THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
August 31st, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CLXXIV
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Top News
by Jeff Wolfe
Sports Clips returns to sponsor Hamlin in AtlantaPresented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
August 31st, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CLXXIV
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Top News
by Jeff Wolfe
Denny Hamlin's No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota will once again feature Sports Clips as the primary sponsor. Earlier this year, Hamlin posted a runner-up finish at Darlington with the company's colors on his car in retro scheme honoring Cale Yarborough's NASCAR Hall of Fame induction.
Hamlin will be looking for his second straight victory after winning last Saturday night at Bristol. He, along with Jimmie Johnson, Brad Keselowski and defending champion Tony Stewart lead the Sprint Cup series this season with three victories apiece. Hamlin, who is searching for his first Sprint Cup championship, comes into Atlanta eighth in the, 16 markers behind seventh-place Keselowski.
Leicht to Have Special Operations OPSEC Fund as One-Race Sponsor
Circle Sports announced Thursday that the No. 33 car driven by Stephen Leicht will have Special Operations OPSEC Education Fund as its primary sponsor for Sunday's race in Atlanta, according to Speedwaydigest.com.
Special Operations OPSEC is a social welfare organization composed of former members of the U.S. Special Operations forces and intelligence community. The organization's goal is to educate and inform the public on the need for Operational Security and to bring attention to the "Dishonorable Disclosures" documentary that went viral on youtube.com with over 3.2 million views since its release on Aug. 15.
"We are honored Special Operations OPSEC Education Fund has chosen to partner with Circle Sport as they look to bring awareness to their cause by connecting with the NASCAR fan base," team owner Joe Falk said. "NASCAR is a powerful medium--just as is OPSEC's use of social media to promote its online documentary--and we hope to drive their message to millions of NASCAR fans."
The OPSEC name and logo will be on the hood and quarterpanels of the No. 33 along with the organization's website www.OPSECteam.org. Leicht, a rookie, is 41st in the points standings and hopes to start his 12th Sprint Cup race of the season Sunday night.
House Autry Mills to Sponsor Gilliland in Atlanta
House Autry Mills will not only be the primary sponsor on the David Gilliland's No. 38 in Atlanta this weekend, but is also having an on-line contest for fans to win Gilliland's firesuit and a House Autry gift pack at Facebook.com/HouseAutryMills. The company's product line includes chicken, seafood and pork breaders, cornbread, hushpuppy and biscuit mixes, and sauces to complement your favorite fried and baked foods. The sweepstakes runs through Oct. 31st.
Gilliland is 27th in the points standings and has started all 24 races this season for Front Row Motorsports. He has a best finish of 13th at Talladega in early May.
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.
by Toni Montgomery
Formula 1 Friday: Back on Track ... Finally
by Andy Hollis
In the Middle: Sometimes NASCAR Isn't About Extremes
by Amy Henderson
Landon Cassill Driver Diary: Oily Tracks, Multiple Grooves and Hurricanes
as told to Summer Bedgood
Voices From the Cheapseats: Fans Prove Bruton Smith Wrong
by Jeff Meyer
Four Burning Questions: Wild Cards and Rivalries
by Summer Bedgood
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This Weekend on the Frontstretch:
Tracking the Trucks: Jeff Foxworthy's Grit Chips 200 by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth has all the post-race analysis you need following Friday night's Camping World Truck Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Nationwide Breakdown: NRA American Warrior 300 by Mike Neff
Mike has all the post-race analysis you need following Saturday's Nationwide Series race from Atlanta.
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: In 1993, Richard Childress Racing entered Neil Bonnett in a No. 31 Chevrolet in the Hooters 500 in an attempt to stack the cards in favor of Dale Earnhardt winning his sixth championship. However, that wasn't Bonnett's only race of the weekend. He drove Earnhardt's No. 3 in the Busch race on Saturday (rescheduled from March due to Superstorm '93), however, it didn't go all that well. What happened?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: Once Jeff Gordon officially clinched the 1995 Winston Cup Championship at about the one-third mark of the NAPA 500 (Robert Pressley's blown engine made it impossible for Gordon to be caught by Dale Earnhardt), Gordon's team adopted an extremely laid back attitude. This extended to pit road as well. What they did do late in the race that raised eyebrows and cracked up some commentators?
A: With the pressure off, Gordon's team decided to switch things up on a pit road. Crew Chief Ray Evernham even got to go over the wall for the first time in years to work on Gordon's No. 24. It was an interesting sight, to say the least.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: Take the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
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Coming Monday in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- AdvoCare 500 Race Recap by Jeff Wolfe
-- Secret Star and Stat of the Race by Tom Bowles
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
Monday on the Frontstretch:
Thinkin' Out Loud: Pure Michigan 400 by Mike Neff
Mike is here with his overall thoughts about the action from Sunday night's race from Atlanta.
Big Six: AdvoCare 500 by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving Sunday's event in Atlanta? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing.
Pace Laps: Atlanta 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 the racing Atlanta.
IndyCar Race Recap: Grand Prix of Baltimore by Huston Ladner
Huston has all the post-race analysis you need following Sunday afternoon's IZOD IndyCar race from Baltimore.
Other Columns TBD
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Talk back to the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Got something to say about an article you've seen in the newsletter? It's as easy as replying directly to this message or sending an email to editors@frontstretch.com. We'll take the best comments and publish them here!
©2012 Frontstretch.com
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COME JOIN THE FRONTSTRETCH FAMILY!
Hey Frontstretch Readers! Are you looking for a fast-growing website that can give you an opportunity to not only share your thoughts on racing, but have FUN doing it with a group of laid-back, dedicated personnel? Well, we have the place for you. Frontstretch is actively seeking 1-3 additional writers for both our newsletter and website to add to our dedicated staff. Follow this link for more information on how you can become a weekly columnist for the site and / or newsletter!
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In Case You Missed It
by Beth Lunkenheimer
COME JOIN THE FRONTSTRETCH FAMILY!
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In Case You Missed It
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Hornaday to Promote Breast Cancer Awareness in Atlanta
Ron Hornaday, Jr. teams up with Chevrolet in their "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" campaign. The driver of the No. 9 Joe Denette Motorsports Chevrolet will give breast cancer survivors a ride around Atlanta Motor Speedway in pink Camaro SS pace cars. In addition, the manufacturer will donate $200 for every lap the pace cars lead the field in Sunday's AdvoCare 500 Sprint Cup race.
NASCAR Wives, Girlfriends in "Racing For Awareness" Competition
Toyota Racing kicked off their "Racing For Awareness" campaign last Friday with a friendly competition among a handful of NASCAR wives and girlfriends. The women have designed their own t-shirts to raise awareness for breast cancer. Designers include Makena Bell (T.J. Bell), Samantha Busch (Kyle Busch), Janet Bodine (Todd Bodine), Jordan Fish & Mary Lou Hamlin (Denny Hamlin girlfriend, mom), Danielle Logano (Joey Logano), Sara Peters (Timothy Peters), Lorra Podsiadlo (Clint Bowyer), Sherry Pollex (Martin Truex, Jr.) and Cortney Sauter (Johnny Sauter). The design that receives the most votes will be revealed and produced during the Charlotte race weekend in October. Additionally, Toyota will donate $500 in the winner's name to the Carolina Breast Friends. Fans can vote for their favorite design by clicking here.
Sauter to Make 100th Career Start
Johnny Sauter will make his 100th career Camping World Truck Series start tonight at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The driver of the No. 13 Chevrolet boast five wins, 36 top 5s and 51 top-10 finishes in 99 starts. He currently sits 12th in the points standings.
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Keepin' It Short: Crowning a Champion
by Mike Neff
As the calendar gets close to Fall, the racing seasons at tracks across the country and for series all around begin to wind down. Concord Motorsports Park crowned a champion several weeks ago but most tracks will award their championship title in the next 30 days. On the national stage the IMCA Late Models are among the first to identify their number one driver for the year. For the third consecutive season, that moniker goes to Ray Guss, Jr.
Guss became the second driver in the history of the IMCA Late Models to win the title three times. This season was especially exciting for Guss because, when the final points were tallied, he bested Todd Cooney by a single point. Both drivers ended their regular seasons with 794 accumulated points. Cooney actually scored one more win on the season, visiting Victory Lane 15 times to Guss' 14, but he ended up losing the title on bonus points.
The IMCA awards bonus points based on track championships and average car counts. Guss received 16 bonus points for the title he won at Quad City Speedway while Cooney was only given 15 points for taking the title at Shelby County Speedway. The bonus points are determined by average car count at a track where a driver wins a track title. If a driver wins multiple titles, the track with the highest average car count is used to calculate the bonus points. This is the second year in a row that Cooney has been the runner-up to Guss for the National Championship.
Guss not only won the track title at Quad City, but also will be crowned state champion for Illinois. Cooney had a very outstanding year, notching track championships at Shelby County, the Iowa State Fairgrounds and Stuart Speedway. Cooney will be crowned Iowa state champion also. Tyler Bruening, Ryan Griffith and Nate Beuseling rounded out the top 5 in IMCA National Points. Darrel DeFrance, who was the first driver to claim three national titles, finished off the year in sixth position.
Chuck Hanna finished the season in 19th place in the points and was awarded the Rookie of the Year title. Beuseling took home the track championship at 34 Raceway. Griffith ended up on top of the point standings at Hamilton County Speedway while Bruening notched championships at both Independence Motor Speedway and Farley Speedway.
There will be more excitement in 2013 in the IMCA Late Model National Championship, but for now, congratulations to the top 20 finishers in the 2012 standings.
1. Ray Guss, Jr. 810
2. Todd Cooney 809
3. Tyler Bruening 799
4. Ryan Griffith 775
5. Nate Beuseling 769
6. Darrel DeFrance 768
7. Luke Goedert 767
8. Chad Cooney 764
9. Matt Ryan 758
10. Mike Murphy, Jr. 757
11. Stephan Kammerer 739
12. Joel Callahan 723
13. Todd Malmstrom 721
14. Justin Kay 714
15. Nick Marolf 704
16. Mike Zemo, Jr. 695
17. Curt Schroeder 695
18. Joe Ross 686
19. Chuck Hanna 682
20. Mike Garland 678
Whelen All-American National Championship
Lee Pulliam took three more shots at closing in on the perfect season last weekend, but came up short in all three attempts. Caraway Speedway saw Pulliam cross the finish line second in both of the twin feature races on Friday night. He then headed to Southern National Motor Sports Park on Saturday and crossed the line as the first loser again. Fortunately for Pulliam, Nate Monteith didn't gain many points so the lead heading into the last two weeks of the regular season is 57 points, which is all but insurmountable over the small amount of time left.
It was good to see Keith Rocco not only back behind the wheel of a race car but in Victory Lane at Stafford Motor Speedway Friday night. Rocco went to the Winner's Circe for the 12th time this season and raised his point total to 714 with the win.
Position Name Races Wins Top 5s Top 10s Total Points
1. Lee Pulliam 32 20 27 28 783
2. Nate Monteith 27 10 20 23 726
3. Keith Rocco 36 12 22 27 714
4. Ryan Preece 41 13 28 34 707
5. C E Falk III 26 14 22 24 705
6. Deac McCaskill 16 22 24 700
7. Ted Christopher 43 6 35 38 697
8. Duane Howard 18 8 15 18 692
9. Tim Brown 24 8 13 18 672
10. Jason O'Brien 5 18 24 657
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
Shelby Stroebel continues to lead the ASA National Points race with his 12 straight victories this season. He'll have two chances to continue the streak this Labor Day Weekend. Lance Gatlin is hoping to recapture the magic that he had to start the year. After nine straight wins out of the gate this year, his last three races have wound up short of the trophy. Mike Slone is facing a stiff test at I-44 this weekend and needs to hold off Matt Wallace for the track title. While Dennis Queen and the usual cast of thousands at Newport will be taking 50 laps around the track to pick a winner on Friday night.
The ASA season is far from over so Stroebel and Gatlin have no room for error until the checkered flag drops on the season.
Western Region Point Standings:
Position Name Average
1. Shelby Stroebel 4.5261
2. Matt Wallace 4.0754
3. Mike Slone 4.0237
4. Jim VanZandt 3.7815
5. Michael Hale 3.6495
Eastern Region Point Standings
Position Name Average
1. Lance Gatlin 4.3944
2. Dennis Queen 3.9873
3. Taylor Coffman 3.8419
4. Ryan Stiltner 3.7508
5. Wayne Webb 3.6740
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.
Weekend's Racing Schedule
Fri : Aug 31st – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 3rd Annual Shark Cycle 80 Late Models
Fri : Aug 31st – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 3rd Annual Shark Cycle 80 Limited Late Models
Fri : Aug 31st – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 3rd Annual Shark Cycle 80 SK Lights
Fri : Aug 31st – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 3rd Annual Shark Cycle 80 SK Modifieds
Fri : Aug 31st – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 3rd Annual Shark Cycle 80 MRS Modifieds
Fri : Aug 31st – Boyd's Speedway ; Ringgold : GA – USCS Outlaw Thunder Sprint Cars
Fri : Aug 31st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets
Fri : Aug 31st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Legends
Fri : Aug 31st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Roadsters
Fri : Aug 31st – Dixie Motor Speedway ; Birch Run : MI – Main Event Super Late Models
Fri : Aug 31st – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – USMTS Hunt for the Casey's Cup Modifieds
Fri : Aug 31st – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – IMCA Stock Cars
Fri : Aug 31st – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds
Fri : Aug 31st – Whynot Motorsports Park ; Meridian : MS – Nesmith Dirt Late Models
Fri : Aug 31st – U.S. 36 Raceway ; Cameron : MO – ASCS Midwest Sprint Cars
Fri : Aug 31st – U.S. 36 Raceway ; Cameron : MO – ASCS Warrior Sprint Cars
Fri : Aug 31st – U.S. 36 Raceway ; Cameron : MO – A Mods
Fri : Aug 31st – U.S. 36 Raceway ; Cameron : MO – Sport Mods
Fri : Aug 31st – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Late Models
Fri : Aug 31st – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Modifieds
Fri : Aug 31st – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Street Stocks
Fri : Aug 31st – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – NDRA Late Models
Fri : Aug 31st – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Late Models
Fri : Aug 31st – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Open Wheel Modifieds
Fri : Aug 31st – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Street Stocks
Fri : Aug 31st – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Steel Block Late Models
Fri : Aug 31st – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Modifieds
Fri : Aug 31st – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Street Stocks
Fri : Aug 31st – Portsmouth Raceway Park ; Portsmouth : OH – Lucas Oil Late Models
Fri : Aug 31st – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Coalcracker Sportsman
Fri : Aug 31st – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Point Championship Night Late Models
Fri : Aug 31st – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Point Championship Night Sprint Cars
Fri : Aug 31st – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Point Championship Night Street Stocks
Fri : Aug 31st – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Point Championship Night Super Stocks
Fri : Aug 31st – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : Aug 31st – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : Aug 31st – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Stock
Fri : Aug 31st – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Street Stock
Fri : Aug 31st – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Winged Modifieds
Fri : Aug 31st – Skagit Speedway ; Alger : WA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Fri : Aug 31st – Langlade Speedway ; Antigo : WI – Late Models
Fri : Aug 31st – Langlade Speedway ; Antigo : WI – Modifieds
Fri : Aug 31st – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Labor Day Classic Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Fri : Aug 31st – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Labor Day Classic Sprint Cars
Fri : Aug 31st – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Labor Day Classic Street Stock
Fri : Aug 31st – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI –IMCA Modifieds
Fri : Aug 31st – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI –IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : Aug 31st – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI –Street Stocks
Sat : Sept 1st – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – Crate Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – KMSA
Sat : Sept 1st – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – Outlaw Thunder
Sat : Sept 1st – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – Sportsman
Sat : Sept 1st – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – Street Stock
Sat : Sept 1st – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Calistoga Speedway ; Calistoga : CA – USAC/CRA Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 1st – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – DS Trucks
Sat : Sept 1st – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – 14th Annual Clyde Hart Memorial Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Modifieds
Sat : Sept 1st – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Sportsman
Sat : Sept 1st – Sugar Creek Raceway ; Blue Ridge : GA – USCS Outlaw Thunder Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 1st – Grundy County Speedway ; Morris : IL – USAC Mopar D1 Stars
Sat : Sept 1st – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Season Championship Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Season Championship Sportsman
Sat : Sept 1st – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Season Championship Street Stocks
Sat : Sept 1st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – American Super Cups
Sat : Sept 1st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets Figure 8
Sat : Sept 1st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Late Models Figure 8
Sat : Sept 1st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Stocks
Sat : Sept 1st – Terre Haute Action Track ; Terre Haute : IN – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 1st – 34 Raceway ; West Burlington : IA – Deery Brothers Summer Series IMCA Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Shelby County Speedway ; Harlan : IA – Super Late Model Racing Series
Sat : Sept 1st – Dodge City Raceway Park ; Dodge City : KS – Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Sat : Sept 1st – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Outlaws
Sat : Sept 1st – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Rebels
Sat : Sept 1st – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Renegades
Sat : Sept 1st – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Strictly Stock
Sat : Sept 1st – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – 27th Annual McBee/Hays Championship Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – Pure Stocks
Sat : Sept 1st – Berlin Raceway ; Marne : MI – Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Outlaw Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Super Stocks
Sat : Sept 1st – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Pro Stocks
Sat : Sept 1st – Owosso Speedway ; Ovid : MI – Jeg's All Stars Pro Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – USMTS Hunt for the Casey's Cup Modifieds
Sat : Sept 1st – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Cornbelt Clash Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Mighty Axe Nationals UMSS Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 1st – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Mighty Axe Nationals RV Modified Tour
Sat : Sept 1st – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Mighty Axe Nationals Wissota Modifieds
Sat : Sept 1st – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Mighty Axe Nationals Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : Sept 1st – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Mighty Axe Nationals Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : Sept 1st – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Mighty Axe Nationals Wissota Super Stocks
Sat : Sept 1st – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – NeSmith Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Street Stocks
Sat : Sept 1st – Whynot Motorsports Park ; Meridian : MS – Nesmith Dirt Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – World 50 ASA Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Modifieds
Sat : Sept 1st – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Sportsman
Sat : Sept 1st – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Road Warriors
Sat : Sept 1st – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Chargers
Sat : Sept 1st – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – MLRA Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – A-Mods
Sat : Sept 1st – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – Sportsman
Sat : Sept 1st – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – Street Stocks
Sat : Sept 1st – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – PASS South
Sat : Sept 1st – Concord Motorsports Park ; Concord : NC – Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Bobby Issac Memorial Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Street Stock
Sat : Sept 1st – Orange County ; Rougemont : NC – CARS Pro Cup Series
Sat : Sept 1st – Portsmouth Raceway Park ; Portsmouth : OH – Lucas Oil Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Peterborough Speedway ; Peterborough : Ontario – OSCAAR Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – ARDC Midgets
Sat : Sept 1st – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Xcel 600 CCs
Sat : Sept 1st – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 410 Sprints
Sat : Sept 1st – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 358 Sprints
Sat : Sept 1st – Mahoning Valley Speedway ; Lehighton : PA – 4c Super Modifieds
Sat : Sept 1st – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Sport Modifieds
Sat : Sept 1st – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Factory Stocks
Sat : Sept 1st – Autodrome Montmagny ; Montmagny : Quebec – ACT Castrol Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Rocky Mountain Raceway ; West Valley City : UT – Rocky Mountain Challenge Series Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Langley Speedway ; Hampton : VA – NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour
Sat : Sept 1st – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – Sportsman
Sat : Sept 1st – Skagit Speedway ; Alger : WA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 1st – Tyler County Speedway ; Middlebourne : WV – World of Outlaws Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Labor Day Classic Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Labor Day Classic Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 1st – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Labor Day Classic Street Stock
Sat : Sept 1st – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : Sept 1st – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Wissota Street Stocks
Sun : Sept 2nd – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Southern Superstars World Classic Super Late Models
Sun : Sept 2nd – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Modifieds
Sun : Sept 2nd – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Sportsman
Sun : Sept 2nd – Calistoga Speedway ; Calistoga : CA – USAC/CRA Sprint Cars
Sun : Sept 2nd – DuQuoin State Fairgrounds ; DuQuoin : IL – USAC Silver Crown
Sun : Sept 2nd – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – 36th Annual Late Model One Hour Figure 8
Sun : Sept 2nd – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – American Super Cup
Sun : Sept 2nd – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets Figure 8
Sun : Sept 2nd – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Stocks Figure 8 Enduro
Sun : Sept 2nd – Winchester Speedway ; Winchester : IN – CRA Super Series
Sun : Sept 2nd – Winchester Speedway ; Winchester : IN – Top Speed Modifieds
Sun : Sept 2nd – Dodge City Raceway Park ; Dodge City : KS – Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Sun : Sept 2nd – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – FWD Enduro Race #3
Sun : Sept 2nd – Norway Speedway ; Norway : MI – Labor Day 100 Late Models
Sun : Sept 2nd – Spartan Speedway ; Mason : MI – Harvest 300 Slugfest #5 Late Models
Sun : Sept 2nd – Dodge County Speedway ; Kasson : MN – USMTS Hunt for the Casey's Cup Modifieds
Sun : Sept 2nd – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Mighty Axe Nationals UMSS Sprint Cars
Sun : Sept 2nd – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Mighty Axe Nationals RV Modified Tour
Sun : Sept 2nd – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Mighty Axe Nationals Wissota Modifieds
Sun : Sept 2nd – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Mighty Axe Nationals Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sun : Sept 2nd – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Mighty Axe Nationals Wissota Street Stocks
Sun : Sept 2nd – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Mighty Axe Nationals Wissota Super Stocks
Sun : Sept 2nd – Raceway Park ; Shakopee : MN – ASA Midwest Tour Labor Day 125
Sun : Sept 2nd – Magnolia Motor Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Super Late Models
Sun : Sept 2nd – Magnolia Motor Speedway ; Columbus : MS – NeSmith Dirt Late Models
Sun : Sept 2nd – Magnolia Motor Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Street Stocks
Sun : Sept 2nd – Monett Speedway ; Monett : MO – MARS Dirtcar Series Late Models
Sun : Sept 2nd – I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE – Super Late Model Racing Series
Sun : Sept 2nd – Speedway 660 ; Fredericton : New Brunswick – Auto Value 250
Sun : Sept 2nd – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Coalcracker 358 Modifieds
Sun : Sept 2nd – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Modifieds
Sun : Sept 2nd – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Street Stocks
Sun : Sept 2nd – Smoky Mountain Speedway ; Maryville : TN – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Sun : Sept 2nd – Smoky Mountain Speedway ; Maryville : TN – USCS Outlaw Thunder Sprint Cars
Sun : Sept 2nd – Thunder Road International Speedbowl ; Barre : VT – 34th Labor Day Classic 200 ACT Late Models
Mon : Sept 3rd – DuQuoin State Fairgrounds ; DuQuoin : IL – ARCA Racing Series
Mon : Sept 3rd – Winchester Speedway ; Winchester : IN – CRA Super Series
Mon : Sept 3rd – Winchester Speedway ; Winchester : IN – Top Speed Modifieds
Mon : Sept 3rd – Boone Speedway ; Boone : IA – Deery Brothers Summer Series IMCA Late Models
Mon : Sept 3rd – Cottage Grove Speedway ; Cottage Grove : OR – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Mon : Sept 3rd – Greenville-Pickens Speedway ; Greenville : SC – NASCAR K&N Pro East Series
Wed : Sept 5th – Silver Dollar Speedway ; Chico : CA – Civil War California Civil War Series Sprint Cars
Wed : Sept 5th – Silver Dollar Speedway ; Chico : CA – USAC/CRA Sprint Cars
Wed : Sept 5th – Iredell County Fairgrounds ; Troutman : NC – East Coast Nationals Mini Outlaws
Thu : Sept 6th – Silver Dollar Speedway ; Chico : CA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Thu : Sept 6th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets
Thu : Sept 6th – Iredell County Fairgrounds ; Troutman : NC – Wingless Thursday Mini Outlaws
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: AdvoCare 500
by Jeff Wolfe
The Sprint Cup Series heads to Atlanta for a 7:30 Sunday night race on ESPN. It's the next-to-last race in NASCAR's regular season with the top 10 in points and the two drivers with the most wins 11th through 20th in points making the Chase for the Championship, NASCAR's version of the playoffs and the final 10 races of the season.
With the wild cards still yet to be determined, that is somewhat of a factor when going through this week's top 5 picks because there will be some desperate guys out there, some of them really needing a win.
Top 5 Picks
Kasey Kahne - If I had one pick this week, this would be the guy. He's got two wins at Atlanta and in 15 starts, he has six top-5 finishes; his average finish of 18.3 is skewed by three DNFs. He's also started on the pole twice, and I expect him to be a factor for the lead late in the race.
Jimmie Johnson - He's also got three wins in Atlanta and is a threat to win anywhere. Plus, he's really looking like the eventual champion.
Carl Edwards - He's in big-time win mode as he has none this season and sits 12th in points. He also has three career wins at Atlanta so this may be the best shot for last year's runner-up to make the Chase.
Tony Stewart - He's got three wins here but also, just when you think he's in trouble--and he is a bit being 10th in points with just a 16-point lead on Kasey Kahne--he comes through in a big way. He's all but a lock to make the Chase with three wins this season and could be the first to get four.
Kyle Busch - He has one win at Atlanta and three top 5s. But that's not the only reason I'm picking him this week. This weekend is the first time this season that Busch is driving in the Truck, Nationwide and Cup races. He seems most happy when he's driving a race car (or truck) and the driver sometimes known as Rowdy may be really happy late Sunday night.
Shoulda, woulda, coulda - Greg Biffle. This is the non-pick I may regret. He's been near the front a lot lately and may just have the best chance to challenge Johnson for the title. He doesn't have any wins at Atlanta, but I wouldn't be surprised at all if that changed this weekend.
ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP
Here's a look at how last week's picks fared at Bristol.
Kyle Busch - 6th. He was good all night, but could never make his way to the front as he didn't lead a lap.
Jeff Gordon - 3rd. Another strong run put him back in the wild-card picture to have a shot at the Chase.
Brad Keselowski - 30th. Two-race winning streak at Bristol comes to an end after he was hit from behind and spun in his retro Miller Lite paint scheme.
Carl Edwards - 22nd. Though he led laps late in the race, fuel strategy forced him to pit with just four laps remaining and took him well out of contention where he finished four laps down.
Kevin Harvick - 15th. Hung around to have an OK night, but never a factor up front.
Season Stats
120 Predictions
14 Wins
41 Top 5s
56 Top 10s
Grade for the week: C. Edwards was the only driver I had that even led any laps at Bristol. Not good considering there were a season-high 13 cautions. You think maybe Gordon or Busch could've snuck into the lead some how. But not to be.
One last thing: The two drivers in the top 10 in points without a win this season are Martin Truex, Jr. and Kevin Harvick. The statistics tell us it won't likely happen at Atlanta for them either. Among drivers in the top 10, Truex is ninth in driver rating at Atlanta at 88.9 and Harvick is 10th at 83.5.
Jeff Wolfe is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at jeff.wolfe@frontstretch.com.
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Frontstretch Folio: AdvoCare 500
by Rick Lunkenheimer
This weekend the Sprint Cup Series heads to Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Labor Day weekend trip. The 25th race of the 2012 season will be broadcast live on ESPN at 7:30 PM ET. You can also catch the race broadcast on MRN or SiriusXM Radio channel 90. For those who miss it the race will be rebroadcast on Monday, September 3 at 12:30 AM ET on ESPN2 or Wednesday, September 5 at 12:00 PM ET on SPEED.
Records and Facts
Geoffrey Bodine holds the track qualifying record with a speed of 197.478 mph set for the 1997 NAPA 500 in his No. 7 QVC Ford. He led just four laps before eventually ending up with a 33rd-place finish, four laps down. Bobby Labonte won the race by nearly four seconds over Dale Jarrett. Mark Martin, Jeff Green and Derrike Cope rounded out the top 5.
Jeff Gordon is the defending race winner of this race. He started fifth and led the most laps, 146 of 325. Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart, Kurt Bush, and Carl Edwards rounded out the top 5.
Track Facts
Track / Race Length: 1.54-mile quad oval, 325 laps, 500.5 miles
Degree of Banking: Turns: 24 degrees; Straightaways: 5 degrees
Straights: Frontstretch: 2,332 feet
Backstretch: 1,800 feet
Pit Road Speed: 45mph
Pace Car Speed: 55mph
Grandstand Seating: 99,000
Opened: 1960
Pre-race Schedule
Practices: Friday, August 31, 2:30 - 4:30 PM ET on SPEED
Saturday, September 1, 2:30 - 3:25 PM ET on SPEED
Happy Hour: Saturday, September 1, 5:30 - 6:20 PM ET on SPEED
Qualifying: Friday, September 1 at 6:10 PM ET on SPEED, re-air scheduled at 1:00 AM ET
Race Day Forecast
Sunday: Isolated Thunderstorms; 30% chance of rain
High: 87
Low: 71
Say What?!?
"I like racing there. It's definitely a driver's track. That's why we love coming to Atlanta. I hope they never repave it. That will be the one thing that will kill it. If they have to repave it, it will be out of necessity, not because of desire from us. That's what makes this place fun is the fact that you're going to move around from the bottom to the top every segment of the race. You are, at some point, going to have to move around and try to find a spot to make your car better. That's what makes it so much fun being there." -Tony Stewart
"Atlanta is my favorite track. Your car may be good on the bottom early in the race, but as the track changes, the car may work better up top. It's important to move around to make sure you are running the quickest line. A line that didn't work early may be the right line later in the race. The racing is exciting and the speeds you carry there just make it that much more fun. We had a great run last weekend at Bristol, which was my first time working with Trent Owens (crew chief) and his guys. I think the chemistry there is good and I can see a win for Great Clips being right around the corner." -Kasey Kahne
"We've been decent in the points, so we've kind of tried to step out of the box and do some things to try and learn for the Chase,(We can) really be more aggressive with the setup and go for the win and say, 'hey, if it doesn't work, then we're not going to cry over spilled milk.'That's really all you can do.You can't flip a switch, and we're already running as hard as we can.The only thing we can do is take some more chances on the setup, whether it might work for the race or not, that's basically what we've been doing." -Greg Biffle
Rick Lunkenheimer is a contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at rick.lunkenheimer@frontstretch.com.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
IndyCar In-Depth: Grand Prix of Baltimore PreviewRon Hornaday, Jr. teams up with Chevrolet in their "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" campaign. The driver of the No. 9 Joe Denette Motorsports Chevrolet will give breast cancer survivors a ride around Atlanta Motor Speedway in pink Camaro SS pace cars. In addition, the manufacturer will donate $200 for every lap the pace cars lead the field in Sunday's AdvoCare 500 Sprint Cup race.
NASCAR Wives, Girlfriends in "Racing For Awareness" Competition
Toyota Racing kicked off their "Racing For Awareness" campaign last Friday with a friendly competition among a handful of NASCAR wives and girlfriends. The women have designed their own t-shirts to raise awareness for breast cancer. Designers include Makena Bell (T.J. Bell), Samantha Busch (Kyle Busch), Janet Bodine (Todd Bodine), Jordan Fish & Mary Lou Hamlin (Denny Hamlin girlfriend, mom), Danielle Logano (Joey Logano), Sara Peters (Timothy Peters), Lorra Podsiadlo (Clint Bowyer), Sherry Pollex (Martin Truex, Jr.) and Cortney Sauter (Johnny Sauter). The design that receives the most votes will be revealed and produced during the Charlotte race weekend in October. Additionally, Toyota will donate $500 in the winner's name to the Carolina Breast Friends. Fans can vote for their favorite design by clicking here.
Sauter to Make 100th Career Start
Johnny Sauter will make his 100th career Camping World Truck Series start tonight at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The driver of the No. 13 Chevrolet boast five wins, 36 top 5s and 51 top-10 finishes in 99 starts. He currently sits 12th in the points standings.
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Keepin' It Short: Crowning a Champion
by Mike Neff
As the calendar gets close to Fall, the racing seasons at tracks across the country and for series all around begin to wind down. Concord Motorsports Park crowned a champion several weeks ago but most tracks will award their championship title in the next 30 days. On the national stage the IMCA Late Models are among the first to identify their number one driver for the year. For the third consecutive season, that moniker goes to Ray Guss, Jr.
Guss became the second driver in the history of the IMCA Late Models to win the title three times. This season was especially exciting for Guss because, when the final points were tallied, he bested Todd Cooney by a single point. Both drivers ended their regular seasons with 794 accumulated points. Cooney actually scored one more win on the season, visiting Victory Lane 15 times to Guss' 14, but he ended up losing the title on bonus points.
The IMCA awards bonus points based on track championships and average car counts. Guss received 16 bonus points for the title he won at Quad City Speedway while Cooney was only given 15 points for taking the title at Shelby County Speedway. The bonus points are determined by average car count at a track where a driver wins a track title. If a driver wins multiple titles, the track with the highest average car count is used to calculate the bonus points. This is the second year in a row that Cooney has been the runner-up to Guss for the National Championship.
Guss not only won the track title at Quad City, but also will be crowned state champion for Illinois. Cooney had a very outstanding year, notching track championships at Shelby County, the Iowa State Fairgrounds and Stuart Speedway. Cooney will be crowned Iowa state champion also. Tyler Bruening, Ryan Griffith and Nate Beuseling rounded out the top 5 in IMCA National Points. Darrel DeFrance, who was the first driver to claim three national titles, finished off the year in sixth position.
Chuck Hanna finished the season in 19th place in the points and was awarded the Rookie of the Year title. Beuseling took home the track championship at 34 Raceway. Griffith ended up on top of the point standings at Hamilton County Speedway while Bruening notched championships at both Independence Motor Speedway and Farley Speedway.
There will be more excitement in 2013 in the IMCA Late Model National Championship, but for now, congratulations to the top 20 finishers in the 2012 standings.
1. Ray Guss, Jr. 810
2. Todd Cooney 809
3. Tyler Bruening 799
4. Ryan Griffith 775
5. Nate Beuseling 769
6. Darrel DeFrance 768
7. Luke Goedert 767
8. Chad Cooney 764
9. Matt Ryan 758
10. Mike Murphy, Jr. 757
11. Stephan Kammerer 739
12. Joel Callahan 723
13. Todd Malmstrom 721
14. Justin Kay 714
15. Nick Marolf 704
16. Mike Zemo, Jr. 695
17. Curt Schroeder 695
18. Joe Ross 686
19. Chuck Hanna 682
20. Mike Garland 678
Whelen All-American National Championship
Lee Pulliam took three more shots at closing in on the perfect season last weekend, but came up short in all three attempts. Caraway Speedway saw Pulliam cross the finish line second in both of the twin feature races on Friday night. He then headed to Southern National Motor Sports Park on Saturday and crossed the line as the first loser again. Fortunately for Pulliam, Nate Monteith didn't gain many points so the lead heading into the last two weeks of the regular season is 57 points, which is all but insurmountable over the small amount of time left.
It was good to see Keith Rocco not only back behind the wheel of a race car but in Victory Lane at Stafford Motor Speedway Friday night. Rocco went to the Winner's Circe for the 12th time this season and raised his point total to 714 with the win.
Position Name Races Wins Top 5s Top 10s Total Points
1. Lee Pulliam 32 20 27 28 783
2. Nate Monteith 27 10 20 23 726
3. Keith Rocco 36 12 22 27 714
4. Ryan Preece 41 13 28 34 707
5. C E Falk III 26 14 22 24 705
6. Deac McCaskill 16 22 24 700
7. Ted Christopher 43 6 35 38 697
8. Duane Howard 18 8 15 18 692
9. Tim Brown 24 8 13 18 672
10. Jason O'Brien 5 18 24 657
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
Shelby Stroebel continues to lead the ASA National Points race with his 12 straight victories this season. He'll have two chances to continue the streak this Labor Day Weekend. Lance Gatlin is hoping to recapture the magic that he had to start the year. After nine straight wins out of the gate this year, his last three races have wound up short of the trophy. Mike Slone is facing a stiff test at I-44 this weekend and needs to hold off Matt Wallace for the track title. While Dennis Queen and the usual cast of thousands at Newport will be taking 50 laps around the track to pick a winner on Friday night.
The ASA season is far from over so Stroebel and Gatlin have no room for error until the checkered flag drops on the season.
Western Region Point Standings:
Position Name Average
1. Shelby Stroebel 4.5261
2. Matt Wallace 4.0754
3. Mike Slone 4.0237
4. Jim VanZandt 3.7815
5. Michael Hale 3.6495
Eastern Region Point Standings
Position Name Average
1. Lance Gatlin 4.3944
2. Dennis Queen 3.9873
3. Taylor Coffman 3.8419
4. Ryan Stiltner 3.7508
5. Wayne Webb 3.6740
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.
Weekend's Racing Schedule
Fri : Aug 31st – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 3rd Annual Shark Cycle 80 Late Models
Fri : Aug 31st – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 3rd Annual Shark Cycle 80 Limited Late Models
Fri : Aug 31st – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 3rd Annual Shark Cycle 80 SK Lights
Fri : Aug 31st – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 3rd Annual Shark Cycle 80 SK Modifieds
Fri : Aug 31st – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 3rd Annual Shark Cycle 80 MRS Modifieds
Fri : Aug 31st – Boyd's Speedway ; Ringgold : GA – USCS Outlaw Thunder Sprint Cars
Fri : Aug 31st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets
Fri : Aug 31st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Legends
Fri : Aug 31st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Roadsters
Fri : Aug 31st – Dixie Motor Speedway ; Birch Run : MI – Main Event Super Late Models
Fri : Aug 31st – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – USMTS Hunt for the Casey's Cup Modifieds
Fri : Aug 31st – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – IMCA Stock Cars
Fri : Aug 31st – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds
Fri : Aug 31st – Whynot Motorsports Park ; Meridian : MS – Nesmith Dirt Late Models
Fri : Aug 31st – U.S. 36 Raceway ; Cameron : MO – ASCS Midwest Sprint Cars
Fri : Aug 31st – U.S. 36 Raceway ; Cameron : MO – ASCS Warrior Sprint Cars
Fri : Aug 31st – U.S. 36 Raceway ; Cameron : MO – A Mods
Fri : Aug 31st – U.S. 36 Raceway ; Cameron : MO – Sport Mods
Fri : Aug 31st – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Late Models
Fri : Aug 31st – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Modifieds
Fri : Aug 31st – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Street Stocks
Fri : Aug 31st – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – NDRA Late Models
Fri : Aug 31st – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Late Models
Fri : Aug 31st – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Open Wheel Modifieds
Fri : Aug 31st – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Street Stocks
Fri : Aug 31st – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Steel Block Late Models
Fri : Aug 31st – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Modifieds
Fri : Aug 31st – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Street Stocks
Fri : Aug 31st – Portsmouth Raceway Park ; Portsmouth : OH – Lucas Oil Late Models
Fri : Aug 31st – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Coalcracker Sportsman
Fri : Aug 31st – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Point Championship Night Late Models
Fri : Aug 31st – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Point Championship Night Sprint Cars
Fri : Aug 31st – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Point Championship Night Street Stocks
Fri : Aug 31st – Black Hills Speedway ; Rapid City : SD – Point Championship Night Super Stocks
Fri : Aug 31st – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : Aug 31st – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : Aug 31st – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Stock
Fri : Aug 31st – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Street Stock
Fri : Aug 31st – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Winged Modifieds
Fri : Aug 31st – Skagit Speedway ; Alger : WA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Fri : Aug 31st – Langlade Speedway ; Antigo : WI – Late Models
Fri : Aug 31st – Langlade Speedway ; Antigo : WI – Modifieds
Fri : Aug 31st – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Labor Day Classic Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Fri : Aug 31st – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Labor Day Classic Sprint Cars
Fri : Aug 31st – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Labor Day Classic Street Stock
Fri : Aug 31st – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI –IMCA Modifieds
Fri : Aug 31st – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI –IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : Aug 31st – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI –Street Stocks
Sat : Sept 1st – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – Crate Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – KMSA
Sat : Sept 1st – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – Outlaw Thunder
Sat : Sept 1st – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – Sportsman
Sat : Sept 1st – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – Street Stock
Sat : Sept 1st – Green Valley Speedway ; Glencoe : AL – Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Calistoga Speedway ; Calistoga : CA – USAC/CRA Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 1st – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – DS Trucks
Sat : Sept 1st – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – 14th Annual Clyde Hart Memorial Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Modifieds
Sat : Sept 1st – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Sportsman
Sat : Sept 1st – Sugar Creek Raceway ; Blue Ridge : GA – USCS Outlaw Thunder Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 1st – Grundy County Speedway ; Morris : IL – USAC Mopar D1 Stars
Sat : Sept 1st – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Season Championship Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Season Championship Sportsman
Sat : Sept 1st – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Season Championship Street Stocks
Sat : Sept 1st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – American Super Cups
Sat : Sept 1st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets Figure 8
Sat : Sept 1st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Late Models Figure 8
Sat : Sept 1st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Stocks
Sat : Sept 1st – Terre Haute Action Track ; Terre Haute : IN – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 1st – 34 Raceway ; West Burlington : IA – Deery Brothers Summer Series IMCA Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Shelby County Speedway ; Harlan : IA – Super Late Model Racing Series
Sat : Sept 1st – Dodge City Raceway Park ; Dodge City : KS – Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Sat : Sept 1st – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Outlaws
Sat : Sept 1st – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Rebels
Sat : Sept 1st – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Renegades
Sat : Sept 1st – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Strictly Stock
Sat : Sept 1st – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – 27th Annual McBee/Hays Championship Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – Pure Stocks
Sat : Sept 1st – Berlin Raceway ; Marne : MI – Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Outlaw Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Super Stocks
Sat : Sept 1st – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Pro Stocks
Sat : Sept 1st – Owosso Speedway ; Ovid : MI – Jeg's All Stars Pro Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – USMTS Hunt for the Casey's Cup Modifieds
Sat : Sept 1st – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Cornbelt Clash Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Mighty Axe Nationals UMSS Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 1st – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Mighty Axe Nationals RV Modified Tour
Sat : Sept 1st – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Mighty Axe Nationals Wissota Modifieds
Sat : Sept 1st – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Mighty Axe Nationals Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : Sept 1st – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Mighty Axe Nationals Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : Sept 1st – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Mighty Axe Nationals Wissota Super Stocks
Sat : Sept 1st – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – NeSmith Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Street Stocks
Sat : Sept 1st – Whynot Motorsports Park ; Meridian : MS – Nesmith Dirt Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – World 50 ASA Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Modifieds
Sat : Sept 1st – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Sportsman
Sat : Sept 1st – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Road Warriors
Sat : Sept 1st – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Chargers
Sat : Sept 1st – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – MLRA Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – A-Mods
Sat : Sept 1st – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – Sportsman
Sat : Sept 1st – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – Street Stocks
Sat : Sept 1st – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – PASS South
Sat : Sept 1st – Concord Motorsports Park ; Concord : NC – Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Bobby Issac Memorial Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Street Stock
Sat : Sept 1st – Orange County ; Rougemont : NC – CARS Pro Cup Series
Sat : Sept 1st – Portsmouth Raceway Park ; Portsmouth : OH – Lucas Oil Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Peterborough Speedway ; Peterborough : Ontario – OSCAAR Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – ARDC Midgets
Sat : Sept 1st – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Xcel 600 CCs
Sat : Sept 1st – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 410 Sprints
Sat : Sept 1st – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 358 Sprints
Sat : Sept 1st – Mahoning Valley Speedway ; Lehighton : PA – 4c Super Modifieds
Sat : Sept 1st – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Sport Modifieds
Sat : Sept 1st – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Factory Stocks
Sat : Sept 1st – Autodrome Montmagny ; Montmagny : Quebec – ACT Castrol Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Rocky Mountain Raceway ; West Valley City : UT – Rocky Mountain Challenge Series Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Langley Speedway ; Hampton : VA – NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour
Sat : Sept 1st – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – Sportsman
Sat : Sept 1st – Skagit Speedway ; Alger : WA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 1st – Tyler County Speedway ; Middlebourne : WV – World of Outlaws Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Labor Day Classic Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Sat : Sept 1st – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Labor Day Classic Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 1st – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – Labor Day Classic Street Stock
Sat : Sept 1st – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : Sept 1st – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Wissota Street Stocks
Sun : Sept 2nd – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Southern Superstars World Classic Super Late Models
Sun : Sept 2nd – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Modifieds
Sun : Sept 2nd – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Sportsman
Sun : Sept 2nd – Calistoga Speedway ; Calistoga : CA – USAC/CRA Sprint Cars
Sun : Sept 2nd – DuQuoin State Fairgrounds ; DuQuoin : IL – USAC Silver Crown
Sun : Sept 2nd – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – 36th Annual Late Model One Hour Figure 8
Sun : Sept 2nd – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – American Super Cup
Sun : Sept 2nd – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets Figure 8
Sun : Sept 2nd – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Stocks Figure 8 Enduro
Sun : Sept 2nd – Winchester Speedway ; Winchester : IN – CRA Super Series
Sun : Sept 2nd – Winchester Speedway ; Winchester : IN – Top Speed Modifieds
Sun : Sept 2nd – Dodge City Raceway Park ; Dodge City : KS – Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Sun : Sept 2nd – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – FWD Enduro Race #3
Sun : Sept 2nd – Norway Speedway ; Norway : MI – Labor Day 100 Late Models
Sun : Sept 2nd – Spartan Speedway ; Mason : MI – Harvest 300 Slugfest #5 Late Models
Sun : Sept 2nd – Dodge County Speedway ; Kasson : MN – USMTS Hunt for the Casey's Cup Modifieds
Sun : Sept 2nd – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Mighty Axe Nationals UMSS Sprint Cars
Sun : Sept 2nd – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Mighty Axe Nationals RV Modified Tour
Sun : Sept 2nd – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Mighty Axe Nationals Wissota Modifieds
Sun : Sept 2nd – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Mighty Axe Nationals Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sun : Sept 2nd – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Mighty Axe Nationals Wissota Street Stocks
Sun : Sept 2nd – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Mighty Axe Nationals Wissota Super Stocks
Sun : Sept 2nd – Raceway Park ; Shakopee : MN – ASA Midwest Tour Labor Day 125
Sun : Sept 2nd – Magnolia Motor Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Super Late Models
Sun : Sept 2nd – Magnolia Motor Speedway ; Columbus : MS – NeSmith Dirt Late Models
Sun : Sept 2nd – Magnolia Motor Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Street Stocks
Sun : Sept 2nd – Monett Speedway ; Monett : MO – MARS Dirtcar Series Late Models
Sun : Sept 2nd – I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE – Super Late Model Racing Series
Sun : Sept 2nd – Speedway 660 ; Fredericton : New Brunswick – Auto Value 250
Sun : Sept 2nd – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Coalcracker 358 Modifieds
Sun : Sept 2nd – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Modifieds
Sun : Sept 2nd – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Street Stocks
Sun : Sept 2nd – Smoky Mountain Speedway ; Maryville : TN – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Sun : Sept 2nd – Smoky Mountain Speedway ; Maryville : TN – USCS Outlaw Thunder Sprint Cars
Sun : Sept 2nd – Thunder Road International Speedbowl ; Barre : VT – 34th Labor Day Classic 200 ACT Late Models
Mon : Sept 3rd – DuQuoin State Fairgrounds ; DuQuoin : IL – ARCA Racing Series
Mon : Sept 3rd – Winchester Speedway ; Winchester : IN – CRA Super Series
Mon : Sept 3rd – Winchester Speedway ; Winchester : IN – Top Speed Modifieds
Mon : Sept 3rd – Boone Speedway ; Boone : IA – Deery Brothers Summer Series IMCA Late Models
Mon : Sept 3rd – Cottage Grove Speedway ; Cottage Grove : OR – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Mon : Sept 3rd – Greenville-Pickens Speedway ; Greenville : SC – NASCAR K&N Pro East Series
Wed : Sept 5th – Silver Dollar Speedway ; Chico : CA – Civil War California Civil War Series Sprint Cars
Wed : Sept 5th – Silver Dollar Speedway ; Chico : CA – USAC/CRA Sprint Cars
Wed : Sept 5th – Iredell County Fairgrounds ; Troutman : NC – East Coast Nationals Mini Outlaws
Thu : Sept 6th – Silver Dollar Speedway ; Chico : CA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Thu : Sept 6th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets
Thu : Sept 6th – Iredell County Fairgrounds ; Troutman : NC – Wingless Thursday Mini Outlaws
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: AdvoCare 500
by Jeff Wolfe
The Sprint Cup Series heads to Atlanta for a 7:30 Sunday night race on ESPN. It's the next-to-last race in NASCAR's regular season with the top 10 in points and the two drivers with the most wins 11th through 20th in points making the Chase for the Championship, NASCAR's version of the playoffs and the final 10 races of the season.
With the wild cards still yet to be determined, that is somewhat of a factor when going through this week's top 5 picks because there will be some desperate guys out there, some of them really needing a win.
Top 5 Picks
Kasey Kahne - If I had one pick this week, this would be the guy. He's got two wins at Atlanta and in 15 starts, he has six top-5 finishes; his average finish of 18.3 is skewed by three DNFs. He's also started on the pole twice, and I expect him to be a factor for the lead late in the race.
Jimmie Johnson - He's also got three wins in Atlanta and is a threat to win anywhere. Plus, he's really looking like the eventual champion.
Carl Edwards - He's in big-time win mode as he has none this season and sits 12th in points. He also has three career wins at Atlanta so this may be the best shot for last year's runner-up to make the Chase.
Tony Stewart - He's got three wins here but also, just when you think he's in trouble--and he is a bit being 10th in points with just a 16-point lead on Kasey Kahne--he comes through in a big way. He's all but a lock to make the Chase with three wins this season and could be the first to get four.
Kyle Busch - He has one win at Atlanta and three top 5s. But that's not the only reason I'm picking him this week. This weekend is the first time this season that Busch is driving in the Truck, Nationwide and Cup races. He seems most happy when he's driving a race car (or truck) and the driver sometimes known as Rowdy may be really happy late Sunday night.
Shoulda, woulda, coulda - Greg Biffle. This is the non-pick I may regret. He's been near the front a lot lately and may just have the best chance to challenge Johnson for the title. He doesn't have any wins at Atlanta, but I wouldn't be surprised at all if that changed this weekend.
ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP
Here's a look at how last week's picks fared at Bristol.
Kyle Busch - 6th. He was good all night, but could never make his way to the front as he didn't lead a lap.
Jeff Gordon - 3rd. Another strong run put him back in the wild-card picture to have a shot at the Chase.
Brad Keselowski - 30th. Two-race winning streak at Bristol comes to an end after he was hit from behind and spun in his retro Miller Lite paint scheme.
Carl Edwards - 22nd. Though he led laps late in the race, fuel strategy forced him to pit with just four laps remaining and took him well out of contention where he finished four laps down.
Kevin Harvick - 15th. Hung around to have an OK night, but never a factor up front.
Season Stats
120 Predictions
14 Wins
41 Top 5s
56 Top 10s
Grade for the week: C. Edwards was the only driver I had that even led any laps at Bristol. Not good considering there were a season-high 13 cautions. You think maybe Gordon or Busch could've snuck into the lead some how. But not to be.
One last thing: The two drivers in the top 10 in points without a win this season are Martin Truex, Jr. and Kevin Harvick. The statistics tell us it won't likely happen at Atlanta for them either. Among drivers in the top 10, Truex is ninth in driver rating at Atlanta at 88.9 and Harvick is 10th at 83.5.
Jeff Wolfe is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at jeff.wolfe@frontstretch.com.
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Frontstretch Folio: AdvoCare 500
by Rick Lunkenheimer
This weekend the Sprint Cup Series heads to Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Labor Day weekend trip. The 25th race of the 2012 season will be broadcast live on ESPN at 7:30 PM ET. You can also catch the race broadcast on MRN or SiriusXM Radio channel 90. For those who miss it the race will be rebroadcast on Monday, September 3 at 12:30 AM ET on ESPN2 or Wednesday, September 5 at 12:00 PM ET on SPEED.
Records and Facts
Geoffrey Bodine holds the track qualifying record with a speed of 197.478 mph set for the 1997 NAPA 500 in his No. 7 QVC Ford. He led just four laps before eventually ending up with a 33rd-place finish, four laps down. Bobby Labonte won the race by nearly four seconds over Dale Jarrett. Mark Martin, Jeff Green and Derrike Cope rounded out the top 5.
Jeff Gordon is the defending race winner of this race. He started fifth and led the most laps, 146 of 325. Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart, Kurt Bush, and Carl Edwards rounded out the top 5.
Track Facts
Track / Race Length: 1.54-mile quad oval, 325 laps, 500.5 miles
Degree of Banking: Turns: 24 degrees; Straightaways: 5 degrees
Straights: Frontstretch: 2,332 feet
Backstretch: 1,800 feet
Pit Road Speed: 45mph
Pace Car Speed: 55mph
Grandstand Seating: 99,000
Opened: 1960
Pre-race Schedule
Practices: Friday, August 31, 2:30 - 4:30 PM ET on SPEED
Saturday, September 1, 2:30 - 3:25 PM ET on SPEED
Happy Hour: Saturday, September 1, 5:30 - 6:20 PM ET on SPEED
Qualifying: Friday, September 1 at 6:10 PM ET on SPEED, re-air scheduled at 1:00 AM ET
Race Day Forecast
Sunday: Isolated Thunderstorms; 30% chance of rain
High: 87
Low: 71
Say What?!?
"I like racing there. It's definitely a driver's track. That's why we love coming to Atlanta. I hope they never repave it. That will be the one thing that will kill it. If they have to repave it, it will be out of necessity, not because of desire from us. That's what makes this place fun is the fact that you're going to move around from the bottom to the top every segment of the race. You are, at some point, going to have to move around and try to find a spot to make your car better. That's what makes it so much fun being there." -Tony Stewart
"Atlanta is my favorite track. Your car may be good on the bottom early in the race, but as the track changes, the car may work better up top. It's important to move around to make sure you are running the quickest line. A line that didn't work early may be the right line later in the race. The racing is exciting and the speeds you carry there just make it that much more fun. We had a great run last weekend at Bristol, which was my first time working with Trent Owens (crew chief) and his guys. I think the chemistry there is good and I can see a win for Great Clips being right around the corner." -Kasey Kahne
"We've been decent in the points, so we've kind of tried to step out of the box and do some things to try and learn for the Chase,(We can) really be more aggressive with the setup and go for the win and say, 'hey, if it doesn't work, then we're not going to cry over spilled milk.'That's really all you can do.You can't flip a switch, and we're already running as hard as we can.The only thing we can do is take some more chances on the setup, whether it might work for the race or not, that's basically what we've been doing." -Greg Biffle
Rick Lunkenheimer is a contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at rick.lunkenheimer@frontstretch.com.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
by Toni Montgomery
Formula 1 Friday: Back on Track ... Finally
by Andy Hollis
In the Middle: Sometimes NASCAR Isn't About Extremes
by Amy Henderson
Landon Cassill Driver Diary: Oily Tracks, Multiple Grooves and Hurricanes
as told to Summer Bedgood
Voices From the Cheapseats: Fans Prove Bruton Smith Wrong
by Jeff Meyer
Four Burning Questions: Wild Cards and Rivalries
by Summer Bedgood
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This Weekend on the Frontstretch:
Tracking the Trucks: Jeff Foxworthy's Grit Chips 200 by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth has all the post-race analysis you need following Friday night's Camping World Truck Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Nationwide Breakdown: NRA American Warrior 300 by Mike Neff
Mike has all the post-race analysis you need following Saturday's Nationwide Series race from Atlanta.
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: In 1993, Richard Childress Racing entered Neil Bonnett in a No. 31 Chevrolet in the Hooters 500 in an attempt to stack the cards in favor of Dale Earnhardt winning his sixth championship. However, that wasn't Bonnett's only race of the weekend. He drove Earnhardt's No. 3 in the Busch race on Saturday (rescheduled from March due to Superstorm '93), however, it didn't go all that well. What happened?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: Once Jeff Gordon officially clinched the 1995 Winston Cup Championship at about the one-third mark of the NAPA 500 (Robert Pressley's blown engine made it impossible for Gordon to be caught by Dale Earnhardt), Gordon's team adopted an extremely laid back attitude. This extended to pit road as well. What they did do late in the race that raised eyebrows and cracked up some commentators?
A: With the pressure off, Gordon's team decided to switch things up on a pit road. Crew Chief Ray Evernham even got to go over the wall for the first time in years to work on Gordon's No. 24. It was an interesting sight, to say the least.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: Take the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
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Coming Monday in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- AdvoCare 500 Race Recap by Jeff Wolfe
-- Secret Star and Stat of the Race by Tom Bowles
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
Monday on the Frontstretch:
Thinkin' Out Loud: Pure Michigan 400 by Mike Neff
Mike is here with his overall thoughts about the action from Sunday night's race from Atlanta.
Big Six: AdvoCare 500 by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving Sunday's event in Atlanta? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing.
Pace Laps: Atlanta 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 the racing Atlanta.
IndyCar Race Recap: Grand Prix of Baltimore by Huston Ladner
Huston has all the post-race analysis you need following Sunday afternoon's IZOD IndyCar race from Baltimore.
Other Columns TBD
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