Friday, July 20, 2012

The Frontstretch Newsletter: July 20th, 2012

THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
July 20th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CXXXVII

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Top News
by Jeff Wolfe

Four NASCAR Drivers Among Top 50 U.S. Sports Money Earners

According to a report in this week's Sports Illustrated, four NASCAR drivers are among the top 50 American money earners in sports. The report listed Hendrick Motorsports teammates Dale Earnhardt, Jr. at No. 8, Jeff Gordon at No. 18 and Jimmie Johnson at No. 33. Also, Tony Stewart, owner / driver for Stewart-Haas Racing was new to the list this year and tied for 29th with Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cliff Lee.

According to the report, most of the drivers' earnings comes from endorsing products. Earnhardt, Jr. had an income of $28.2 million, with about $24 million coming from his endorsement deals with companies such as Nationwide Insurance and Mountain Dew. That left his salary for driving and winnings at about $4.2 million. Earnhardt, Jr. ranked 13th on this earnings list last year. Gordon also moved up one spot on the list this year with an earnings of $23.9 million. His endorsement earnings are at about $18 million. Pepsi and Time Warner Cable are two of the bigger companies he represents.

Meanwhile, Johnson actually dropped one spot in the rankings as his earnings came in at $21 million, with about $14 million of that coming in endorsements. The five-time champion has been the pitchman for such companies at Quaker State and Chevrolet.

Stewart took over the his own race team during the 2010 season and now has sponsor-magnet Danica Patrick as one of his drivers, even though it's on a part-time basis this season. Stewart was listed to have $22 million in earnings, including $15.5 million for pitching brands such as Coke, Burger King and Office Depot.
The four were the only auto racers on the list. The No. 1 spot went to boxer Floyd Mayweather, who was unranked last year but earned $85 million with two pay-per-view paydays and did not include any endorsements.

NASCAR Selects Marketing, Advertising Agency

As NASCAR continues to grow its brand, it made a step in helping that goal Thursday by naming Ogilvy & Mather as its advertising agency of record. NASCAR had conducted a four-month search for an AOR and now hopes to devise a five-year plan that will keep existing fans as well as bring in new fans. The agency is also expected to support NASCAR's growing digital team, a NASCAR release said.

The search included receiving 110 inquiries and 75 sets of credentials from a variety of marketing and advertising agencies of various sizes. NASCAR then narrowed the field down to 10 and then a final three before making the final decision. The final three were Leo Burnett, Ogilvy & Mather and McCann Erickson North America.

"Significant changes in our ecosystem impacted how we deliver our message and position our brand to existing fans while increasing the appeal of NASCAR to new audiences," said Kim Brink, NASCAR managing director of brand, consumer and series marketing. "We were thoroughly impressed with the caliber of all three finalists; but Ogilvy's consistency, creativity and dynamic leadership were the key differentiators. We're delighted to join the agency's roster of big consumer brands."

Ogilvy & Mather will have its first marketing project in place for the running of the 55th annual  Daytona 500 in February of 2013.

"We view NASCAR as a lighthouse brand," said John Seifert, chairman and CEO of Ogilvy & Mather North America. "The sport blends marquee stars, jewel events, and some of the fiercest competition on the planet with an intricate ecosystem comprised of historic tracks and compelling personalities. From the beginning of the agency review process, it was clear to us that NASCAR was looking for a true business partner. We firmly believe that NASCAR is a valuable tool in the marketing mix and a place where big brands get high return on investment. We couldn't be more proud to add the sport to our portfolio of global brands."

Crown Royal Puts Name to Brickyard Sponsor

It took an unfortunate farming accident for Curtiss Shaver to discover what he wanted to do with his life. But the farmer turned firefighter and certified EMT having his name attached to the July 29 race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway was no accident at all.

Thursday, Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced that Shavek had won the Crown Royal "Your Hero's Name Here'' contest to have a race named after him. Shaver lost the lower part of his left leg in farming accident, but it was then he realized he wanted to be a firefighter and EMT. Shaver, who is from Troy, Alabama, was nominated by fellow firefighter lieutenant Brandy Cox for the award.

"Crown Royal could not be happier to announce Curtiss Shaver as our 'Your Hero's Name Here' winner," said Yvonne Briese, VP Marketing, Diageo North American whisky. "His story of perseverance and determination inspired everyone in the Crown Royal family and we are proud to honor him with the ultimate race experience."

The national contest renames a race after a deserving American hero. Next weekend's event marks the sixth time that Crown Royal has held a race-naming contest and this year's was focused on naming a firefighter, first responder, police officer or local volunteer as the winner. Shaver, a father of three, began his work about two years after his farming accident.

"I'm a huge NASCAR fan, so having my name as a race title is absolutely unbelievable" said Shaver.  "I'm honored that I was nominated for this incredible contest and humbled that so many people voted for my story. I'm looking forward to representing emergency personnel everywhere who risk their lives for others on a daily basis."

As part of the winning the contest, Crown Royal had a replica yard of bricks placed in the downtown area of Troy. The final brick with the race logo on it was laid by Shaver. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway originally had a brick surface and held its first 500-mile race there in 1911. NASCAR's first race at Indianapolis, the Brickyard 400, was in 1994.

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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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.
 
If you are interested, contact frontstretcheditors@googlegroups.com. Please include references to your past work in your e-mail.

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In Case You Missed It
by Beth Lunkenheimer

Gresham Joins ESR For Five Races

About a week after Max Gresham and Joe Denette Motorsports parted ways prior to the American Ethanol 200 last weekend at Iowa Speedway, he's found a new home. Dave Moody reported the Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender will run in five events behind the wheel of a third truck for Eddie Sharp Racing. The 19-year-old is expected to make his debut with ESR at Atlanta Motor Speedway August 31st. He's also expected to run Kentucky (September 21st), Martinsville (October 27th), Texas (November 2nd) and the season finale at Homestead-Miami (November 16th).

Lafferty Teams Up with MB Motorsports for Chicagoland

Chris Lafferty and MB Motorsports announced Thursday the two will pair up this weekend for the Truck Series American Ethanol 225 Saturday at Chicagoland Speedway. The 35-year-old will pilot the No. 65 Chris Lafferty Motorsports TV Chevrolet in his first start at the mile-and-a-half oval. The nationally syndicated Fox show has been greenlit for a second season and will begin filming soon. It's expected to give a behind the scenes look at the motorsports industry.

"I'm extremely excited about the opportunity to kick off this partnership with Mike Mittler in Chicago," Lafferty said in a team release. "MB Motorsports and Mike Mittler have had a long and highly respectable tenure in the Truck Series and I can hardly believe that I'm getting the opportunity to driver for Mike (Mittler)."

Lafferty has run just 14 laps this season in two start-and-park efforts (Texas, Iowa) for Jennifer Jo Cobb; he's also failed to qualify twice (Martinsville, Kentucky).

Quiroga Joins KBM for Four Races

Kyle Busch Motorsports announced Wednesday that it will field a second truck for four races that will be piloted by German Quiroga. He'll pilot the No. 51 NET10 Toyota beginning at Talladega Superspeedway on October 6th. He'll then close out the season running Texas (November 2nd), Phoenix (November 9th) and Homestead-Miami Speedway (November 16th).

"We're excited to have NET10 on board as a partner and honored that they chose KBM for their first partnership in NASCAR," said KBM General Manager Rick Ren, who will also serve as crew chief for those four events. "German showed a lot of promise in his two starts last year and our staff has been working really hard to try and secure the sponsorship needed to get him back in a truck this season."

Quiroga made two starts behind the wheel of the KBM-fielded No. 51 Telcel Toyota with a best finish of 17th coming in his debut at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

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Keepin' It Short: Big Racing in Montana
by Mike Neff

Montana Motor Speedway is ready for the biggest race weekend of the season as the 22nd Annual Coors Light Montana 200 gets ready to roll. The race will pay $15,000 to the winner this year but it is also going to assure them a starting spot in the All-American 400 at the Nashville Fairgrounds in October. Among the 45 drivers who have already registered for this weekend's action is Shane Mitchell, who took the trophy home last season. He'll be joined by former winners Gary Lewis, Jeff Jefferson, BJ Tidrick, Corey Wolfe and Tim Elliott. Drivers who make the starting field are guaranteed $1,000 in prize money.

Qualifying will take place on Friday evening with the top 14 drivers locking into the race. Those 14 drivers will run a 25-lap race on Friday night to determine their starting positions in the 200. There will also be a 40 lap consolation race with the top-5 finishers making it to the 200. Saturday evening will be the 40 lap Last Chance Qualifier, locking the final seven cars into the main event. The drivers will then have a 10 minute hot lap period followed by driver introductions, and then the Montana 200 will be contested.

With drivers from Illinois to Oregon making the trip to compete in the race, it should be a fantastic event for a coveted spot in the All-American. If you can't make it to Montana Saturday night, live timing and scoring will be available on www.montanaracewaypark.com.

Whelen All-American National Points Race

Lee Pulliam pulled off another sweep this past weekend, taking both races at South Boston Speedway in twin 75 lap features. Unfortunately there were 16 and 15 cars in the races. As a result he moved into the lead of the National Points chase, but only by one point over C.E. Falk, III. With a couple of months left in the point scoring season, all of the drivers in the top 10 have competed in the maximum number of races, so it is now down to who can improve over low point races on their resumes. Falk has 19 top-5 finishes, so the point gains will be incremental at best. Pulliam has 16 top 5s, which affords him a little more room to add to his point total.

Keith Rocco, currently in third, is certainly not out of the quest. While he has 28 races in, he only has nine wins. If he's able to go on a run and notch another nine wins, he'll be a force to be reckoned with. Nate Monteith is beginning to lose touch with the leaders but that isn't anything a couple of maximum point wins can't fix. Ted Christopher is also still in the conversation, sitting in the fifth spot.

Position Name Races Wins Top 5s Top 10s Total Points

1.    Lee Pulliam 19 12 16 17 678
2.    C.E. Falk III 23 13 19 21 677
3.    Keith Rocco 28 9 17 21 661
4.    Nate Monteith 22 7 15 18 647
5.    Ted Christopher 29 5 22 25 641
6.    Deac McCaskill 19 11 17 19 617
7.    Ryan Preece 27 7 18 23 609
8.    Anthony Anders 35 2 22 32 577
9.    Jase Kaser 20 6 13 16 572
10.    Matt Bowling 21 1 14 19 551

A driver's best 18 results through Sept. 16 are counted toward their states and national point totals, and the champions are decided on overall point total. Once a driver reaches 18 starts, their total would increase incrementally as they replace some poorer runs with better results.
Under the points structure for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, the race winner receives two points for every car in the event up to 20 cars. Second place receives two fewer points and so on through the field. Race winners receive an additional five points. For example, if 20 cars are in the field, the winner receives 45 points, second place 38 and third 36. If there are 15 cars, the winner receives 35 points, second 28 and third, 26.

ASA National Points Race

The ASA has a unique National Points Race, with two divisions competing roughly on the opposite sides of the Mississippi, although that isn't the 'official' dividing line. Both divisions will crown a champion but the driver with the higher average will be the National Champion. At this point, there are two drivers who are on unbelievable runs, as the season is roughly half over. Shelby Stroebel has won 10 straight Modified races at Meridian Speedway this year while Lance Gatlin has taken eight straight Limited Late Model races at Lonesome Pine Raceway this year.

Having a driver who is still undefeated this far into the year is a rather surprising statistic, but having two of them is truly remarkable. Having them in opposite regions is going to make for a very stirring race right down to the final races of the season. While Gatlin and Stroebel have leads at this point in time, they both have drivers hot on their heels so they can't let up.

East Region Point Standings

Position Name Average Points

1.    Lance Gatlin 3.1536
2.    Dennis Queen 2.7713
3.    Barry Beggarly 2.6302
4.    Taylor Coffman 2.6091
5.    Dustin Rumley 2.6057

West Region Point Standings

Position Name Average Points

1.    Shelby Stroebel 3.5289
2.    Mike Slone 3.0285
3.    Rus Ward 2.7756
4.    Matt Wallace 2.6985
5.    Jentry Pisca 2.4791

Throughout the season, drivers competing in the premiere divisions at eligible ASA Member Tracks are in the running for the 2012 ASA Member Track National Championship.  In order to have a chance for the national title, a driver must first win their 2012 track championship.
 
Speednetdirect.com, for the fifth year in a row, will tabulate the National Championship standings.  Using a proprietary formula that creates an average based on wins, finishing positions, number of cars passed, car counts and events.  The driver who wins their track championship and has the highest average over the other ASA Member Track champions will win the 2012 ASA Member Track National Championship. Full standings are available at www.speednetdirect.com. Click on the ASA Member Track logo at the top of the page.

This Weekend's Race Schedule

Fri : July 20th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 9th Annual Carquest SK 150 Late Models
Fri : July 20th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 9th Annual Carquest SK 150 Limited Late Models
Fri : July 20th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 9th Annual Carquest SK 150 SK Lights
Fri : July 20th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 9th Annual Carquest SK 150 SK Modifieds
Fri : July 20th – Orlando Speedworld ; Orlando : FL – Brighthouse Super Late Models
Fri : July 20th – Grundy County Speedway ; Morris : IL – ASA Midwest Tour Wayne Carter Classic 125
Fri : July 20th – Anderson Speedway ; Anderson : IN – Jeg's All Stars Pro Late Models
Fri : July 20th – Bloomington Speedway ; Bloomington : IN – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Fri : July 20th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets
Fri : July 20th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Legends
Fri : July 20th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Outlaws
Fri : July 20th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – PASS Mods
Fri : July 20th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Rebels
Fri : July 20th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Strictly Stock
Fri : July 20th – Hartford Motor Speedway ; Hartford : MI – World of Outlaws Late Models
Fri : July 20th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – USRA Modifieds
Fri : July 20th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – IMCA Stock Cars
Fri : July 20th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds
Fri : July 20th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Street Stocks
Fri : July 20th – Greenville Speedway ; Greenville : MS – Nesmith Dirt Late Models
Fri : July 20th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Fri : July 20th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Late Models
Fri : July 20th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Modifieds
Fri : July 20th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Street Stocks
Fri : July 20th – I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE – Lucas Oil Late Models
Fri : July 20th – I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE – USMTS National Championship Series Modifieds
Fri : July 20th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – NDRA Late Models
Fri : July 20th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Late Models
Fri : July 20th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Open Wheel Modifieds
Fri : July 20th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Street Stocks
Fri : July 20th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Mod Lites
Fri : July 20th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Modifieds
Fri : July 20th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Street Stocks
Fri : July 20th – Cottage Grove Speedway ; Cottage Grove : OR – Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Fri : July 20th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – 358 Modifieds
Fri : July 20th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Sportsman
Fri : July 20th – Williams Grove Speedway ; Mechanicsburg : PA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Fri : July 20th – Estevan Motor Speedway ; Estevan : Saskatchewan – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : July 20th – Estevan Motor Speedway ; Estevan : Saskatchewan – IMCA Street Stocks
Fri : July 20th – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Travis McDonnell Memorial Street Stocks
Fri : July 20th – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Travis McDonnell Super Stocks
Fri : July 20th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : July 20th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : July 20th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Stock
Fri : July 20th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Street Stock
Fri : July 20th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Fri : July 20th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Sprint Cars
Fri : July 20th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Sport Modifieds
Fri : July 20th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Street Stock
Sat : July 21st – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Modifieds
Sat : July 21st – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Outlaw Late Models
Sat : July 21st – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Sportsman
Sat : July 21st – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Pro Late Models
Sat : July 21st – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Super Stock Trucks
Sat : July 21st – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – 305 Winged Sprints
Sat : July 21st – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – 360 Winged Sprints
Sat : July 21st – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Late Models
Sat : July 21st – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Modifieds
Sat : July 21st – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Pro Late Models
Sat : July 21st – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – E-Modifieds
Sat : July 21st – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Sportsman
Sat : July 21st – New Senoia Raceway ; Senoia : GA – Late Models
Sat : July 21st – Waycross Motor Speedway ; Waycross : GA – Late Models
Sat : July 21st – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Late Models
Sat : July 21st – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Limited Late Models
Sat : July 21st – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Modifieds
Sat : July 21st – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Street Stocks
Sat : July 21st – Anderson Speedway ; Anderson : IN – Redbud 300 CRA Super Series
Sat : July 21st – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Late Models
Sat : July 21st – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Sportsman
Sat : July 21st – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Street Stocks
Sat : July 21st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – 32nd Annual Hall of Fame and Sonny Thompson Memorial Late Model Figure 8
Sat : July 21st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets Figure 8
Sat : July 21st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Stocks Figure 8
Sat : July 21st – Tri-State Speedway ; Haubstadt : IN – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Sat : July 21st – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – 6th Annual Dick Frye Memorial IMCA Late Models
Sat : July 21st – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – 6th Annual Dick Frye Memorial IMCA Modifieds
Sat : July 21st – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – 6th Annual Dick Frye Memorial IMCA Stock Cars
Sat : July 21st – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – 6th Annual Dick Frye Memorial IMCA Sport Mods
Sat : July 21st – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Late Models
Sat : July 21st – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Sportsman
Sat : July 21st – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Pure Street
Sat : July 21st – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Mini-Stock
Sat : July 21st – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Outlaw Mini-Cup
Sat : July 21st – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Baby Grand
Sat : July 21st – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Pro Challenge
Sat : July 21st – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Strictly Stock
Sat : July 21st – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – PASS North Super Late Models 150
Sat : July 21st – Berlin Raceway ; Marne : MI – Super Late Models
Sat : July 21st – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Outlaw Super Late Models
Sat : July 21st – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Super Stocks
Sat : July 21st – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Pro Stocks
Sat : July 21st – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Late Models
Sat : July 21st – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : July 21st – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : July 21st – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Super Stocks
Sat : July 21st – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – USRA Modifieds
Sat : July 21st – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Modifieds
Sat : July 21st – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : July 21st – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : July 21st – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Super Stocks
Sat : July 21st – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Super Late Models
Sat : July 21st – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – NeSmith Late Models
Sat : July 21st – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Street Stocks
Sat : July 21st – Greenville Speedway ; Greenville : MS – Nesmith Dirt Late Models
Sat : July 21st – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – ASA Late Models
Sat : July 21st – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Modifieds
Sat : July 21st – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Sportsman
Sat : July 21st – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Road Warriors
Sat : July 21st – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Chargers
Sat : July 21st – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – Factory Stocks
Sat : July 21st – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – A-Mods
Sat : July 21st – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – B-Mods
Sat : July 21st – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – United Late Model Association Late Models
Sat : July 21st – Montana Raceway Park ; Kalispell : MT – Montana 200 Super Late Models
Sat : July 21st – I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE – Lucas Oil Late Models
Sat : July 21st – I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE – USMTS Casey's Cup Qualifier Modifieds
Sat : July 21st – Oswego Speedway ; Oswego : NY – Race of Champions Modifieds
Sat : July 21st – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Late Models
Sat : July 21st – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat : July 21st – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Street Stock
Sat : July 21st – Red River Valley Speedway ; West Fargo : ND – NLRA Late Models
Sat : July 21st – Red River Valley Speedway ; West Fargo : ND – Modifieds
Sat : July 21st – Red River Valley Speedway ; West Fargo : ND – Super Stocks
Sat : July 21st – Southwest Speedway ; Dickinson : ND – IMCA Modifieds
Sat : July 21st – Southwest Speedway ; Dickinson : ND – Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : July 21st – Riverside Speedway ; Antigonish : Nova Scotia – Parts for Trucks Pro Stocks
Sat : July 21st – Columbus Motor Speedway ; Columbus : OH – NASCAR K&N Pro East Series
Sat : July 21st – Sandusky Speedway ; Sandusky : OH – Main Event Super Late Models
Sat : July 21st – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : July 21st – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Wissota Modifieds
Sat : July 21st – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Street Stocks
Sat : July 21st – Mosport Speedway ; Bowmanville : Ontario – OSCAAR Super Late Models
Sat : July 21st – Cottage Grove Speedway ; Cottage Grove : OR – Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Sat : July 21st – Little Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Slingshots
Sat : July 21st – Little Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Thunder Cars
Sat : July 21st – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Sport Modifieds
Sat : July 21st – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Late Models
Sat : July 21st – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Factory Stocks
Sat : July 21st – Williams Grove Speedway ; Mechanicsburg : PA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sat : July 21st – Clayhill Motorsports ; Atwood : TN – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Sat : July 21st – Rocky Mountain Raceway ; West Valley City : UT – SRL Southwest Tour Late Models
Sat : July 21st – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Late Models x2
Sat : July 21st – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Limited Sportsman
Sat : July 21st – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Street Stock
Sat : July 21st – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Late Models
Sat : July 21st – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Modifieds
Sat : July 21st – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Midwest Modifieds
Sat : July 21st – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : July 21st – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Wissota Street Stocks
Sun : July 22nd – Edmonton City Centre Airport ; Edmonton : Alberta – NASCAR Canadian Tire Series
Sun : July 22nd – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Late Models
Sun : July 22nd – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Outlaws
Sun : July 22nd – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Strictly Stock
Sun : July 22nd – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – 39th Annual TD Bank 250 ACT Late Models
Sun : July 22nd – Spartan Speedway ; Mason : MI – Slugfest #3 Late Models
Sun : July 22nd – Nobles County Speedway ; Worthington : MN – USMTS National Championship Series
Sun : July 22nd – Lebanon Valley Speedway ; West Lebanon : NY – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sun : July 22nd – Thunder Mountain Speedway ; Bottineau : ND – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sun : July 22nd – Thunder Mountain Speedway ; Bottineau : ND – Sport Stocks
Mon : July 23rd – Autodrome Granby ; Granby : Quebec – DIRTCar Big-Block Modifieds
Tue : July 24th – Grundy County Speedway ; Morris : IL – USAC Mopar D1 Stars
Tue : July 24th – Stateline Speedway ; Busti : NY – Lucas Oil Late Models
Tue : July 24th – Autodrome Drummond ; Drummondville : Quebec – DIRTCar Big-Block Modifieds
Wed : July 25th – Placerville Speedway ; Placerville : CA – Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Wed : July 25th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Outlaws
Wed : July 25th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Rebels
Wed : July 25th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Renegades
Wed : July 25th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – USMTS World Modified Dirt Track Championship Qualifying
Wed : July 25th – Utica Rome Speedway ; Vernon : NY – Lucas Oil Late Models
Wed : July 25th – Auto Clearing Speedway ; Saskatoon : Saskatchewan – NASCAR Canadian Tire Series
Thu : July 26th – Thompson International Speedway ; Thompson : CT – MRS Modifieds
Thu : July 26th – Lucas Oil Raceway Park ; Clermont : IN – Jeg's All Stars Pro Late Models
Thu : July 26th – CJ Speedway ; Columbus Junction : IA – Cornbelt Clash Late Models
Thu : July 26th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – USMTS World Modified Dirt Track Championship Qualifying
Thu : July 26th – Fonda Speedway ; Fonda : NY – Lucas Oil Late Models

Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.

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Fantasy Friday: Off Weekend
by Jeff Wolfe

With the Sprint Cup Series on their final off-weekend of the year, there are no race picks to be had this week. However, we can take a look at the wildcard hunt and how it's shaping up with just seven races left before the Chase field is set. Which of those drivers have the best shot at racing their way into the coveted playoff field? Read on to find out:

Jeff Gordon: Yes he is 17th in points, but a win could put him right back in the thick of the wild-card hunt. He's got 27 career victories at the remaining seven tracks, including four at Indianapolis, which is the next race July 29.

Carl Edwards: There is some hope. He's got nine wins at the remaining seven tracks.

Kasey Kahne: He's coming of the win at New Hampshire and may stay on a roll. He has five wins at the next seven tracks.

Kyle Busch: He has struggled lately due to engine and pit stop woes, but is still in the Chase at the moment and has five wins at the next seven stops.

Ryan Newman: He's just out of the Chase at the moment, but has four wins at the next seven tracks.

ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP
Here's a look at how last week's picks fared at New Hampshire.

Tony Stewart: 12th. Not really a factor to win this at all, but managed a respectable finish.

Ryan Newman: 10th. Ran better than Stewart most of the day, but also not a factor to win it at any point.

Jimmie Johnson: 7th. May have challenged for win if  bad luck with late caution didn't cost him several spots.

Jeff Burton: 21st. New Hampshire is probably his best track. It seems good finishes for him these days are more of coincidence than a regularity.

Clint Bowyer: 3rd. He contended for the win for a while, but wasn't as good as eventual winner Kahne or second-place Denny Hamlin.

Season Stats

95 Predictions
10  Wins
34 Top 5s
45 Top 10s

Grade for the week: B-. No winner this time. Maybe Johnson would have had a shot if not for the late caution that came just after he had pitted under green. Newman and Stewart were both disappointing given their history of success at New Hampshire, but were not disasters either.

One Last Thing: Tony Stewart has 17 wins on tracks in the next seven races, the most of any driver in the top 10 in points.

Jeff Wolfe is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at jeff.wolfe@frontstretch.com.

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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:

IndyCar Edmonton Indy Preview
by Matt Stallknecht

Formula 1 Friday: Celebrating Britishness!
by Andy Hollis

On the Road: Odds, Ends, and Observations
by Amy Henderson

Four Burning Questions: New Crew Chiefs and Old Stereotypes
by Summer Bedgood

Making Sense of Brian France and Urine Tests
by Jeff Meyer

Regan Smith Driver Diary: The Drug Screening Process and Changing One's Own Luck
as told to Tony Lumbis

Three Reasons Chicagoland's the Wrong Place for Nationwide's Sunday
by Bryan Davis Keith

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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
 
Q:
The 1982 Grand Prix of Germany at the Hockenheimring is probably best known for the fight that occurred on Lap 18 when leader Nelson Piquet was taken out by the lapped car of Eliseo Salazar. However, something far more serious occurred prior to the race even starting. What was it?

Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
 
Thursday's Answer:
 
Q: The 2000 Grand Prix of Germany is best known for current Izod IndyCar Series driver Rubens Barrichello coming from 18th on the grid to win his first career race. However, a very quirky incident occurred that changed the entire complexion of the race. What happened?

A: A disgruntled former employee of Mercedes-Benz scrawled a missive against his former employer on a poncho, then breached security and ran onto the circuit in the 200+ mph stretch down to the Jim Clark Chicane. The man then crossed the track in front of Pedro de la Rosa's Arrows. A safety car was brought out to address the situation. The man was thankfully unharmed, but his excursion onto the track did affect the race. The instance can be seen in this clip taken from the Australian broadcast of the race on the Nine Network. At the time, the Nine Network used ITV's commentators (Murray Walker and Martin Brundle), so they are the voices you'll hear on the clip.

Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: Take the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!

~~~~~~~~~~

Coming Monday in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News by TBA
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
 
Monday on the Frontstretch:

Monday Morning Teardown by TBA
A Monday morning commentary to make you think leading up to the Brickyard.

Bowles-Eye View by Tom Bowles
Tom is back after the final off-weekend of the year to get you ready for the annual trek to Indianapolis and the remainder of the season.

Pace Laps: Chicagoland 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 Chicagoland.

Nationwide Breakdown: STP 300 by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan has all the post-race analysis you need following Sunday afternoon's Nationwide Series race from Chicagoland.

Tracking the Trucks: American Ethanol 225 by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth has all the post-race analysis you need following Saturday night's Camping World Truck Series race from Chicagoland.

-----------------------------
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