.com/5nZrELad
@2Spotter (Joey Meier): Not the way we wanted to start practice...A good plan but poorly executed plan by 42 car and now both teams are in backups #NASCAR'
@keselowski: Rough practice session, this is when you find out what your team is made of. Proud of my team for getting us back out on the track.
31n2Spotter (Brett Griffin): "@MartySmithESPN: Edwards on Kenseth: "I have a ton of respect for Matt." - he showed that at martinsville a few years back, on TV
@keselowski: My exp. with media in racing makes me believe I truly know I can believe nothing about the rest of the world I trust them for... #FactsNotStr8
@EmmaBlaney: Ryan is my big hero tonight for being able to be in a racecar in this hotttttt weather.
@keselowski: Fyi- Waiting to talk about incident with 42 until I can talk to juan personally. Not looking to stoke fire, but not gonna be pushed around.
@2Spotter: I've said this before....Not all accidents have a person to blame ...Sometimes they are just ACCIDENTS. JUST PARTICIPANTS #NASCAR
@SaraPeters17: Thanks so much to all of you for the sweet msgs on our upcoming arrival! For those asking I'm due Dec 17 - Baby Peters already likes #17!
@StacyStenhouse: Just sitting here thinking about everything that has happened this past week! I am one proud sister love you brother @StenhouseJr #soproud
@AllWaltrip: I'm not surprised that The "3" car was too low after the race, this track is so bumpy it really works the suspension, hard on the springs!
@JamieLittleESPN: The two preggies rocking the bumps on pit road last night. @NASCAR_NNS #8MonthsAndCounting
@bobpockrass: Update from last night: It was an injured knee for Stenhouse jackman. He is home and will be evaluated further this week. #nascar
@BubbaWallace: Usually it takes 150 laps to sweat off 5lbs..but today I walk outside and lose 10lbs in 5 sec. #ridiculous #fb
@HigNASCAR (David Higdon): Experian Consumer Research survey done in 2010 determined that nearly 20% of #NASCAR fans serve/have served in U.S. military #NASCARUnites
@WendyVenturini: This is HOW HOT it is... #RaceDay boys on the stage rehearsing in white tees. #NASCAR @NASCARonSPEED pic.twitter.com/FDvsh62R
@CrewChief6NNS (Mike Kelley): Keep our jackman in your thoughts! Season ending injury last night! He's tough will be back!
@JeffGordonWeb: This ones for u @AllWaltrip. Think Leo's checking to c if anyone's looking so he can hop in and take it for a spin. pic.twitter.com/L7NhmCJt
@ClintBowyer: U know it's hot when they're using the water truck here to hose people off.
@joeylogano: we had another top 10 coming to us, we were making big gains. I can't drive other people's car. we will go to Daytona and kick some butt there
@SluggerLabbe: Thanks @KySpeedway We drove out of the infield to the Cincinnati airport in exactly 1 hour. No issues for us at all #good work
@PPistone (Pete Pistone): Inching through tunnel - 2-1/2 hours after finish of race #rough pic.twitter.com/rQNQRBNt
@PPistone: Bottom line with this track is 2 lanes in and 2 lanes out - made it to 71 north and it's a parking lot as far as the eye can see
@2Spotter: Just finished reading EVERY congratulatory tweet from last night..Now its time to thank EVERY one of you.....#NASCAR
@jeff_gluck: By the way, have you heard about what @keselowski did in Victory Lane last night? (Photo via Getty) pic.twitter.com/420moVOd
@RickAllenRacing: These are the folks that make @speedcenter so awesome! http://instagram.com/p/Mix1EPFZcw/
@keselowski: Woke up this morning with a strong hankering for mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese. Not sure why...
@jeff_gluck: Someone made my anti-commercial tweets into a post. Looks like I lost my damn marbles. http://sweetasahoneybeehive.tumblr.com/post/26249423638/jeff-gluck-vs-commercials (via @lizbeth5_2 )
@SteveLetarte: "@AmyJWalsh: Never been more freaked out than just almost running out of gas in WVa." almost is better then running out.
@mattkenseth: Glad to be part of giving team 17 Daytona 500 rings this morning!
@MikeCalinoff: Check it out! #NASCAR http://lockerz.com/s/221950499
@mattkenseth: I knew they were giving something away when I saw @MikeCalinoff here at 0700
@mattkenseth: A motley crew! http://via.me/-2oq34to
@MikeCalinoff: I thought today was restart practice. RT @mattkenseth: I knew they were giving something away when I saw @MikeCalinoff here at 0700
@ivandebosch (Ingrid Vandebosch): I like my view! To the right pic.twitter.com/syuZj0hd
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
July 4th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CXXIX
~~~~~~~~~~
Happy Independence Day, American readers! The Frontstretch salutes all soldiers, past and present, who have fought for our freedom within the United States.
~~~~~~~~~~
Top News
by Brad Morgan
Turner Motorsports to Debut at Daytona
Turner Motorsports will make its Sprint Cup Series debut this weekend at Daytona. The team that helped lead James Buescher to a win in the 2012 Nationwide Series season-opener returns to the 2.5-mile track looking for similar results in NASCAR's premier series.
Walmart and Turner Motorsports announced that they would partner together for the Coke Zero 400 powered by Coca-Cola in an effort to promote Wal-Mart's 50th anniversary in January. They will rely on former champion Bill Elliott to drive the No. 50 Walmart Chevrolet in what will be a huge night for all parties involved.
Elliott returns to Daytona for the first time since finishing 12th in the 2011 Daytona 500 while driving for James Finch. After 59 career starts at the famed track, the veteran knows what it takes to get the job done there.
"At Daytona, handling used to be the most important thing and what you spent most of your time working on," Elliott said. "Then with the new surface, handling became less of an issue. Now, since they have changed the rear spoiler, handling is back in and something you have to keep up with.
Crew Chief Trent Owens is also onboard for the team's first appearance and will call the shots from atop the pit box. Currently the crew chief for Turner Motorsports' No. 30 Nationwide Series entry driven by Buescher, he's thrilled about this inimitable opportunity.
"It's exciting to be part of Turner Motorsports' first Cup race with Bill Elliott and support from Walmart," Owens said. "We've come a long way in just the last two years, so to take this step is really going to be a milestone for everyone who works so hard for this team every day.
Truex, Jr. Close to Contract Extension
Martin Truex, Jr. entered his third season with Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) in 2012 after two prior seasons with the organization that felt substandard compared to the benchmarks he sat from 2006-2008 while driving for Dale Earnhardt, Incorporated.
But after a fast start to the season, in which Truex, Jr. cemented himself near the top of the standings, the driver seems primed to make a run at his second career Chase birth. With his success comes news that the New Jersey native may have found a long-term home with his current team.
According to SB Nation writer Jeff Gluck, the New Jersey native is close to signing a long-term contract extension with MWR. In a year that has seen an upsurge from both Truex Jr. and the entire MWR organization the contract talks come as little surprise.
"We're right on the edge of putting it all together… We're just working through some details," team owner Michael Waltrip told Gluck during a phone interview. "We'll have a deal done with Napa and Martin here before much longer."
The nine-year veteran has accumulated nine top 10s to go along with an 11.7 place average finish, and he currently sits eighth in points.
Colorado Fire Victims on Smith's Mind
While Regan Smith makes preparations for the Coke Zero 400 in Daytona this weekend, his mind is on the families affected by wildfires that have stricken areas of Colorado over the past weeks. Smith, now a Colorado native, moved to the state to be close to Furniture Row's racing shop near Denver. He understands what the victims are going through and assures that they are in his thoughts.
"I love this area and it tears your insides apart seeing the destruction that has taken place. Our recent issues are minimal compared to the fire-stricken families," Smith said. "I want Colorado residents to know that our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected and that Furniture Row Racing is very proud to represent the great state of Colorado on the NASCAR Sprint Cup circuit. I also want to give a team shout out to the brave firefighters and safety personnel who risk their lives daily in their continuing efforts to control and extinguish the fires."
A win at Daytona would mean a lot for both Smith's team and those who cheer for him in Colorado. It's a place where a victory isn't out of the question. Smith has been successful at restrictor plate tracks in the past; including a runner-up finish in his Gatorade Duel this season.
"We've had some strong performances in Daytona," Smith said. "It's the same old story -- you need to avoid the wrecks and be in the lead draft at the end. We have the potential of running up front, but avoiding wrecks is nothing but a crap shoot."
Have news for Brad and the Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com with a promising lead or tip.
~~~~~~~~~~
Got NASCAR-related questions or comments?
Send them John Potts' way at john.potts@frontstretch.com; and, if you're lucky, you'll get your name in print when he does his weekly column answering back to you – the fans that keep Frontstretch afloat. Potts' Shots will run on Thursday with a whole new set of Fan Questions and Answers!
~~~~~~~~~~
Today's Featured Commentary
Probation Used to Mean Something
Full Throttle
by Mike Neff
For years the complaints have rained down on the suits in NASCAR that probation after a rules violation has the teeth of a 90 year-old man with no dentures. Chew chiefs, drivers, and crewmen are always placed on probation after a violation is announced, but it never means anything. At first glance, it appears to mean something, but only if the sanctioning body has been put in a very visible position where they have to make a statement or risk that the "casual fan" will find out what probation really means most of the time.
There have been hundreds, if not thousands, of examples of people placed on probation by NASCAR in the history of the sport, but the number of people actually suspended for violations while on probation can be counted on one hand. Early in his career, Kevin Harvick was on probation when he drove like a total ass in a Truck Series race at Martinsville. He was subsequently suspended for a race in order to spend a little time realigning his driving priorities. This year Kurt Busch was on probation for his actions on pit road at Darlington when he was caught on camera having a less-than-flattering discussion with Bob Pockrass. NASCAR took Busch out of the seat for the Pocono race. Finally, Todd Berrier was on probation a few years ago when he was the crew chief for Kevin Harvick when he was caught with some illegal items on his car and he was put on the bench for some races. There may be a couple of other instances but that is about it as far as I can recall. There have been many people on NASCAR probation but there have been very few actually suspended, even if they incurred an infraction while on the watch list.
This historical perspective has been laid out to give some framework to the events that took place at Kentucky Speedway this weekend. Austin Dillon scored his first career Nationwide victory, however when the car rolled through post race inspection the rear end was not high enough to be considered legal. As a result, Dillon was penalized but allowed to keep his win (as is standard procedure) while crew chief, Danny Stockman, Jr. was fined $10,000. In and of itself this would seem like a pretty standard penalty for such a violation, however it was not the first offense for Stockman this year. During initial inspection at Richmond in April, the front bumper cover on Dillon's car--along with the rest of the RCR and Turner Motorsports cars--was deemed illegal and had to be cut off. As a result, Stockman was fined $10,000 and placed on probation until December, 31st. Therefore, this was Stockman's second violation and occurred while he was on probation. The difference between Stockman and Busch or Harvick is that his misdeed was not viewed on national television or Youtube by millions of people. The potential for embarrassment to the sanctioning body was far smaller than it was with the drivers.
Kevin Harvick was just bursting onto the NASCAR scene in 2002 when he wrecked Coy Gibbs in a Truck race at Martinsville. NASCAR had already told Harvick that he needed to settle down his driving and he apparently did not take them seriously. Harvick's actions unfolded before a television audience, so NASCAR's hand was forced. Had they not acted they would have had a very visible credibility issue. The same thing is true for Kurt Busch. Busch was on probation for the events at the end of the Darlington Cup race and then had that interview with Pockrass that went south and was subsequently viewed by millions of people. Again, NASCAR had no choice but to do something public or they would have looked foolish.
For Stockman, the unacceptable behavior was behind closed doors, or at least away from the camera's view. Had Stockman come out in his post race interview and said that he was glad that he was able to get the spoiler out of the air by making the rear of the car too low, it would have been a very different story. Since the publicity involved for NASCAR is all by word of mouth, they can simply fine Stockman again and go on their merry way. If he continues to have run ins with the officials then things may change but for now, he's just another $10,000 light in the wallet but atop the pit box where Dillon needs him most. When Berrier was suspended, he had routinely pushed the technical inspection process, and done some things that were clearly designed to circumvent the spirit of the rules. Stockman's actions aren't quite to that level yet, and the newest violation was in a different area of the car, and that, apparently, is why he was fined and continues to be on probation.
Unfortunately, this continues to be a credibility issue for NASCAR, and has been for years. The difference from being on probation in NASCAR and not being on probation is hardly discernible. Provided you do not do anything that is caught on Youtube or national television, you're most likely not going to spend any time in the penalty box. The sanctioning body needs to either step up and put some teeth behind probation, or stop the farce and simply not use it as a go-to option for penalties anymore.
NASCAR does a great job of making the playing field as level as they possibly can and some would even say it is too level. Keeping people inside the ever shrinking rule box can result in violations that are not intentional at all, but the bottom line is, they are still violations. If rule violations do not result in stiffer penalties when people are on probation, then there is no reason for probation to exist. At the local short track level, a violation is a violation, and wins are routinely stripped for violations. While NASCAR won't take a win away, or at least hasn't taken a win from a driver who was the first to take the checkered flag since the 50s with Fireball Roberts at Daytona, they should at least enforce the rules and make them even more thoroughly enforced when someone is currently on probation. For now, unless you violate a rule in front of a million viewers, you're just going to have to write another check.
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via e-mail at mike.neff@frontstretch.com
~~~~~~~~~~
Tweet 'N' Greet
by Summer Bedgood
Editor's Note: With the NASCAR Twitter community expanding by leaps and bounds, it remains a place for instantaneous news, reactions, and a whole lot of inside jokes. We understand if you don't want to join the Twitter community - but as a fan, it's important to know the news and info you're missing out on! That's why, every week, Summer Bedgood will sort through the thousands of messages and give us a little taste of what's going on each Wednesday.
So, without further ado, here's a look at what those in NASCAR were thinking over the past seven days...
@keselowski (Brad Keselowski): because of @55MarkMartin I'm eating a banana instead of cocoa puffs for breakfast. #Blasphemy
@landoncassill: I had an apple @keselowski @55MarkMartin
@BubbaWallace: Changed it up last night and gave my trophy to a kid in the stands! The fans are what the sport is all about! Thanks for all the support #fb
@KyleBusch: Well I haven't shaken #mybadluck yet. Eating lunch I chomped thru my tongue and got blood. OUCH!!
@KyleLarsonRacin: Applebee's waitress said all the workers took bets on who is going to win tonight and she said she picked me before I ever came here to eat!
@jim_utter: Not staying so far from track after all
@Kris_Buescher: Oh my goodness...almost missed our flight. Walked up to the gate as they made the final call. ✈
@JamesBuescher: On the plane to Kentucky! @Kris_Buescher and I walked up at the last call for boarding! #cuttingitclose #travelday
@KevinHarvick: Walked into the new play room and I think #babyotis mother may be sending him a message already... pic.twitter.com/6np7Aihu
@jim_utter: In resposne to media RUMORS he took a pay cut, Matt Kenseth says "Three people know the deal, the media isn't one of them." #NASCAR
@KevinHarvick: As fast as we can put stuff up Lo drags it all out.. Not going to be happy when she realizes she has to share. http://pic.twitter.com/BNPHiG9b
@JimmieJohnson: Hey @mattkenseth, what's been going on?
@EyeInTheSky14 (Bob Jeffrey): I hate carrots RT @MikeCalinoff: Eat carrots. RT @JGR112018fan: @MikeCalinoff What is 1 thing u would tell any 1who wants 2 become a spotter
@MikeCalinoff: @EyeInTheSky14 It's obvious.
@JennaFryer: Win capped big week of charity work for @ClintBowyer "It just set us up in being able to celebrate, and that we did, let me tell you."
@DeLanaHarvick: Sitting in #babyotis room thinking this is all still a bit surreal.... http://img.ly/k5J0
@Regan_Smith_: Thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected, moved from or even lost homes. Very difficult situation here in CO right now.
@NewmanKrissie: just wait til your first night at home with him! "@DeLanaHarvick: Sitting in #babyotis room thinking this is all still a bit surreal....
@DanicaPatrick: Hey there hot stuff... You look like "the fastest girl in town"! http://img.ly/k5YQ
@AllWaltrip (Darrell Waltrip): @danicapatrick Danica, your interview after the race Saturday was a perfect example of how to control your emotions, great job last week!
@DeLanaHarvick: Outside less than 5 minutes & got a massive case of #swampass. Props to all the drivers, crews, officials & fans for toughing it out!!
@JamieLittleESPN: In our production meeting, our guest analyst for tonight, Carl Edwards, is here in a firesuit...#DoubleDuty pic.twitter.com/5nZrELad
@2Spotter (Joey Meier): Not the way we wanted to start practice...A good plan but poorly executed plan by 42 car and now both teams are in backups #NASCAR'
@keselowski: Rough practice session, this is when you find out what your team is made of. Proud of my team for getting us back out on the track.
31n2Spotter (Brett Griffin): "@MartySmithESPN: Edwards on Kenseth: "I have a ton of respect for Matt." - he showed that at martinsville a few years back, on TV
@keselowski: My exp. with media in racing makes me believe I truly know I can believe nothing about the rest of the world I trust them for... #FactsNotStr8
@EmmaBlaney: Ryan is my big hero tonight for being able to be in a racecar in this hotttttt weather.
@keselowski: Fyi- Waiting to talk about incident with 42 until I can talk to juan personally. Not looking to stoke fire, but not gonna be pushed around.
@2Spotter: I've said this before....Not all accidents have a person to blame ...Sometimes they are just ACCIDENTS. JUST PARTICIPANTS #NASCAR
@SaraPeters17: Thanks so much to all of you for the sweet msgs on our upcoming arrival! For those asking I'm due Dec 17 - Baby Peters already likes #17!
@StacyStenhouse: Just sitting here thinking about everything that has happened this past week! I am one proud sister love you brother @StenhouseJr #soproud
@AllWaltrip: I'm not surprised that The "3" car was too low after the race, this track is so bumpy it really works the suspension, hard on the springs!
@JamieLittleESPN: The two preggies rocking the bumps on pit road last night. @NASCAR_NNS #8MonthsAndCounting
@bobpockrass: Update from last night: It was an injured knee for Stenhouse jackman. He is home and will be evaluated further this week. #nascar
@BubbaWallace: Usually it takes 150 laps to sweat off 5lbs..but today I walk outside and lose 10lbs in 5 sec. #ridiculous #fb
@HigNASCAR (David Higdon): Experian Consumer Research survey done in 2010 determined that nearly 20% of #NASCAR fans serve/have served in U.S. military #NASCARUnites
@WendyVenturini: This is HOW HOT it is... #RaceDay boys on the stage rehearsing in white tees. #NASCAR @NASCARonSPEED pic.twitter.com/FDvsh62R
@CrewChief6NNS (Mike Kelley): Keep our jackman in your thoughts! Season ending injury last night! He's tough will be back!
@JeffGordonWeb: This ones for u @AllWaltrip. Think Leo's checking to c if anyone's looking so he can hop in and take it for a spin. pic.twitter.com/L7NhmCJt
@ClintBowyer: U know it's hot when they're using the water truck here to hose people off.
@joeylogano: we had another top 10 coming to us, we were making big gains. I can't drive other people's car. we will go to Daytona and kick some butt there
@SluggerLabbe: Thanks @KySpeedway We drove out of the infield to the Cincinnati airport in exactly 1 hour. No issues for us at all #good work
@PPistone (Pete Pistone): Inching through tunnel - 2-1/2 hours after finish of race #rough pic.twitter.com/rQNQRBNt
@PPistone: Bottom line with this track is 2 lanes in and 2 lanes out - made it to 71 north and it's a parking lot as far as the eye can see
@2Spotter: Just finished reading EVERY congratulatory tweet from last night..Now its time to thank EVERY one of you.....#NASCAR
@jeff_gluck: By the way, have you heard about what @keselowski did in Victory Lane last night? (Photo via Getty) pic.twitter.com/420moVOd
@RickAllenRacing: These are the folks that make @speedcenter so awesome! http://instagram.com/p/Mix1EPFZcw/
@keselowski: Woke up this morning with a strong hankering for mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese. Not sure why...
@jeff_gluck: Someone made my anti-commercial tweets into a post. Looks like I lost my damn marbles. http://sweetasahoneybeehive.tumblr.com/post/26249423638/jeff-gluck-vs-commercials (via @lizbeth5_2 )
@SteveLetarte: "@AmyJWalsh: Never been more freaked out than just almost running out of gas in WVa." almost is better then running out.
@mattkenseth: Glad to be part of giving team 17 Daytona 500 rings this morning!
@MikeCalinoff: Check it out! #NASCAR http://lockerz.com/s/221950499
@mattkenseth: I knew they were giving something away when I saw @MikeCalinoff here at 0700
@mattkenseth: A motley crew! http://via.me/-2oq34to
@MikeCalinoff: I thought today was restart practice. RT @mattkenseth: I knew they were giving something away when I saw @MikeCalinoff here at 0700
@ivandebosch (Ingrid Vandebosch): I like my view! To the right pic.twitter.com/syuZj0hd
Summer Bedgood is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via email at summer.bedgood@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
ADVERTISEMENT
Are you looking to advertise your website, product or brand? A good way to get your name out there is via direct advertising here in the Frontstretch Newsletter! Interested parties can contact us at tony.lumbis@frontstretch.com for details.
~~~~~~~~~~
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Did You Notice? ... Looking For Something New In NASCAR, Rules Without Explanation And Gordon's Chase Chances
by Tom Bowles
Mirror Driving: Chasing Brad, Silly Season Rumors And A Toast To NASCAR's King~~~~~~~~~~
ADVERTISEMENT
Are you looking to advertise your website, product or brand? A good way to get your name out there is via direct advertising here in the Frontstretch Newsletter! Interested parties can contact us at tony.lumbis@frontstretch.com for details.
~~~~~~~~~~
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Did You Notice? ... Looking For Something New In NASCAR, Rules Without Explanation And Gordon's Chase Chances
by Tom Bowles
by the Frontstretch Staff
Turner Motorsports' Cup Debut: A Sign of More Things to Come?
by Kevin Rutherford
Beyond the Cockpit: Back Home in Nationwide for RWR's Timmy Hill
by Bryan Davis Keith
The Return of IndyCar's Magic Button
by Toni Montgomery
NASCAR Sprint Cup Power Rankings: Top 15 After Kentucky
compiled by Summer Bedgood
Top Ten Ways Richard Petty Celebrated his 75th Birthday
by the Frontstretch Staff
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: In 1998, the Pepsi 400 at Daytona was postponed from July 4 to October 17 due to some of the worst wildfires ever to hit Central Florida. When did NASCAR make the call to postpone the event?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Tuesday's Answer:
Tuesday's Answer:
Q: Speaking of the 1990 Pepsi 400, that race was infamously plagued by a 24-car crash right at the beginning of Lap 2. The wreck was caused when Greg Sacks and Derrike Cope had contact in the tri-oval and spun in front of the whole field. However, a ruling led to Sacks being a sitting duck at the start. What happened?
A: After a multi-car crash in practice resulted in both Darrell Waltrip and Dave Marcis suffering broken legs, NASCAR took a look at the engine in Waltrip's car. They discovered an unusual discoloration on the restrictor plate, due to what Waltrip described in his book DW: A Lifetime Going Around in Circles as a floating block in the manifold underneath the plate. An impromptu rule change forced teams to weld the blocks into place. This cost Sacks approximately 25 horsepower (according to Waltrip) and left him vulnerable.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: If we mess up, you get the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
~~~~~~~~~~
Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- What's Vexing Vito by Vito Pugliese
-- Critic's Annex by Phil Allaway
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, the Line of the Week and more!
~~~~~~~~~~
Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
MPM2Nite by Matt McLaughlin
Matt McLaughlin is back again this season with his usual sarcastic sense of humor ... and incomparable insight. This week, Matt brings up the most frustrating part of Saturday night's race, and we'll give you a hint ... it wasn't on track.
Potts' Shots by John Potts
Fanning the Flames has become Potts' Shots, and John Potts is here to answer your questions in our weekly Fan Q & A. Do you have something you'd like to ask John? Don't sit on the sidelines! Send it to john.potts@frontstretch.com and you just may see your question in print next week!
Charity Corner by Beth Lunkenheimer
Our Professor of Speed Mark Howell is taking this week off for some family time, so in his place, Beth is back with another look at the generous side of NASCAR. This time, the Noah's Light Foundation is highlighted as it joins Tayler Malsam's Nationwide ride at Daytona.
Dollars And Sense by Jesse Medford
The newest addition to the Fronstretch family takes a look at the business side of NASCAR.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth is back this year on a new night, but it's the same great commentary you've come to enjoy on NASCAR's Truck Series!
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: If we mess up, you get the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
~~~~~~~~~~
Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- What's Vexing Vito by Vito Pugliese
-- Critic's Annex by Phil Allaway
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, the Line of the Week and more!
~~~~~~~~~~
Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
MPM2Nite by Matt McLaughlin
Matt McLaughlin is back again this season with his usual sarcastic sense of humor ... and incomparable insight. This week, Matt brings up the most frustrating part of Saturday night's race, and we'll give you a hint ... it wasn't on track.
Potts' Shots by John Potts
Fanning the Flames has become Potts' Shots, and John Potts is here to answer your questions in our weekly Fan Q & A. Do you have something you'd like to ask John? Don't sit on the sidelines! Send it to john.potts@frontstretch.com and you just may see your question in print next week!
Charity Corner by Beth Lunkenheimer
Our Professor of Speed Mark Howell is taking this week off for some family time, so in his place, Beth is back with another look at the generous side of NASCAR. This time, the Noah's Light Foundation is highlighted as it joins Tayler Malsam's Nationwide ride at Daytona.
Dollars And Sense by Jesse Medford
The newest addition to the Fronstretch family takes a look at the business side of NASCAR.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth is back this year on a new night, but it's the same great commentary you've come to enjoy on NASCAR's Truck Series!
-----------------------------
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
-- Talk back to the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Got something to say about an article you've seen in the newsletter? It's as easy as replying directly to this message or sending an email to editors@frontstretch.com. We'll take the best comments and publish them here!
©2012 Frontstretch.com
Feel free to forward this newsletter if you have any friends who loves
NASCAR and great NASCAR commentary. They can subscribe to the Frontstetch by visiting http://www.frontstretch.com/notice/9557/.
If you want to stop your Frontstretch Newsletter subscription, we're sorry
to see you go. Just send an email to
TheFrontstretch+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com from the address that you
recieve the Frontstretch Newsletter.
No comments:
Post a Comment