THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
July 24th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CXXXIX
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- This morning, AJ Allmendinger's "B" sample will finally be tested. The stakes are high: if the "B" sample comes back positive, Allmendinger's temporary suspension will become indefinite and more than likely he'll be done at Penske Racing. Allmendinger will have his own toxicologist on site to evaluate the test. Results are expected back no later than Thursday.
- Also, penalties to RAB Racing with Brack Maggard should be announced today. The No. 09 Toyota driven by Kenny Wallace, who finished fourth in Sunday's STP 300 at Chicagoland Speedway, came up underweight in post-race inspection. More than likely, a monetary fine will be assessed against the team, along with a potential crew chief suspension. However, since the team was a post entry and did not earn points, any point penalties would put the No. 09 in the hole for the season. Wallace could also be looking at a point penalty as well.
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Top News
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Regan Smith, Bobby Labonte Get New Crew Chiefs
Furniture Row Racing announced Tuesday morning that Todd Berrier has been named crew chief for Regan Smith's No. 78 Chevrolet beginning with this weekend's race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Berrier will replace Pete Rondeau, who joined the team at the end of the 2009 season and was promoted to crew chief in May, 2010.
"Todd will be a great fit with our operation," General Manager Joe Garone said. "The skill sets he has acquired during a successful crew chief career will be valuable assets as we move forward with a high level of energy and anticipation."
Berrier worked with Richard Childress Racing for 11 years before making the move to JTG Daugherty Racing at the end of the 2011 to serve as crew chief for Bobby Labonte. The 42-year-old had worked as crew chief for eight victories including the 2007 Daytona 500 (Kevin Harvick) and the 2003 Brickyard 400 (Harvick). He's also worked with Jeff Burton, Casey Mears and Jeff Green.
"Furniture Row Racing has a reputation in the Sprint Cup garage for its commitment and potential," Berrier said in a release on the team's website. "I welcome this opportunity and can't wait to begin my new position at Indianapolis this weekend."
Smith, who is in a contract year, boasts a best finish of 14th at Darlington in May and currently sits 26th in the standings.
Meanwhile, David Hyder moves atop the pit box for Bobby Labonte and will serve as interim crew chief in the position opened up by Berrier's departure.
"We have our eye on the crew chief that we want for the long term but couldn't get it all done in time for the next few races. We would rather make the right decision for the long term," team owner Tad Geschickter said. "We are fortunate to have David Hyder working at JTG Daugherty Racing every day as crew chief for the K&N Pro Series East team that we have been preparing each week for Cale Conley. He has a wealth of Sprint Cup experience and we know he will do a great job until we make our decision."
In 19 starts this year, Labonte has just one top-10 finish, a tenth at Daytona earlier this month, and sits 23rd in the standings.
UNOH Expands Bristol Sponsorship to Truck Series
Bristol Motor Speedway announced Monday that the University of Northwestern Ohio has expanded their partnership to include the Camping World Truck Series race. Having sponsored the mid-week Modified race that's run prior to the Truck Series event for the last few years, UNOH stretched its reach in an effort to grow their exposure in what has now become known as the UNOH Perfect Storm Doubleheader.
"Everyone at the University of Northwestern Ohio is very excited about extending our partnership with Bristol Motor Speedway to the Camping World Truck Series," Dr. Jeffrey Jarvis, President of UNOH said. "We've been sponsoring the Modified event since 2009 and the opportunity it has given our students, staff and facility since we have started have been immeasurable."
UNOH has signed on to sponsor the annual mid-week Truck Series event through 2016, the same year their Modified race backing is set to expire.
"The University of Northwestern Ohio has been an amazing partner for Bristol Motor Speedway. They really embraced the Modified event and quickly became an integral part of our family," Executive Vice President and General Manager Jerry Caldwell said. "It's really great to have them come on board as our Truck race sponsor and we're thrilled to have them sponsoring both ends of the Wednesday night doubleheader this year. We're definitely looking forward to continuing to build our relationship with Jeff (Jarvis), Steve (Farmer, VP of Business Development, UNOH) and everyone at UNOH."
Next month's big week at Bristol kicks off with the UNOH Perfect Storm Whelen Modified 150 followed by the UNOH 200 Truck Series event before culminating in Saturday night's Cup Series event, the IRWIN Tools Night Race.
Austin Dillon to Remain in Nationwide Full Time For 2013
Austin Dillon is set to remain in the Nationwide Series full time for the 2013 season with a handful of Cup races on the docket before evaluating his Cup Series progress and making the decision to move on with his career.
"That's always been the plan--kind of the plan we laid out where they were 13, 15 years old," Childress said at Chicagoland Speedway over the weekend. "You get two years in the Truck, two years in [Nationwide]. That's sort of the game plan for his brother [Ty] as well. We'll run him two years in Truck, then move him up. Of course, they've got to prove themselves every week."
And both brothers have done just that so far this season. In 18 Nationwide starts, Austin has one win, ten top 5s and 14 top 10s and boasts an average finish of seventh. On the Truck Series side, younger brother Ty boasts on pole, two top 5s and nine top 10s in ten starts. The pair finished sixth and 12th, respectively, over the weekend at Chicagoland.
Have news for Beth and the Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at ashland10@mail.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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Today's Featured Commentary
Stay Safe at the Track, Not Afraid
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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Today's Featured Commentary
Stay Safe at the Track, Not Afraid
Sitting In The Stands: A Fan's View
by S.D. Grady
We're off to the track, a place full of people and fun. Into the backpack go scanners, headsets, favorite beverages, maybe a snack or two, Sharpies, tickets--don't forget the tickets! Sunblock, camera and perhaps a rain poncho. We don comfortable walking shoes and a hat. Ready to face a daylong voyage into the world of fandom, we plot out what haulers we'll visit, what drivers are scheduled to appear and prepare for long lines and lots of patience. But nowhere in this list do we wonder if we'll be safe. Of course we will be, if we pay attention to our surroundings and keep our feet to the path.
That is how life ought to be and how it is almost every day. Unfortunately, periodically a tragedy occurs that will make us question whether everything is being done to prevent a complete nutjob from mowing down dozens of innocent people enjoying a moment of fun in their busy lives. Doubt surfaces and we wonder if we should add more metal detectors, more guards, more restrictions, more ... to what end?
Most weeks I am busy exploring the myriad ways that NASCAR--one of the largest spectator sports in the world--brings joy to our lives. However, this week I am trapped by the headlines pouring out of Aurora, CO and the immediate effects that night of terror has already brought to my world. When I'm not sitting in front of my keyboard, the rest of my time is spent showing movies to the paying public. That has been a job fraught with tension and sadness since last Thursday night.
Perhaps I manage a venue on a much smaller scale than a race track, but we share the same responsibilities: primarily the comfort, safety and pleasure of our patrons. The show--being a race or a film--may be the first reason people fill the seats. But it is the service provided by a venue that brings them back. And that's why I speak of sadness.
In two short minutes, every effort ever made to extend a welcome to the public was wiped out with a hail of bullets. After the shooting, parents thought twice before deciding it would be better to find another form of entertainment today. Reasonable adults watched somebody sit in the seat next to them, feared the very worst could recur, and departed in search of a more comforting environment. We added extra security measures, it reassured some on the surface--but the reality remained. What that madman did was calculated to skirt around every reasonable step taken to ensure those movie-goers would be safe that night.
When we arrive at the track, either security or local law enforcement check our bags. There's a list of restricted items posted on the chain link fence. In the infield, ID's and credentials are challenged almost as often as you breathe. Every 20 feet around the track we encounter people and procedures put in place to ensure that 90k fans and teams will have a great day. But who can guarantee that a city full of people will not encounter any difficulties in a 24 hour period, let alone predict when or where a lunatic will surface. Should we change the way we live--stop going to these events that liven our world with joy--while we ponder the probabilities?
No. For it is in that moment of hesitation the evil has won.
We should remember those who lost their lives, their families, and their innocence in the dark of a theatre. But we'll honor their memories by continuing to live as we always have. Yes, be aware of your surroundings and the actions of others. Tell a person of responsibility if you see something that isn't quite as it should be. Close doors that ought to be locked. But most of all, don't hide your life behind locks and barred windows.
We're a free nation. Exercise that right and pack your cooler for the track. We can only truly ever live through our actions, not our fears.
Support those who were directly affected by the tragic event in Aurora, CO by clicking on http://www.givingfirst.org/.
Sonya's Weekly Danica Stat
Chicagoland: NNS in the No. 7 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet
Qualified: 13th
Finished: 14th (lead lap)
Points Position: 9th
by S.D. Grady
We're off to the track, a place full of people and fun. Into the backpack go scanners, headsets, favorite beverages, maybe a snack or two, Sharpies, tickets--don't forget the tickets! Sunblock, camera and perhaps a rain poncho. We don comfortable walking shoes and a hat. Ready to face a daylong voyage into the world of fandom, we plot out what haulers we'll visit, what drivers are scheduled to appear and prepare for long lines and lots of patience. But nowhere in this list do we wonder if we'll be safe. Of course we will be, if we pay attention to our surroundings and keep our feet to the path.
That is how life ought to be and how it is almost every day. Unfortunately, periodically a tragedy occurs that will make us question whether everything is being done to prevent a complete nutjob from mowing down dozens of innocent people enjoying a moment of fun in their busy lives. Doubt surfaces and we wonder if we should add more metal detectors, more guards, more restrictions, more ... to what end?
Most weeks I am busy exploring the myriad ways that NASCAR--one of the largest spectator sports in the world--brings joy to our lives. However, this week I am trapped by the headlines pouring out of Aurora, CO and the immediate effects that night of terror has already brought to my world. When I'm not sitting in front of my keyboard, the rest of my time is spent showing movies to the paying public. That has been a job fraught with tension and sadness since last Thursday night.
Perhaps I manage a venue on a much smaller scale than a race track, but we share the same responsibilities: primarily the comfort, safety and pleasure of our patrons. The show--being a race or a film--may be the first reason people fill the seats. But it is the service provided by a venue that brings them back. And that's why I speak of sadness.
In two short minutes, every effort ever made to extend a welcome to the public was wiped out with a hail of bullets. After the shooting, parents thought twice before deciding it would be better to find another form of entertainment today. Reasonable adults watched somebody sit in the seat next to them, feared the very worst could recur, and departed in search of a more comforting environment. We added extra security measures, it reassured some on the surface--but the reality remained. What that madman did was calculated to skirt around every reasonable step taken to ensure those movie-goers would be safe that night.
When we arrive at the track, either security or local law enforcement check our bags. There's a list of restricted items posted on the chain link fence. In the infield, ID's and credentials are challenged almost as often as you breathe. Every 20 feet around the track we encounter people and procedures put in place to ensure that 90k fans and teams will have a great day. But who can guarantee that a city full of people will not encounter any difficulties in a 24 hour period, let alone predict when or where a lunatic will surface. Should we change the way we live--stop going to these events that liven our world with joy--while we ponder the probabilities?
No. For it is in that moment of hesitation the evil has won.
We should remember those who lost their lives, their families, and their innocence in the dark of a theatre. But we'll honor their memories by continuing to live as we always have. Yes, be aware of your surroundings and the actions of others. Tell a person of responsibility if you see something that isn't quite as it should be. Close doors that ought to be locked. But most of all, don't hide your life behind locks and barred windows.
We're a free nation. Exercise that right and pack your cooler for the track. We can only truly ever live through our actions, not our fears.
Support those who were directly affected by the tragic event in Aurora, CO by clicking on http://www.givingfirst.org/.
Sonya's Weekly Danica Stat
Chicagoland: NNS in the No. 7 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet
Qualified: 13th
Finished: 14th (lead lap)
Points Position: 9th
S.D. Grady is a Senior Editor for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via e-mail at sonya.grady@frontstretch.com. Follow her on Twitter at @laregna.
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Editor's Note: Numbers Game will return next week.
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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 frontstretcheditors@googlegroups.com for details.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Five Points to Ponder: Driver Development Hits and Head-Scratchers
by Bryan Davis Keith
Tech Talk: Making Smoke at the Brickyard with Steve Addington
by Mike Neff
Your 2012 Cup Champion: Look No Further Than These Five Drivers
by Danny Peters
Chicagoland Coverage Decent, but Networks Keep Viewers Guessing
by Phil Allaway
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: Other than Jeff Gordon winning the inaugural Brickyard 400 in 1994, the biggest story to come out of Indianapolis was a rather unusual feud. What happened to cause this feud, and who was it between?
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Editor's Note: Numbers Game will return next week.
~~~~~~~~~~
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 frontstretcheditors@googlegroups.com for details.
~~~~~~~~~~~
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Five Points to Ponder: Driver Development Hits and Head-Scratchers
by Bryan Davis Keith
Tech Talk: Making Smoke at the Brickyard with Steve Addington
by Mike Neff
Your 2012 Cup Champion: Look No Further Than These Five Drivers
by Danny Peters
Chicagoland Coverage Decent, but Networks Keep Viewers Guessing
by Phil Allaway
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: Other than Jeff Gordon winning the inaugural Brickyard 400 in 1994, the biggest story to come out of Indianapolis was a rather unusual feud. What happened to cause this feud, and who was it between?
Check back Wednesday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Monday's Answer:
Q: The 1981 Indianapolis 500 is best known today for the controversy behind Bobby Unser and Mario Andretti passing drivers on the apron under caution, an issue that led to the winner of the race being changed twice after the race ended. However, the race is also known for a huge crash involving Danny Ongais. What happened?
A: On lap 65, Ongais lost control after entering Turn 3 a little too fast. When the car began to get loose, Ongais overcorrected. This turned Ongais' unique Interscope chassis nearly head-on into the wall. Bruno Junqueira had a similar impact there in 2004 and suffered leg injuries. Here, Ongais' car immediately burst into flames, spun around roughly 260 degrees and grinded to a stop next to the wall, shedding debris the whole time. The entire front end of the car was sheared away, leaving Ongais exposed badly. Ongais suffered two broken legs, a broken arm and multiple other injuries in the crash. However, he returned to Indianapolis with the Interscope Racing team to compete again in 1982. In addition, debris from the crash cleared the catchfence and injured a couple of fans outside of the track.
Yes, there is footage of the crash. However, I must warn you that it is quite graphic (no blood, though). Viewer discretion is advised. This link shows part of ABC's coverage of the crash with commentary from Jim McKay and Sir Jackie Stewart. At the end, footage that did not make ABC's broadcast that actually showed what caused the crash.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: If we mess up, you get the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
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Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Brad Morgan
-- Full Throttle by Mike Neff
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
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Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
Did You Notice?... by Tom Bowles
Tom returns with his list of small but important observations about the sport
Mirror Driving by the Frontstretch Staff
Your favorite Frontstretch writers are back to discuss a variety of different topics, including whether more crew chief changes should have been made this season in Sprint Cup, how the Nationwide Series will work at Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend, James Buescher's championship chances, and more.
Commentary by Kevin Rutherford
Kevin is back with a website look at one of the hot topics in NASCAR now.
Frontstretch Top Ten by the Jeff Meyer
We'll have a top ten list that will tickle your funny bone, guaranteed.
Beyond The Cockpit: TBA
Open-Wheel Wednesday by the Frontstretch Staff
This week, we'll have a roundtable discussion of interesting topics in the Izod IndyCar Series
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©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
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