THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
August 10th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CLVII
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Top News
by Jeff Wolfe
Logano Says He Has Choices For 2013
Sprint Cup driver Joey Logano says he doesn't have to worry about having a full-time ride next season. He's got not one, but two full-time offers. According to a report on ESPN.com, Logano said one of the offers is from his current team, Joe Gibbs Racing, and is dependent on sponsorship. Logano did not say which team the other offer was from, however Penske Racing has yet to announce who might fill the ride vacated when AJ Allmendinger was released from the team last week.
"I've got a couple of offers," the 22-year-old driver said on Wednesday at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where he was promoting fall events. "I'm just trying to decipher what's the best for me. What's going to give me the most trophies and win the most races out of?
"I could be fairly close (to a decision). I could be a few weeks out. It all depends on the next couple of days, actually."
Logano, who is 22, has one win this season and two in his young career and sits 17th in the points standings. He is in his third season driving the No. 20 Home Depot car full-time in the Sprint Cup Series for Gibbs. It has been heavily rumored that Matt Kenseth, who is leaving Roush Racing after this season, will come to the Gibbs team, but it's uncertain if Kenseth would drive the No. 20, or if Logano returns, a fourth car for the Gibbs team.
"There's only so many good teams out there," said Logano , when questioned about Penske Racing. Logano also said he is not considering a part-time Cup ride.
"I wouldn't put that as an option right now. I feel like I'm capable of winning Cup races. I feel like I'm there. Taking a step back would not be best for my career. At the same time, you've got to make sure it's the best opportunity. It's not worth jumping down a notch to race more races if you're not going to be competitive."
Penske's Sons Arrested in Nantucket
What has been a bit of a rough stretch for NASCAR and IndyCar owner Roger Penske, got a bit more difficult early Thursday morning. Penske, who released NASCAR Sprint Cup driver AJ Allmendinger due to a failed drug test earlier this month, is now dealing with the arrest of his two sons after an alleged break-in at the Nantucket Yacht Club.
According to a report in the Nantucket Inquirer and Mirror, Jay Penske, 33, and Mark Penske, 35, were arrested just before 2 AM on South Beach Street in Nantucket. According to the story, two women claimed that they had been assaulted in the yacht club parking lot.
One of the women alleged that she saw the two men urinating in the parking lot and when she confronted Jay Penske "he turned and continued to urinate on her boots. He then proceeded to grab her arm and push her. (The woman) also states that Mark, before he ran away, pushed her and they both then ran to the house on Yacht Club property" the police report said.
The police report says Jay Penske was apprehended when trying to run from the parking lot and that Mark Penske was found at the employee apartment after he had apparently fallen down the staircase and suffered several cuts on his right arm.
"There were three people living in the apartment and only two saw the suspects enter the house and they got startled when they were confronted," according to the report. According to employees at the club, the Penskes are not members of the Nantucket Yacht Club.
The women later told police they did not wish to press charges. The Penske brothers spent the night in the Nantucket Police Department's lockup facility and were arraigned Thursday morning on charges of breaking and entering with the intent to commit a misdemeanor. They were both released on personal recognizance.
Ryan Blaney to drive for BKR in select truck series races
Brad Keselowski Racing announced Thursday that Ryan Blaney has been hired to run select Truck Series races behind the wheel of the No. 29 Dodge in the rest of the 2012 season. Team owner Brad Keselowski will pilot the truck next weekend at Michigan with Blaney taking over at Bristol on August 22nd.
"Ryan is undoubtedly one of the top up-and-coming driver talents in NASCAR and, with his being a part of Penske Racing, is a natural to run with us at BKR," said BKR owner and Penske Racing driver Brad Keselowski. "He has been around the sport for virtually his entire life and is a pure racer. I believe Ryan will do a great job for the Team and our sponsors as we continue to focus on the 2012 Truck Owners Championship."
The No. 29 truck is currently sixth in owners points, 35 points behind the No. 17 driven by Timothy Peters. Blaney made his Nationwide Series debut at Richmond where he finished a solid seventh behind the wheel of the Tommy Baldwin Racing Chevrolet. He finished tenth in his first race with Penske behind the wheel of the No. 22 Dodge at Iowa Speedway last weekend.
"This season just keeps getting better and better for me," said Blaney, who is the son of current NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Dave Blaney. "To first join Penske Racing and now get to drive the BKR Truck is a terrific opportunity. Hopefully, we can wheel the BKR Truck along with Cooper Standard, Draw-Tite and Reese Towpower to victory lane this season."
Blaney is also scheduled to drive in select Nationwide races for Penske.
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.
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
August 10th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CLVII
~~~~~~~~~~
Top News
by Jeff Wolfe
Logano Says He Has Choices For 2013
Sprint Cup driver Joey Logano says he doesn't have to worry about having a full-time ride next season. He's got not one, but two full-time offers. According to a report on ESPN.com, Logano said one of the offers is from his current team, Joe Gibbs Racing, and is dependent on sponsorship. Logano did not say which team the other offer was from, however Penske Racing has yet to announce who might fill the ride vacated when AJ Allmendinger was released from the team last week.
"I've got a couple of offers," the 22-year-old driver said on Wednesday at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where he was promoting fall events. "I'm just trying to decipher what's the best for me. What's going to give me the most trophies and win the most races out of?
"I could be fairly close (to a decision). I could be a few weeks out. It all depends on the next couple of days, actually."
Logano, who is 22, has one win this season and two in his young career and sits 17th in the points standings. He is in his third season driving the No. 20 Home Depot car full-time in the Sprint Cup Series for Gibbs. It has been heavily rumored that Matt Kenseth, who is leaving Roush Racing after this season, will come to the Gibbs team, but it's uncertain if Kenseth would drive the No. 20, or if Logano returns, a fourth car for the Gibbs team.
"There's only so many good teams out there," said Logano , when questioned about Penske Racing. Logano also said he is not considering a part-time Cup ride.
"I wouldn't put that as an option right now. I feel like I'm capable of winning Cup races. I feel like I'm there. Taking a step back would not be best for my career. At the same time, you've got to make sure it's the best opportunity. It's not worth jumping down a notch to race more races if you're not going to be competitive."
Penske's Sons Arrested in Nantucket
What has been a bit of a rough stretch for NASCAR and IndyCar owner Roger Penske, got a bit more difficult early Thursday morning. Penske, who released NASCAR Sprint Cup driver AJ Allmendinger due to a failed drug test earlier this month, is now dealing with the arrest of his two sons after an alleged break-in at the Nantucket Yacht Club.
According to a report in the Nantucket Inquirer and Mirror, Jay Penske, 33, and Mark Penske, 35, were arrested just before 2 AM on South Beach Street in Nantucket. According to the story, two women claimed that they had been assaulted in the yacht club parking lot.
One of the women alleged that she saw the two men urinating in the parking lot and when she confronted Jay Penske "he turned and continued to urinate on her boots. He then proceeded to grab her arm and push her. (The woman) also states that Mark, before he ran away, pushed her and they both then ran to the house on Yacht Club property" the police report said.
The police report says Jay Penske was apprehended when trying to run from the parking lot and that Mark Penske was found at the employee apartment after he had apparently fallen down the staircase and suffered several cuts on his right arm.
"There were three people living in the apartment and only two saw the suspects enter the house and they got startled when they were confronted," according to the report. According to employees at the club, the Penskes are not members of the Nantucket Yacht Club.
The women later told police they did not wish to press charges. The Penske brothers spent the night in the Nantucket Police Department's lockup facility and were arraigned Thursday morning on charges of breaking and entering with the intent to commit a misdemeanor. They were both released on personal recognizance.
Ryan Blaney to drive for BKR in select truck series races
Brad Keselowski Racing announced Thursday that Ryan Blaney has been hired to run select Truck Series races behind the wheel of the No. 29 Dodge in the rest of the 2012 season. Team owner Brad Keselowski will pilot the truck next weekend at Michigan with Blaney taking over at Bristol on August 22nd.
"Ryan is undoubtedly one of the top up-and-coming driver talents in NASCAR and, with his being a part of Penske Racing, is a natural to run with us at BKR," said BKR owner and Penske Racing driver Brad Keselowski. "He has been around the sport for virtually his entire life and is a pure racer. I believe Ryan will do a great job for the Team and our sponsors as we continue to focus on the 2012 Truck Owners Championship."
The No. 29 truck is currently sixth in owners points, 35 points behind the No. 17 driven by Timothy Peters. Blaney made his Nationwide Series debut at Richmond where he finished a solid seventh behind the wheel of the Tommy Baldwin Racing Chevrolet. He finished tenth in his first race with Penske behind the wheel of the No. 22 Dodge at Iowa Speedway last weekend.
"This season just keeps getting better and better for me," said Blaney, who is the son of current NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Dave Blaney. "To first join Penske Racing and now get to drive the BKR Truck is a terrific opportunity. Hopefully, we can wheel the BKR Truck along with Cooper Standard, Draw-Tite and Reese Towpower to victory lane this season."
Blaney is also scheduled to drive in select Nationwide races for Penske.
Have news for The Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com with a promising lead or tip.
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In Case You Missed It
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Fan Designs RPM No. 43 Car
This weekend, Aric Almirola's No. 43 Ford will feature a black and "Petty blue" Smithfield paint scheme designed by longtime fan Kevin Gates. Featured earlier this year during the All-Star race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the base scheme will be used for the remainder of the smithfield-back events for the rest of the season. The 27-year0old Connecticut-native has been a Richard Petty fan for 25 years and used his graphic design skills to create the scheme.
Title Sponsor Named for Atlanta Truck Series Race
Earlier this week, Atlanta Motor Speedway announced that Jeff Foxworthy's Grit Chips, a new product expected in stores by mid-September will serve at the title sponsor of the Truck Series event at the 1.54-mile oval Friday, August 31st, dubbed the Jeff Foxworthy's Frit Chips 200. The chips can first be found in Atlanta-area Kroger stores with other divisions to follow. They will be available in four flavors: original, cheddar cheese, jalapeno cheddar and sweet heat.
Dover Announces 2013 Race Dates
As fans wait for NASCAR to announce the 2013 schedules, Dover International Speedway has announced its race dates. The one-mile oval will feature two tripleheader weekends, one May 31st - June 2nd and September 27th - 29th. The Truck Series will join the Nationwide and Cup Series in May and the K&N Pro Series East will join Nationwide and Cup in the fall.
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Keepin' It Short: The Biggest Dirt Race ... Period
by Mike Neff
Knoxville, Iowa is most certainly not a megalopolis where the heads of marketing firms poll their target demographics to develop the next multi-million dollar advertising campaigns or make their homes in lofts that cost more than most 3,000 square foot homes across the country. Instead, it's the epicenter of Sprint Car racing, especially for cars with wings on top of the roll cages. This weekend is the single biggest dirt race of the entire racing season and it is contested on the rich, black Iowa dirt of Knoxville Raceway.
There are many big races around the country for all different kinds of cars that run on dirt. The Dream, The Show-Me, The Super Nationals, The Kings Royal, The Chili Bowl, The Four-Crown, The Short Track Nationals, and the World Dirt Track Championship to name a few, but none of them compare to the Knoxville Nationals. The Nationals have been run since 1961 and have grown from a single day of racing that paid out a purse of $5,000 to a four day racing orgy that doles out a purse of $1,000,000.
The fastest cars on dirt started running Wednesday night at Knoxville and will compete through Saturday for the Championship of the Nationals. Thousands of fans will migrate to Knoxville to see the biggest names in winged Sprint Car racing along with drivers who have the dream of just running in the Nationals. Steve Kinser, the King of the Outlaws, has won the Nationals 12 times while Donny Schatz has owned the race over the last six years, taking home the big check in five of the six events. Kyle Larson, the latest phenomenon to burst onto the national racing scene took the win in the first night of the Nationals.
The history of Sprint Car racing is not only made at Knoxville every year, but it is also commemorated in the Sprint Car Hall of Fame that sits on the property next to the track. Tens of thousands of fans will parade through the museum this week during the Nationals and congregate in a massive throng to see the pure speed of the outlaw Sprint Cars. For fans of cars going fast and slinging dirt, the Knoxville Nationals is the biggest bucket list item there is, and it goes down this weekend.
Whelen All-American National Points Race
Keith Rocco gave his best effort to remain embroiled in the National Points race, but the best laid plans of Mice and Men do not always work out as they are planned. Rocco started the race at Waterford Saturday night with Doug Coby set to jump into the seat when the first caution flag flew. As the race started there was a pileup on the back straight that Rocco was able to avoid. He wheeled his car into the pits, the driver change occurred and Coby took up his place at the rear of the field. Coby made a charge to the front and took the win in place of Rocco who suffered a broken bone and dislocated wrist the previous weekend during practice at Thompson International. Unfortunately for Rocco, upon further review, the win was taken away and credited to Coby.
Apparently there is a line in the driver sub rule that says the driver who completes the first lap of the race will be credited with the points earned by the car. Sadly for Rocco, the caution occurred on the first lap and he pulled in before a lap was completed. The result of what was potentially a brilliant result to a plan to try and keep Rocco relevant in the National Title chase turned into a bizarre rule application that all but ends Rocco's title hopes.
While Rocco was having a disappointing evening at Waterford, points' leader Lee Pulliam was doing what he needed to do at Motor Mile Speedway. Maximum point double features saw Pulliam win both and add to his point total lead which is now 61 points over Rocco. Pulliam now has 17 wins and is 50 points shy of a perfect season. The second through ninth place drivers in the standings are only separated by 66 points, but they're all looking up at Pulliam.
Position Name Races Wins Top 5s Top 10s Total Points
1. Lee Pulliam 25 17 21 22 760
2. Keith Rocco 32 11 21 25 699
3. C.E. Falk III 24 13 20 22 687
4. Ted Christopher 37 6 29 32 681
5. Nate Monteith 23 88 16 19 674
6. Tim Brown 23 8 13 17 668
7. Ryan Preece 34 10 23 28 659
8. Deac McCaskill 21 13 19 21 647
9. Jason O'Brien 22 5 14 20 633
10. Wayne Helliwell 23 12 19 21 604
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 and Lance Gatlin did not run this past week which afforded other drivers the opportunity to gain ground on the regional point leaders. In the East and the West, the top point holders were both unseated from their perch atop the points. Dennis Queen jumped over Lance Gatlin to grab the point in the East Region with a 3.6050 point average. Gatlin still hasn't lost a Late Model race this season but not running can't help the cause.
In the west the same thing happened to Shelby Stroebel. Stroebel hasn't run in two weeks while Matt Wallace has been having success at I-44 Lebanon. Wallace overtook Stroebel for the top spot in the West with an average of 3.7290. The problem for Wallace is that he is currently second in his track's point battle. If Wallace doesn't overtake Mike Slone to win his track championship he won't be eligible to win the National Title because that is a requirement.
East Region Points
Position Name Point Average
1. Dennis Queen 3.6050
2. Lance Gatlin 3.5027
3. Taylor Coffman 3.3570
4. Wayne Webb 3.2052
5. Taylor Nesbitt 3.1822
Western Region Points
Position Name Point Average
1. Matt Wallace 3.7290
2. Shelby Stroebel 3.6429
3. Mike Slone 3.4778
4. Jim Vanzandt 3.2668
5. Brian Brown 2.9550
Throughout the season, drivers competing in the premiere divisions at eligible ASA Member Tracks are in the running for the 2012 ASA Member Track National Championship. In order to have a chance for the national title, a driver must first win their 2012 track championship.
Speednetdirect.com, for the fifth year in a row, will tabulate the National Championship standings. Using a proprietary formula that creates an average based on wins, finishing positions, number of cars passed, car counts and events. The driver who wins their track championship and has the highest average over the other ASA Member Track champions will win the 2012 ASA Member Track National Championship. Full standings are available at www.speednetdirect.com. Click on the ASA Member Track logo at the top of the page.
This Weekend's Racing Schedule
Fri : Aug 10th – North Alabama Speedway ; Tuscumbia : AL – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Fri : Aug 10th – North Alabama Speedway ; Tuscumbia : AL – USCS Outlaw Thunder Sprint Cars
Fri : Aug 10th – Beebe Speedway ; Beebe : AR – Comp Cams Super Late Models
Fri : Aug 10th – Ocean Speedway ; Watsonville : CA – USAC/CRA Sprint Cars
Fri : Aug 10th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – Late Models
Fri : Aug 10th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – Limited Late Models
Fri : Aug 10th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – SK Lights
Fri : Aug 10th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – SK Modifieds
Fri : Aug 10th – Humboldt Speedway ; Humboldt : KS – USMTS Hunt for the Casey's Cup Modifieds
Fri : Aug 10th – Knoxville Raceway ; Knoxville : IA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Fri : Aug 10th – Plymouth Speedway ; Plymouth : IN – USAC Eastern Focus Midgets
Fri : Aug 10th – Plymouth Speedway ; Plymouth : IN – USAC Midwest Focus Midgets
Fri : Aug 10th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Kenny's 100 Twin Stocks
Fri : Aug 10th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets
Fri : Aug 10th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Legends
Fri : Aug 10th – Plymouth Speedway ; Plymouth : IN – USAC Mopar D1 Stars
*Fri : Aug 10th – Knoxville Raceway ; Knoville : IA – Winged 410 Sprint Cars*
Fri : Aug 10th – Florence Speedway ; Florence : KY – 30th Annual North/South 100 Lucas Oil Late Models
Fri : Aug 10th – Norway Speedway ; Norway : MI – ASA Midwest Tour Norway 125
Fri : Aug 10th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – Cornbelt Clash Late Models
Fri : Aug 10th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – USRA Modifieds
Fri : Aug 10th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Street Stocks
Fri : Aug 10th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Late Models
Fri : Aug 10th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Modifieds
Fri : Aug 10th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Street Stocks
Fri : Aug 10th – Valley Speedway ; Grain Valley : MO – United Late Model Association Late Models
Fri : Aug 10th – Chemung Speedrome ; Chemung : NY – Race of Champions Modifieds
Fri : Aug 10th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – King of the Carolina's Qualifier
Fri : Aug 10th – Tri-County Motor Speedway ; Hudson : NC – UARA Stars Late Models
Fri : Aug 10th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Mod Lites
Fri : Aug 10th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Modifieds
Fri : Aug 10th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Street Stocks
Fri : Aug 10th – Kawartha Speedway ; Fraserville : Ontario – OSCAAR Super Late Models
Fri : Aug 10th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Summer Fling 358 Modifieds
Fri : Aug 10th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Summer Fling Sportsman
Fri : Aug 10th – Estevan Motor Speedway ; Estevan : Saskatchewan – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : Aug 10th – Estevan Motor Speedway ; Estevan : Saskatchewan – IMCA Street Stocks
Fri : Aug 10th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : Aug 10th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : Aug 10th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Stock
Fri : Aug 10th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Street Stock
Fri : Aug 10th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – 3rd Annual George Scheffler Memorial Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Fri : Aug 10th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – 3rd Annual George Scheffler Memorial Sprint Cars
Fri : Aug 10th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – 3rd Annual George Scheffler Memorial Street Stock
Sat : Aug 11th – Diamond Park Speedway ; Nashville : AR – Comp Cams Super Late Models
Sat : Aug 4th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – 305 Winged Sprints
Sat : Aug 4th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – 600 Mini Sprints
Sat : Aug 4th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Late Models
Sat : Aug 4th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – Santa Maria Speedway ; Santa Maria : CA – USAC/CRA Sprint Cars
Sat : Aug 11th – Waterford Speedbowl ; Waterford : CT – MRS Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Super Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Sportsman
Sat : Aug 11th – Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA – Outlaws
Sat : Aug 11th – Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA – Pro Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA – Trucks
Sat : Aug 11th – New Senoia Raceway ; Senoia : GA – Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Watermelon Capital Speedway ; Cordele : GA – Outlaw Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Knoxville Raceway ; Knoxville : IA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sat : Aug 11th – Magic Valley Speedway ; Twin Falls : ID – Rocky Mountain Challenge Series Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Grundy County Speedway ; Morris : IL – USAC Eastern Focus Midgets
Sat : Aug 11th – Grundy County Speedway ; Morris : IL – USAC Midwest Focus Midgets
Sat : Aug 11th – Grundy County Speedway ; Morris : IL – USAC Mopar D1 Stars
Sat : Aug 11th – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Sportsman
Sat : Aug 11th – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Street Stocks
Sat : Aug 11th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – 16th Annual Kenny's Stock Championship
Sat : Aug 11th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Late Model Figure 8
Sat : Aug 11th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets
Sat : Aug 11th – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Stock Cars
Sat : Aug 11th – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Sport Mods
*Sat : Aug 11th – Knoxville Raceway ; Knoville : IA – Winged 410 Sprint Cars*
Sat : Aug 11th – Florence Speedway ; Florence : KY – 30th Annual North/South 100 Lucas Oil Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Outlaws
Sat : Aug 11th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Strictly Stock
Sat : Aug 11th – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – 17th Annual Cornett Tribute 20 Pure Stocks
Sat : Aug 11th – Berlin Raceway ; Marne : MI – ARCA Racing Series
Sat : Aug 11th – Hartford Motor Speedway ; Hartford : MI – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Sat : Aug 11th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Outlaw Super Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Super Stocks
Sat : Aug 11th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Pro Stocks
Sat : Aug 11th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : Aug 11th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Super Stocks
Sat : Aug 11th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – USRA Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : Aug 11th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Super Stocks
Sat : Aug 11th – Magnolia Motor Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Super Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Magnolia Motor Speedway ; Columbus : MS – NeSmith Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Magnolia Motor Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Street Stocks
Sat : Aug 11th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – ASA Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Sportsman
Sat : Aug 11th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Road Warriors
Sat : Aug 11th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Chargers
Sat : Aug 11th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Faster Pastors
Sat : Aug 11th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – USMTS Hunt for the Casey's Cup Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – Factory Stocks
Sat : Aug 11th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – B-Mods
Sat : Aug 11th – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – Sportsman
Sat : Aug 11th – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – Tom Agen Memorial Street Stocks
Sat : Aug 11th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Late Models x2
Sat : Aug 11th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Street Stocks
Sat : Aug 11th – Concord Motorsports Park ; Concord : NC – UARA Stars Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Street Stock
Sat : Aug 11th – Southwest Speedway ; Dickinson : ND – IMCA Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – Southwest Speedway ; Dickinson : ND – Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : Aug 11th – Scotia Speedworld ; Halifax : Nova Scotia – AC 250 Parts for Trucks Pro Stocks
Sat : Aug 11th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Cornbelt Clash Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Wissota Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Street Stocks
Sat : Aug 11th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – ARDC Midgets
Sat : Aug 11th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 9th Annual Weldon Sterner Memorial 410 Sprints
Sat : Aug 11th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 9th Annual Weldon Sterner Memorial 358 Sprints
Sat : Aug 11th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 9th Annual Weldon Sterner Memorial Thundercars
Sat : Aug 11th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – 4c Super Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Street Stocks
Sat : Aug 11th – Sanair Super Speedway ; Saint-Pie : Quebec – ACT Castrol Series
Sat : Aug 11th – Sanair Super Speedway ; Saint-Pie : Quebec – ACT Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Myrtle Beach Speedway ; Myrtle Beach : SC – CARS Pro Cup Series
Sat : Aug 11th – Clayhill Motorsports ; Atwood : TN – USCS Outlaw Thunder Sprint Cars
Sat : Aug 11th – Nashville Fairgrounds ; Nashville : TN – Ken Ten Pro Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – Sportsman
Sat : Aug 11th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Midwest Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Wissota Street Stocks
Sun : Aug 12th – Spartan Speedway ; Mason : MI – Brian Heeney Memorial Slugfest #4 Modifieds
Sun : Aug 12th – Monett Speedway ; Monett : MO – USMTS Hunt for the Casey's Cup Modifieds
Sun : Aug 12th – I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE – Super Late Model Racing Series
Sun : Aug 12th – White Mountain Motorsports Park ; North Woodstock : NH – PASS North Super Late Models
Mon : Aug 13th – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Mon : Aug 13th – Iowa State Fairgrounds Speedway ; Des Moines : IA – Deery Brothers Summer Series IMCA Late Models
Tue : Aug 14th – Junction Motor Speedway ; McCool Junction : NE – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Tue : Aug 14th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – 40th Annual Carolina Clash Shrine 100 Late Models
Wed : Aug 15th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Outlaws
Wed : Aug 15th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Rebels
Wed : Aug 15th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Renegades
Wed : Aug 15th – Auto City Speedway ; Clio : MI – Jeg's All Stars Pro Late Models
Wed : Aug 15th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Kalamazoo Klash XX
Wed : Aug 15th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Berlin Template Super Late Models
Wed : Aug 15th – Ogilvie Raceway ; Ogilvie : MN – USMTS Hunt for the Casey's Cup Modifieds
Wed : Aug 15th – Millbridge Speedway ; Salisbury : NC – Mini Outlaws
Wed : Aug 15th – Red River Valley Speedway ; West Fargo : ND – All Star Circuit of Champions Sprint Cars
Wed : Aug 15th – Red River Valley Speedway ; West Fargo : ND – Super Stocks
Thu : Aug 16th – Salina Speedway ; Salina : KS – Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Thu : Aug 16th – Rice Lake Speedway ; Rice Lake : WI – USMTS Hunt for the Casey's Cup Modifieds
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
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Fantasy Friday: Finger Lakes 355 at the Glen
by Jeff Wolfe
As we enter the home stretch in the NASCAR Sprint Cup regular season, the question, as is the case with the end of the regular season in any sport, is who is going to make the playoffs?
That's certainly the case in NASCAR as there are just five races left before its version of the playoffs, the Chase for the Championship, begins. While the top 10 in points seem to be pretty set, barring multiple disaster races by 10th-place Clint Bowyer, the focus is mostly on which drivers will win the two wild-card spots.
So, with a big assist from driveraverages.com, we'll try to take an objective look at the six drivers who have a realistic shot on one of those two spots.
Kasey Kahne has the upper hand for the first wild-card spot heading into Sunday's race at Watkins Glen. He is 11th in points and has two wins this season, the only one of the six with two victories. While he's sitting in a good spot, there's no guarantee for him though. At the five remaining tracks he has an average finish of 18.39 but has three wins, two at Atlanta and one at Richmond. Still, he's a favorite to make it.
Jeff Gordon currently holds the 12th and final qualifying spot after Sunday's win at Pocono. Gordon had his share of bad luck much of the season, and had bounced between 18th and 22nd in points before a recent string of good finishes and the win left him 13th in points, tied with Ryan Newman, who also has a win. Gordon is ahead of Newman because of better finishes this season. At the next five tracks, Gordon has an average finish of 12.99, and 18 career wins.
Newman is also on the cusp of making the Chase. He has not been spectacular this season, but the driver looking for a sponsor for next season desperately wants to be a part of the Chase. His average at the next five stops on the schedule is 16.03, with three wins.
Kyle Busch hasn't had the kind of season he would like. With just one win, he sits outside of the Chase at the moment. But there is good news for Busch: he is the only driver of the these six who has an average finish of 10th or better in three of the five remaining tracks. That includes a dominating 4.73 average at Richmond, the final race in the regular season. He's has 11 wins on the final five tracks, including four at Richmond.
Carl Edwards is the real wild card in this fight. He sits 12th in points, just three behind Kahne, but has yet to win this season. Two of his better tracks are Watkins Glen, where he has not won, but has an average finish of 8.7, and Michigan, where he has two wins and an 8.38 average finish. Overall, Edwards has an average finish of 11.88 on these final tracks and seven wins, including three at Atlanta. So, yes, he's still got a shot.
Joey Logano is the long shot of this bunch. He sits 17th in points, but does have a win at the first Pocono race this season. He is 36 points behind Gordon and Newman, so with just five races to go, he needs another win. That means he will also need a breakthrough at one of these final tracks. He has no wins at the final five stops and an average finish of 21.06. Logano has the smallest sampling of any of the these six, given this is just his third full-time season in Sprint Cup. But the fact remains, the driver who is in a contract year at Gibbs Racing, needs a breakthrough to make the Chase.
So, just who will breakthrough? Kahne, of course, I'd pick for one of the spots, but after that, it gets a little dicey. The numbers say Kyle Busch will emerge as the other qualifier. We'll see how it all plays out in the next few weeks.
THIS WEEK'S PICKS
Tony Stewart - He's got five wins at the Glen and could very well be the first driver to win four races this season.
Marcos Ambrose - He's got a win here and also is one of the favorites to start on the pole, which is quite helpful on road courses.
Jeff Gordon - He's got four wins here but hasn't won since 2001. He's got some good momentum and confidence now, too.
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. - OK, I understand his history is not great on road courses with just two top-5 finishes. However, the team has had three tests on road courses this season, so this could be a chance for the points leader to emerge.
Kurt Busch - The talent to drive on the road course is not the issue here. Patience and knowing when to pass will be. But look for Busch to be among the top 5 Sunday.
Shoulda, woulda, coulda - It used to be that Juan Pablo Montoya was an automatic pick when it came to road courses. But with his poor showing at Sonoma (34th), and just a disappointing season overall as he sits 21st in points, I couldn't put him among the five best this week.
ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP
Here's a look at how last week's picks fared at Pocono.
Joey Logano - 13th. Maybe he would have been a factor if the race had gone the distance, but his Chase hopes depend on him getting another win now.
Jeff Gordon - 1st. He had a good car, and for once this season, a little bit of good luck.
Denny Hamlin - 29th. He was a contender, too, but got caught in the Jimmie Johnson flat tire melee.
Jimmie Johnson - 14th. If not for the flat, he very well could have won. He led the most laps with 44.
Carl Edwards - 7th. A decent day, but sitting 12th in points, a win is a must now.
Season Stats
105 Predictions
12 Wins
37 Top 5
50 Top 10s
Grade for the week: B. Hey, that's another winner, and it would have been interesting to see what happened with Johnson had the race gone the distance.
One last thing: Jeff Gordon's victory Sunday at Pocono gave Hendrick Motorsports at least one victory for each of its Sprint Cup drivers this season. The last time Hendrick had each of his drivers win at least once in a season was 2007.
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: Finger Lakes 355 at the Glen
by Rick Lunkenheimer
For the twenty-second race of the season the Sprint Cup Series takes a hard right into Watkins Glen International Speedway located southwest of Syracuse, NY for the Finger Lakes 355. This week's race will be broadcast live on ESPN at 1 PM ET, with the green flag start expected at 1:18 PM ET. You can also catch the race live on Motor Racing Network (MRN) and on SiriusXM channel 90. If you can't watch live the race will be re-broadcast Wednesday, August 15 at 12:00 PM ET on SPEED.
Records and Facts
Kyle Busch hold the track qualifying record he set last year with a speed of 126.421 mph (69.767 sec.), his only pole for that year. He was able to finish the race in third after trying to hold off Marcos Ambrose, and Brad Keselowski. Ambrose went on to win the race.
Mark Martin Holds the race record with a speed of 103.030 mph (2:11:54) which he set back on Aug. 13, 1995. He was able to lead 61 laps and rally for the win in his No. 6 Valvoline Ford. It was one of four wins and four poles for Martin that year.
Track Facts
Track / Race Length: 2.45-mile paved road course; 90 laps, 220.5 miles (355 k)
Turns: 11 turns with a variety of banking ranging from 6 to 10 degrees.
Grandstand seating capacity: approx 41,000
Opened: 1956
Pre-race Schedule
Practice: Friday, August 10, 12:00 - 1:50 PM ET on SPEED
Happy Hour: Friday, August 10, 4:10 - 5:30 PM ET on SPEED
Qualifying: Saturday, August 11 at 11:40 AM ET on ESPN2
VIPs
Honorary Starter / Wave Green Flag: NHL Player Dustin Brown
Weather Forecast
Sunday: Partly Cloudy, 10% chance of rain
High: 78
Low: 59
Say What?!?
"If you look at VIR (Virginia International Raceway) and Road Atlanta, you see all the teams go there to test. I think that shows how much emphasis the teams are putting into road-course racing. You know that with the points format you have 26 weeks to get you in the deal and you've got to be good at both of those road courses (Sonoma and Watkins Glen). That's two opportunities to get yourself in a wild card position and two opportunities to gain points. So, the teams are taking it just as serious as they do any of the other events." -Tony Stewart
"The thing that gets me at The Glen so much is really fuel mileage. My driving style requires us to stop usually an additional time and I don't know how to run a fast enough pace and save fuel at the same time there. It really gets me. I think back to a Nationwide race where I was driving Junior's (Dale Earnhardt Jr.) car and ran out (of fuel) with a few laps to go. It just happens to me there more than really anywhere. So, I'm hopeful that the EFI (electronic fuel injection) and the functionality of the EFI will help me there. We're working hard. We tested to get ready for The Glen. So, we're putting in the whole effort. Hopefully, I can be nice on the fuel mileage." -Jimmie Johnson
"I'm looking forward to this weekend. Pocono was a good run for us and we have some momentum. I think another good finish is easily attainable this weekend. We're on more of a level playing field at the road courses and I want to take advantage of that. Our whole team is anxious to get back to the track." -David Gilliland
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:
Michael Annett Driver Diary: Indy, Home to Iowa, and Fan Safety First
as told to Toni Montgomery
Four Burning Questions: Stormy Days and Peer Sympathy
by Summer Bedgood
Edwards' Cup Troubles Benefit Nationwide Teammate Stenhouse
by Bryan Davis Keith
'Dinger and Jimmie and Right Turns-Oh My! Mulling NASCAR's Past and Possibilities
by Amy Henderson
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: In the 1998 Bud at the Glen, Jeff Gordon shared the front row with Ron Fellows, who drove the No. 96 Caterpillar Chevrolet for American Equipment Racing (possibly the weakest full-time team in Cup at the time). Fellows ended up finishing a distant 42nd, 21 laps down in the race. What happened?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: Jeff Gordon claimed his fifth consecutive road course victory when he won the Frontier @ at the Glen at Watkins Glen International. However, the track was a complete mess at the finish due to three separate incidents. One saw Joe Nemechek spin into the gravel trap that was in the Inner Loop at the time. Ted Christopher, who made his official Cup debut that day (relief driving for Dick Trickle the year before technically didn't count since he didn't start the race), was also beached as well. Finally, the exit of Turn 11 was covered in the Styrofoam blocks that Watkins Glen used for soft walls at that time. Who caused the Styrofoam mess?
A: It was actually Dale Earnhardt who went a little wide exiting Turn 11 on the final lap and impacted the blocks. Hard to believe, but Earnhardt was trying that hard on the final lap just to finish in 20th. There was no shot of Earnhardt's car after the race on ESPN, but the black No. 3 more than likely suffered some drivers' side damage as a result of the contact.
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:
-- Finger Lakes 355 at the Glen Race Recap by Phil Allaway
-- Secret Star and Stat of the Race by Tom Bowles
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
Monday on the Frontstretch:
Matt McLaughlin's Thinkin' Out Loud: Finger Lakes 355 at the Glen by Matt McLaughlin
Matt will be here with his overall thoughts about the action from Sunday afternoon's race from Watkins Glen.
Monday Morning Teardown by TBA
A website look at one of the big stories from Sunday's race from Pocono.
Bowles-Eye View by Tom Bowles
Tom brings back his weekly post-race commentary with all of the insight you need from a weekend of racing at Pocono.
Big Six: Finger Lakes 355 at the Glen by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving Sunday's event at Watkins Glen? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing.
Pace Laps: Watkins Glen Weekend by the Frontstretch Staff
In our newest column this season, we'll take a look at the biggest stories to keep an eye on in each series after a weekend at Watkins Glen.
Nationwide Breakdown: Zippo 200 at the Glen by Bryan Davis Keith
All the post-race analysis you need following Saturday afternoon's Nationwide Series race from Watkins Glen.
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In Case You Missed It
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Fan Designs RPM No. 43 Car
This weekend, Aric Almirola's No. 43 Ford will feature a black and "Petty blue" Smithfield paint scheme designed by longtime fan Kevin Gates. Featured earlier this year during the All-Star race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the base scheme will be used for the remainder of the smithfield-back events for the rest of the season. The 27-year0old Connecticut-native has been a Richard Petty fan for 25 years and used his graphic design skills to create the scheme.
Title Sponsor Named for Atlanta Truck Series Race
Earlier this week, Atlanta Motor Speedway announced that Jeff Foxworthy's Grit Chips, a new product expected in stores by mid-September will serve at the title sponsor of the Truck Series event at the 1.54-mile oval Friday, August 31st, dubbed the Jeff Foxworthy's Frit Chips 200. The chips can first be found in Atlanta-area Kroger stores with other divisions to follow. They will be available in four flavors: original, cheddar cheese, jalapeno cheddar and sweet heat.
Dover Announces 2013 Race Dates
As fans wait for NASCAR to announce the 2013 schedules, Dover International Speedway has announced its race dates. The one-mile oval will feature two tripleheader weekends, one May 31st - June 2nd and September 27th - 29th. The Truck Series will join the Nationwide and Cup Series in May and the K&N Pro Series East will join Nationwide and Cup in the fall.
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Keepin' It Short: The Biggest Dirt Race ... Period
by Mike Neff
Knoxville, Iowa is most certainly not a megalopolis where the heads of marketing firms poll their target demographics to develop the next multi-million dollar advertising campaigns or make their homes in lofts that cost more than most 3,000 square foot homes across the country. Instead, it's the epicenter of Sprint Car racing, especially for cars with wings on top of the roll cages. This weekend is the single biggest dirt race of the entire racing season and it is contested on the rich, black Iowa dirt of Knoxville Raceway.
There are many big races around the country for all different kinds of cars that run on dirt. The Dream, The Show-Me, The Super Nationals, The Kings Royal, The Chili Bowl, The Four-Crown, The Short Track Nationals, and the World Dirt Track Championship to name a few, but none of them compare to the Knoxville Nationals. The Nationals have been run since 1961 and have grown from a single day of racing that paid out a purse of $5,000 to a four day racing orgy that doles out a purse of $1,000,000.
The fastest cars on dirt started running Wednesday night at Knoxville and will compete through Saturday for the Championship of the Nationals. Thousands of fans will migrate to Knoxville to see the biggest names in winged Sprint Car racing along with drivers who have the dream of just running in the Nationals. Steve Kinser, the King of the Outlaws, has won the Nationals 12 times while Donny Schatz has owned the race over the last six years, taking home the big check in five of the six events. Kyle Larson, the latest phenomenon to burst onto the national racing scene took the win in the first night of the Nationals.
The history of Sprint Car racing is not only made at Knoxville every year, but it is also commemorated in the Sprint Car Hall of Fame that sits on the property next to the track. Tens of thousands of fans will parade through the museum this week during the Nationals and congregate in a massive throng to see the pure speed of the outlaw Sprint Cars. For fans of cars going fast and slinging dirt, the Knoxville Nationals is the biggest bucket list item there is, and it goes down this weekend.
Whelen All-American National Points Race
Keith Rocco gave his best effort to remain embroiled in the National Points race, but the best laid plans of Mice and Men do not always work out as they are planned. Rocco started the race at Waterford Saturday night with Doug Coby set to jump into the seat when the first caution flag flew. As the race started there was a pileup on the back straight that Rocco was able to avoid. He wheeled his car into the pits, the driver change occurred and Coby took up his place at the rear of the field. Coby made a charge to the front and took the win in place of Rocco who suffered a broken bone and dislocated wrist the previous weekend during practice at Thompson International. Unfortunately for Rocco, upon further review, the win was taken away and credited to Coby.
Apparently there is a line in the driver sub rule that says the driver who completes the first lap of the race will be credited with the points earned by the car. Sadly for Rocco, the caution occurred on the first lap and he pulled in before a lap was completed. The result of what was potentially a brilliant result to a plan to try and keep Rocco relevant in the National Title chase turned into a bizarre rule application that all but ends Rocco's title hopes.
While Rocco was having a disappointing evening at Waterford, points' leader Lee Pulliam was doing what he needed to do at Motor Mile Speedway. Maximum point double features saw Pulliam win both and add to his point total lead which is now 61 points over Rocco. Pulliam now has 17 wins and is 50 points shy of a perfect season. The second through ninth place drivers in the standings are only separated by 66 points, but they're all looking up at Pulliam.
Position Name Races Wins Top 5s Top 10s Total Points
1. Lee Pulliam 25 17 21 22 760
2. Keith Rocco 32 11 21 25 699
3. C.E. Falk III 24 13 20 22 687
4. Ted Christopher 37 6 29 32 681
5. Nate Monteith 23 88 16 19 674
6. Tim Brown 23 8 13 17 668
7. Ryan Preece 34 10 23 28 659
8. Deac McCaskill 21 13 19 21 647
9. Jason O'Brien 22 5 14 20 633
10. Wayne Helliwell 23 12 19 21 604
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 and Lance Gatlin did not run this past week which afforded other drivers the opportunity to gain ground on the regional point leaders. In the East and the West, the top point holders were both unseated from their perch atop the points. Dennis Queen jumped over Lance Gatlin to grab the point in the East Region with a 3.6050 point average. Gatlin still hasn't lost a Late Model race this season but not running can't help the cause.
In the west the same thing happened to Shelby Stroebel. Stroebel hasn't run in two weeks while Matt Wallace has been having success at I-44 Lebanon. Wallace overtook Stroebel for the top spot in the West with an average of 3.7290. The problem for Wallace is that he is currently second in his track's point battle. If Wallace doesn't overtake Mike Slone to win his track championship he won't be eligible to win the National Title because that is a requirement.
East Region Points
Position Name Point Average
1. Dennis Queen 3.6050
2. Lance Gatlin 3.5027
3. Taylor Coffman 3.3570
4. Wayne Webb 3.2052
5. Taylor Nesbitt 3.1822
Western Region Points
Position Name Point Average
1. Matt Wallace 3.7290
2. Shelby Stroebel 3.6429
3. Mike Slone 3.4778
4. Jim Vanzandt 3.2668
5. Brian Brown 2.9550
Throughout the season, drivers competing in the premiere divisions at eligible ASA Member Tracks are in the running for the 2012 ASA Member Track National Championship. In order to have a chance for the national title, a driver must first win their 2012 track championship.
Speednetdirect.com, for the fifth year in a row, will tabulate the National Championship standings. Using a proprietary formula that creates an average based on wins, finishing positions, number of cars passed, car counts and events. The driver who wins their track championship and has the highest average over the other ASA Member Track champions will win the 2012 ASA Member Track National Championship. Full standings are available at www.speednetdirect.com. Click on the ASA Member Track logo at the top of the page.
This Weekend's Racing Schedule
Fri : Aug 10th – North Alabama Speedway ; Tuscumbia : AL – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Fri : Aug 10th – North Alabama Speedway ; Tuscumbia : AL – USCS Outlaw Thunder Sprint Cars
Fri : Aug 10th – Beebe Speedway ; Beebe : AR – Comp Cams Super Late Models
Fri : Aug 10th – Ocean Speedway ; Watsonville : CA – USAC/CRA Sprint Cars
Fri : Aug 10th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – Late Models
Fri : Aug 10th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – Limited Late Models
Fri : Aug 10th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – SK Lights
Fri : Aug 10th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – SK Modifieds
Fri : Aug 10th – Humboldt Speedway ; Humboldt : KS – USMTS Hunt for the Casey's Cup Modifieds
Fri : Aug 10th – Knoxville Raceway ; Knoxville : IA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Fri : Aug 10th – Plymouth Speedway ; Plymouth : IN – USAC Eastern Focus Midgets
Fri : Aug 10th – Plymouth Speedway ; Plymouth : IN – USAC Midwest Focus Midgets
Fri : Aug 10th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Kenny's 100 Twin Stocks
Fri : Aug 10th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets
Fri : Aug 10th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Legends
Fri : Aug 10th – Plymouth Speedway ; Plymouth : IN – USAC Mopar D1 Stars
*Fri : Aug 10th – Knoxville Raceway ; Knoville : IA – Winged 410 Sprint Cars*
Fri : Aug 10th – Florence Speedway ; Florence : KY – 30th Annual North/South 100 Lucas Oil Late Models
Fri : Aug 10th – Norway Speedway ; Norway : MI – ASA Midwest Tour Norway 125
Fri : Aug 10th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – Cornbelt Clash Late Models
Fri : Aug 10th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – USRA Modifieds
Fri : Aug 10th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Street Stocks
Fri : Aug 10th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Late Models
Fri : Aug 10th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Modifieds
Fri : Aug 10th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Street Stocks
Fri : Aug 10th – Valley Speedway ; Grain Valley : MO – United Late Model Association Late Models
Fri : Aug 10th – Chemung Speedrome ; Chemung : NY – Race of Champions Modifieds
Fri : Aug 10th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – King of the Carolina's Qualifier
Fri : Aug 10th – Tri-County Motor Speedway ; Hudson : NC – UARA Stars Late Models
Fri : Aug 10th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Mod Lites
Fri : Aug 10th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Modifieds
Fri : Aug 10th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Street Stocks
Fri : Aug 10th – Kawartha Speedway ; Fraserville : Ontario – OSCAAR Super Late Models
Fri : Aug 10th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Summer Fling 358 Modifieds
Fri : Aug 10th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Summer Fling Sportsman
Fri : Aug 10th – Estevan Motor Speedway ; Estevan : Saskatchewan – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : Aug 10th – Estevan Motor Speedway ; Estevan : Saskatchewan – IMCA Street Stocks
Fri : Aug 10th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : Aug 10th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : Aug 10th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Stock
Fri : Aug 10th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Street Stock
Fri : Aug 10th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – 3rd Annual George Scheffler Memorial Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Fri : Aug 10th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – 3rd Annual George Scheffler Memorial Sprint Cars
Fri : Aug 10th – Manitowoc County Fairgrounds ; Manitowoc : WI – 3rd Annual George Scheffler Memorial Street Stock
Sat : Aug 11th – Diamond Park Speedway ; Nashville : AR – Comp Cams Super Late Models
Sat : Aug 4th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – 305 Winged Sprints
Sat : Aug 4th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – 600 Mini Sprints
Sat : Aug 4th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Late Models
Sat : Aug 4th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – Santa Maria Speedway ; Santa Maria : CA – USAC/CRA Sprint Cars
Sat : Aug 11th – Waterford Speedbowl ; Waterford : CT – MRS Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Super Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Sportsman
Sat : Aug 11th – Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA – Outlaws
Sat : Aug 11th – Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA – Pro Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA – Trucks
Sat : Aug 11th – New Senoia Raceway ; Senoia : GA – Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Watermelon Capital Speedway ; Cordele : GA – Outlaw Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Knoxville Raceway ; Knoxville : IA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sat : Aug 11th – Magic Valley Speedway ; Twin Falls : ID – Rocky Mountain Challenge Series Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Grundy County Speedway ; Morris : IL – USAC Eastern Focus Midgets
Sat : Aug 11th – Grundy County Speedway ; Morris : IL – USAC Midwest Focus Midgets
Sat : Aug 11th – Grundy County Speedway ; Morris : IL – USAC Mopar D1 Stars
Sat : Aug 11th – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Sportsman
Sat : Aug 11th – South Bend Speedway ; South Bend : IN – Street Stocks
Sat : Aug 11th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – 16th Annual Kenny's Stock Championship
Sat : Aug 11th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Late Model Figure 8
Sat : Aug 11th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets
Sat : Aug 11th – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Stock Cars
Sat : Aug 11th – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – IMCA Sport Mods
*Sat : Aug 11th – Knoxville Raceway ; Knoville : IA – Winged 410 Sprint Cars*
Sat : Aug 11th – Florence Speedway ; Florence : KY – 30th Annual North/South 100 Lucas Oil Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Outlaws
Sat : Aug 11th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Strictly Stock
Sat : Aug 11th – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – 17th Annual Cornett Tribute 20 Pure Stocks
Sat : Aug 11th – Berlin Raceway ; Marne : MI – ARCA Racing Series
Sat : Aug 11th – Hartford Motor Speedway ; Hartford : MI – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Sat : Aug 11th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Outlaw Super Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Super Stocks
Sat : Aug 11th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Pro Stocks
Sat : Aug 11th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : Aug 11th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – Wissota Super Stocks
Sat : Aug 11th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – USRA Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : Aug 11th – North Central Speedway ; Brainerd : MN – Wissota Super Stocks
Sat : Aug 11th – Magnolia Motor Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Super Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Magnolia Motor Speedway ; Columbus : MS – NeSmith Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Magnolia Motor Speedway ; Columbus : MS – Street Stocks
Sat : Aug 11th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – ASA Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Sportsman
Sat : Aug 11th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Road Warriors
Sat : Aug 11th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Chargers
Sat : Aug 11th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – Faster Pastors
Sat : Aug 11th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – USMTS Hunt for the Casey's Cup Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – Factory Stocks
Sat : Aug 11th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – B-Mods
Sat : Aug 11th – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – Sportsman
Sat : Aug 11th – Dunn Tire Raceway Park ; Lancaster : NY – Tom Agen Memorial Street Stocks
Sat : Aug 11th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Late Models x2
Sat : Aug 11th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Street Stocks
Sat : Aug 11th – Concord Motorsports Park ; Concord : NC – UARA Stars Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Street Stock
Sat : Aug 11th – Southwest Speedway ; Dickinson : ND – IMCA Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – Southwest Speedway ; Dickinson : ND – Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : Aug 11th – Scotia Speedworld ; Halifax : Nova Scotia – AC 250 Parts for Trucks Pro Stocks
Sat : Aug 11th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Cornbelt Clash Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Wissota Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Street Stocks
Sat : Aug 11th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – ARDC Midgets
Sat : Aug 11th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 9th Annual Weldon Sterner Memorial 410 Sprints
Sat : Aug 11th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 9th Annual Weldon Sterner Memorial 358 Sprints
Sat : Aug 11th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 9th Annual Weldon Sterner Memorial Thundercars
Sat : Aug 11th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – 4c Super Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Street Stocks
Sat : Aug 11th – Sanair Super Speedway ; Saint-Pie : Quebec – ACT Castrol Series
Sat : Aug 11th – Sanair Super Speedway ; Saint-Pie : Quebec – ACT Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Myrtle Beach Speedway ; Myrtle Beach : SC – CARS Pro Cup Series
Sat : Aug 11th – Clayhill Motorsports ; Atwood : TN – USCS Outlaw Thunder Sprint Cars
Sat : Aug 11th – Nashville Fairgrounds ; Nashville : TN – Ken Ten Pro Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – Sportsman
Sat : Aug 11th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Late Models
Sat : Aug 11th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – Midwest Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : Aug 11th – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Wissota Street Stocks
Sun : Aug 12th – Spartan Speedway ; Mason : MI – Brian Heeney Memorial Slugfest #4 Modifieds
Sun : Aug 12th – Monett Speedway ; Monett : MO – USMTS Hunt for the Casey's Cup Modifieds
Sun : Aug 12th – I-80 Speedway ; Greenwood : NE – Super Late Model Racing Series
Sun : Aug 12th – White Mountain Motorsports Park ; North Woodstock : NH – PASS North Super Late Models
Mon : Aug 13th – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Mon : Aug 13th – Iowa State Fairgrounds Speedway ; Des Moines : IA – Deery Brothers Summer Series IMCA Late Models
Tue : Aug 14th – Junction Motor Speedway ; McCool Junction : NE – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Tue : Aug 14th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – 40th Annual Carolina Clash Shrine 100 Late Models
Wed : Aug 15th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Outlaws
Wed : Aug 15th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Rebels
Wed : Aug 15th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – Renegades
Wed : Aug 15th – Auto City Speedway ; Clio : MI – Jeg's All Stars Pro Late Models
Wed : Aug 15th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Kalamazoo Klash XX
Wed : Aug 15th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Berlin Template Super Late Models
Wed : Aug 15th – Ogilvie Raceway ; Ogilvie : MN – USMTS Hunt for the Casey's Cup Modifieds
Wed : Aug 15th – Millbridge Speedway ; Salisbury : NC – Mini Outlaws
Wed : Aug 15th – Red River Valley Speedway ; West Fargo : ND – All Star Circuit of Champions Sprint Cars
Wed : Aug 15th – Red River Valley Speedway ; West Fargo : ND – Super Stocks
Thu : Aug 16th – Salina Speedway ; Salina : KS – Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Thu : Aug 16th – Rice Lake Speedway ; Rice Lake : WI – USMTS Hunt for the Casey's Cup Modifieds
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
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Fantasy Friday: Finger Lakes 355 at the Glen
by Jeff Wolfe
As we enter the home stretch in the NASCAR Sprint Cup regular season, the question, as is the case with the end of the regular season in any sport, is who is going to make the playoffs?
That's certainly the case in NASCAR as there are just five races left before its version of the playoffs, the Chase for the Championship, begins. While the top 10 in points seem to be pretty set, barring multiple disaster races by 10th-place Clint Bowyer, the focus is mostly on which drivers will win the two wild-card spots.
So, with a big assist from driveraverages.com, we'll try to take an objective look at the six drivers who have a realistic shot on one of those two spots.
Kasey Kahne has the upper hand for the first wild-card spot heading into Sunday's race at Watkins Glen. He is 11th in points and has two wins this season, the only one of the six with two victories. While he's sitting in a good spot, there's no guarantee for him though. At the five remaining tracks he has an average finish of 18.39 but has three wins, two at Atlanta and one at Richmond. Still, he's a favorite to make it.
Jeff Gordon currently holds the 12th and final qualifying spot after Sunday's win at Pocono. Gordon had his share of bad luck much of the season, and had bounced between 18th and 22nd in points before a recent string of good finishes and the win left him 13th in points, tied with Ryan Newman, who also has a win. Gordon is ahead of Newman because of better finishes this season. At the next five tracks, Gordon has an average finish of 12.99, and 18 career wins.
Newman is also on the cusp of making the Chase. He has not been spectacular this season, but the driver looking for a sponsor for next season desperately wants to be a part of the Chase. His average at the next five stops on the schedule is 16.03, with three wins.
Kyle Busch hasn't had the kind of season he would like. With just one win, he sits outside of the Chase at the moment. But there is good news for Busch: he is the only driver of the these six who has an average finish of 10th or better in three of the five remaining tracks. That includes a dominating 4.73 average at Richmond, the final race in the regular season. He's has 11 wins on the final five tracks, including four at Richmond.
Carl Edwards is the real wild card in this fight. He sits 12th in points, just three behind Kahne, but has yet to win this season. Two of his better tracks are Watkins Glen, where he has not won, but has an average finish of 8.7, and Michigan, where he has two wins and an 8.38 average finish. Overall, Edwards has an average finish of 11.88 on these final tracks and seven wins, including three at Atlanta. So, yes, he's still got a shot.
Joey Logano is the long shot of this bunch. He sits 17th in points, but does have a win at the first Pocono race this season. He is 36 points behind Gordon and Newman, so with just five races to go, he needs another win. That means he will also need a breakthrough at one of these final tracks. He has no wins at the final five stops and an average finish of 21.06. Logano has the smallest sampling of any of the these six, given this is just his third full-time season in Sprint Cup. But the fact remains, the driver who is in a contract year at Gibbs Racing, needs a breakthrough to make the Chase.
So, just who will breakthrough? Kahne, of course, I'd pick for one of the spots, but after that, it gets a little dicey. The numbers say Kyle Busch will emerge as the other qualifier. We'll see how it all plays out in the next few weeks.
THIS WEEK'S PICKS
Tony Stewart - He's got five wins at the Glen and could very well be the first driver to win four races this season.
Marcos Ambrose - He's got a win here and also is one of the favorites to start on the pole, which is quite helpful on road courses.
Jeff Gordon - He's got four wins here but hasn't won since 2001. He's got some good momentum and confidence now, too.
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. - OK, I understand his history is not great on road courses with just two top-5 finishes. However, the team has had three tests on road courses this season, so this could be a chance for the points leader to emerge.
Kurt Busch - The talent to drive on the road course is not the issue here. Patience and knowing when to pass will be. But look for Busch to be among the top 5 Sunday.
Shoulda, woulda, coulda - It used to be that Juan Pablo Montoya was an automatic pick when it came to road courses. But with his poor showing at Sonoma (34th), and just a disappointing season overall as he sits 21st in points, I couldn't put him among the five best this week.
ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP
Here's a look at how last week's picks fared at Pocono.
Joey Logano - 13th. Maybe he would have been a factor if the race had gone the distance, but his Chase hopes depend on him getting another win now.
Jeff Gordon - 1st. He had a good car, and for once this season, a little bit of good luck.
Denny Hamlin - 29th. He was a contender, too, but got caught in the Jimmie Johnson flat tire melee.
Jimmie Johnson - 14th. If not for the flat, he very well could have won. He led the most laps with 44.
Carl Edwards - 7th. A decent day, but sitting 12th in points, a win is a must now.
Season Stats
105 Predictions
12 Wins
37 Top 5
50 Top 10s
Grade for the week: B. Hey, that's another winner, and it would have been interesting to see what happened with Johnson had the race gone the distance.
One last thing: Jeff Gordon's victory Sunday at Pocono gave Hendrick Motorsports at least one victory for each of its Sprint Cup drivers this season. The last time Hendrick had each of his drivers win at least once in a season was 2007.
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: Finger Lakes 355 at the Glen
by Rick Lunkenheimer
For the twenty-second race of the season the Sprint Cup Series takes a hard right into Watkins Glen International Speedway located southwest of Syracuse, NY for the Finger Lakes 355. This week's race will be broadcast live on ESPN at 1 PM ET, with the green flag start expected at 1:18 PM ET. You can also catch the race live on Motor Racing Network (MRN) and on SiriusXM channel 90. If you can't watch live the race will be re-broadcast Wednesday, August 15 at 12:00 PM ET on SPEED.
Records and Facts
Kyle Busch hold the track qualifying record he set last year with a speed of 126.421 mph (69.767 sec.), his only pole for that year. He was able to finish the race in third after trying to hold off Marcos Ambrose, and Brad Keselowski. Ambrose went on to win the race.
Mark Martin Holds the race record with a speed of 103.030 mph (2:11:54) which he set back on Aug. 13, 1995. He was able to lead 61 laps and rally for the win in his No. 6 Valvoline Ford. It was one of four wins and four poles for Martin that year.
Track Facts
Track / Race Length: 2.45-mile paved road course; 90 laps, 220.5 miles (355 k)
Turns: 11 turns with a variety of banking ranging from 6 to 10 degrees.
Grandstand seating capacity: approx 41,000
Opened: 1956
Pre-race Schedule
Practice: Friday, August 10, 12:00 - 1:50 PM ET on SPEED
Happy Hour: Friday, August 10, 4:10 - 5:30 PM ET on SPEED
Qualifying: Saturday, August 11 at 11:40 AM ET on ESPN2
VIPs
Honorary Starter / Wave Green Flag: NHL Player Dustin Brown
Weather Forecast
Sunday: Partly Cloudy, 10% chance of rain
High: 78
Low: 59
Say What?!?
"If you look at VIR (Virginia International Raceway) and Road Atlanta, you see all the teams go there to test. I think that shows how much emphasis the teams are putting into road-course racing. You know that with the points format you have 26 weeks to get you in the deal and you've got to be good at both of those road courses (Sonoma and Watkins Glen). That's two opportunities to get yourself in a wild card position and two opportunities to gain points. So, the teams are taking it just as serious as they do any of the other events." -Tony Stewart
"The thing that gets me at The Glen so much is really fuel mileage. My driving style requires us to stop usually an additional time and I don't know how to run a fast enough pace and save fuel at the same time there. It really gets me. I think back to a Nationwide race where I was driving Junior's (Dale Earnhardt Jr.) car and ran out (of fuel) with a few laps to go. It just happens to me there more than really anywhere. So, I'm hopeful that the EFI (electronic fuel injection) and the functionality of the EFI will help me there. We're working hard. We tested to get ready for The Glen. So, we're putting in the whole effort. Hopefully, I can be nice on the fuel mileage." -Jimmie Johnson
"I'm looking forward to this weekend. Pocono was a good run for us and we have some momentum. I think another good finish is easily attainable this weekend. We're on more of a level playing field at the road courses and I want to take advantage of that. Our whole team is anxious to get back to the track." -David Gilliland
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:
Michael Annett Driver Diary: Indy, Home to Iowa, and Fan Safety First
as told to Toni Montgomery
Four Burning Questions: Stormy Days and Peer Sympathy
by Summer Bedgood
Edwards' Cup Troubles Benefit Nationwide Teammate Stenhouse
by Bryan Davis Keith
'Dinger and Jimmie and Right Turns-Oh My! Mulling NASCAR's Past and Possibilities
by Amy Henderson
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: In the 1998 Bud at the Glen, Jeff Gordon shared the front row with Ron Fellows, who drove the No. 96 Caterpillar Chevrolet for American Equipment Racing (possibly the weakest full-time team in Cup at the time). Fellows ended up finishing a distant 42nd, 21 laps down in the race. What happened?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: Jeff Gordon claimed his fifth consecutive road course victory when he won the Frontier @ at the Glen at Watkins Glen International. However, the track was a complete mess at the finish due to three separate incidents. One saw Joe Nemechek spin into the gravel trap that was in the Inner Loop at the time. Ted Christopher, who made his official Cup debut that day (relief driving for Dick Trickle the year before technically didn't count since he didn't start the race), was also beached as well. Finally, the exit of Turn 11 was covered in the Styrofoam blocks that Watkins Glen used for soft walls at that time. Who caused the Styrofoam mess?
A: It was actually Dale Earnhardt who went a little wide exiting Turn 11 on the final lap and impacted the blocks. Hard to believe, but Earnhardt was trying that hard on the final lap just to finish in 20th. There was no shot of Earnhardt's car after the race on ESPN, but the black No. 3 more than likely suffered some drivers' side damage as a result of the contact.
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:
-- Finger Lakes 355 at the Glen Race Recap by Phil Allaway
-- Secret Star and Stat of the Race by Tom Bowles
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
Monday on the Frontstretch:
Matt McLaughlin's Thinkin' Out Loud: Finger Lakes 355 at the Glen by Matt McLaughlin
Matt will be here with his overall thoughts about the action from Sunday afternoon's race from Watkins Glen.
Monday Morning Teardown by TBA
A website look at one of the big stories from Sunday's race from Pocono.
Bowles-Eye View by Tom Bowles
Tom brings back his weekly post-race commentary with all of the insight you need from a weekend of racing at Pocono.
Big Six: Finger Lakes 355 at the Glen by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving Sunday's event at Watkins Glen? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing.
Pace Laps: Watkins Glen Weekend by the Frontstretch Staff
In our newest column this season, we'll take a look at the biggest stories to keep an eye on in each series after a weekend at Watkins Glen.
Nationwide Breakdown: Zippo 200 at the Glen by Bryan Davis Keith
All the post-race analysis you need following Saturday afternoon's Nationwide Series race from Watkins Glen.
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