Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
August 15th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CLXII
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Top News
by Brad Morgan
'Kevin's Krew' Event Set for Michigan
Sprint Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick will have the opportunity to bring smiles to the faces of 20 Boys & Girls Club members who were invited to Michigan International Speedway as part of the driver's latest 'Kevin's Krew' event on Saturday.
'Kevin's Krew' is a division of the Kevin Harvick Foundation that benefits underprivileged children by offering them the opportunity to witness many NASCAR pre-race rituals firsthand, including driver introductions for the VFW 200 Camping World Truck Series race, lunch in the President's Suite and meetings with both Michigan Speedway International President Roger Curtis and Toledo Blade reporter Rachel Lenzi.
Participants will also have a chance to listen to guest speakers as they relate their life experiences and shed light on the value of education when used as a tool to overcome life's hardships.
"Michigan always has some of the most loyal and passionate race fans on the NASCAR circuit, so the opportunity to spend quality time with some of the youngest ones is pretty cool," Harvick said. "Kevin's Krew is about giving these children hope for their futures, regardless of their backgrounds, but it's also about showing them a good time. The folks at Michigan International Speedway are vital supporters of this effort with us, so I'm pretty sure the kids' track visit will be one they'll never forget."
The final event on the 'Kevin's Krew' calendar will be held at Chicagoland Speedway on September 15. For more information regarding the on-track outreach program, click here.
Finger Lakes 335 Struggles In The Nielsens
The Olympics once again hampered viewership of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen on Aug. 12. An average of 4,472,687 viewers tuned in to watch while Marcos Ambrose, Brad Keselowski, and Kyle Busch put on a show over the final laps of the Finger Lakes 335, enough for a 3.3 household coverage rating. That's the lowest number of viewers for a day, non-rain delayed race in NASCAR this season.
The 2012 edition of the road course race did do well in comparison to 2011's 1.6 rating (rained out on Sunday, and run on a Monday). But it was eight percent lower than 2010's 3.6 HH rating, run on a non-Olympic Games weekend.
Coca-Cola Reveals AdvoCare 500 Menu
The presence of unique menu items is commonplace at the concession stands of any NASCAR event; but thanks to Coca-Cola, Atlanta Motor Speedway's choice of cuisine will serve as a step up for even the most seasoned race goer's appetite this Labor Day weekend.
The Atlanta based soft drink company has unveiled a dedicated menu that includes five distinctive dishes that are meant to cater to the needs of both Coca-Cola fanatics and NASCAR faithful alike. Each item consists of a mixture of company products and other ingredients that are grown and/or produced within the state of Georgia.
"We wanted fans from Georgia to have a sense of pride about the food products that originate from our great state," said Atlanta Motor Speedway President Ed Clark. "The fans that visit us from the other 49 states and around 15 foreign countries have something to try that represents the area they are visiting. Their race weekend won't be complete until they try at least one of these tasty and unique items."
The menu includes: Coke Zero Braised Beef Tacos, Coca-Cola Chili Dog, Fries with Coca-Cola Dipping Sauce, Georgia Peaches and Sprite Elephant Ear, and the Cherry Coke BBQ Pork Sandwich with Vidalia Onion Rings. Each entry is the result of a fan vote tallied earlier this year.
"Chef Frank Abbinati from Levy Restaurants presented so many great products, that it was hard to narrow them down," said Clark. "The consensus from drivers, our employees and from the fans voting was that you really can't lose with any of these incredibly delicious foods, so we're excited to offer all of them to fans on Labor Day Weekend. I have to admit the Coke Zero Braised Beef Tacos are my favorite."
For descriptions, pictures, and a video featuring drivers Greg Biffle and Joey Logano giving the items a taste test, click here.
Have news for Brad and the Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com with a promising lead or tip.
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WRITE FOR US!
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Today's Featured Commentary
Wild Card Hopefuls a Mixed Bag at the Four Tracks That Will Decide Chase Berths
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Editor's Note: Hello, race fans! Welcome to our newest Newsletter column by Beth Lunkenheimer! Mike Neff has moved to Mondays, but never fear, we've got this new read for you every week! Beth is our resident Truck Series expert, but she knows her Cup stuff, too, and she's coming at you with commentary on all things NASCAR, every Wednesday in the Newsletter.
One problem, though: this brand-new column needs a name and that's where you come in! Email your suggestions to frontstretcheditors@googlegroups.com and if Beth chooses your name, we'll send you a prize! So put on your thinking caps and send us your ideas by next Tuesday, August 21st for your chance to see your title in the Newsletter every week and a great prize to boot.
This weekend, as many as five drivers -- Jimmie Johnson, Greg Biffle, Matt Kenseth, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Brad Keselowski -- could mathematically clinch their spots inside the top 10, assuming they leave Michigan with at least a 145-point gap over 11th place. But perhaps the more appealing race to keep an eye on is one for the the wild card. Whether you agree that a driver outside the top 10 in points should even have a shot at the championship, the fact is that they do.
With Kasey Kahne a virtual lock for the first wild card slot thanks to a pair of victories at Charlotte and Loudon, there are still five other drivers--Ryan Newman, Kyle Busch, Jeff Gordon, Marcos Ambrose and Joey Logano--that have one win apiece. The problem is that those five drivers all look to snag the one final spot left to make the Chase. Ideally, any of the hopefuls would love nothing more than a second visit to Victory Lane to help solidify their spot. But who has the best shot given the four tracks remaining?
While both Ambrose and Logano mathematically still have a chance to propel themselves up through the field by points, you can pretty much count them out considering the 44 and 57-point deficits they would need to make up, respectively, to make it into the Chase on a single win. That's not to say they can't make the playoffs; however, both would have to go on a hot streak such as they have yet to see in their young careers.
With that said, Newman is the driver with the biggest target on his back after scoring his lone victory this year at Martinsville. Following a last lap spin by Jeff Gordon at Watkins Glen, the driver of the No. 39 Chevrolet holds the second wild card slot; however, he's not all that secure in his position. With a slim ten-marker lead over Gordon, Newman needs consistency and likely a little luck on his side to join team owner Tony Stewart in the Chase. While he does have three wins combined at the four remaining tracks, his most recent came at Michigan back in 2004. Combine that with an average finish outside the top 10 for each facility and you've got a recipe that leads to Newman racing for 13th rather than the championship.
And that brings us to Gordon. Despite a tough start to the season and poor luck along the way, the four-time champion is in a rare position sitting on the outside looking in at the Chase field. After falling from the second wild card slot at Watkins Glen, there's a real chance the 41-year-old could miss the Chase for the second time since its inception in 2004. However, if the performance by the driver of the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet at the next four tracks on the schedule is any indication, he could very easily snag the all-important Chase slot.
While Gordon is the winningest driver of those fighting for the "wild card," with a combined 14 wins at the four tracks in question (including five apiece at Bristol and Atlanta) much like Newman, his average finish remains outside the top 10 for all four venues. But Gordon did win last year in Atlanta, and one victory's all you need to move forward in this race. That's not to say he can't visit victory lane at Michigan, Bristol or Richmond either, especially since he boasts back-to-back top-6 results in the series' last two trips to the two-mile oval in Brooklyn, Michigan. A little luck could go a long way for the No. 24 team, although the way it's been all season I have a pretty strong feeling that alone could leave him on the outside looking in. When it's not your year, it's not your year; just look at how they struggled in the early stages at Watkins Glen.
Gordon wasn't the only one that left Watkins Glen a bit disappointed. Kyle Busch, who took the white flag as the leader only to see the victory slip away -- literally -- grabbed a win at Richmond but has suffered sour luck through much of the year through no fault of his own. Still, despite his struggles the driver of the No. 18 Toyota has the best shot at making the Chase solely on his statistics at the four remaining venues. With 11 wins combined, including four out of five straight events from 2009 through early 2011 at Bristol and a win at Michigan last fall, Busch has shown recently that he's a strong driver at three of the four remaining tracks. Add in his victory from earlier this season at Richmond and there's no reason to assume he can't repeat in a few weeks despite how quiet he's been for much of the year. Look for Busch to race his way in with at least one more trip to victory lane before the final Chase field is set. After all, what more would you expect from a guy with his personality after losing a race that he was so close to heading to victory lane in?
Now these scenarios could become a moot point if Joe Gibbs Racing can't find the momentum they so desperately need. Following two victories in the first eight races of the year, Denny Hamlin has suffered four DNFs in the last eight events, dropping him from solidly inside the top 5 to on the bubble in tenth. Assuming the No. 11 team fails to overcome the issues that have plagued them for several races, Hamlin still won't miss the Chase even if he drops out of the top 10; however, the likelihood that he'll manage to mount a strong run at the championship two years after seeing it slip through his fingers is slim to none.
Simply put, with just four races left to decide the 12 drivers who will race for it all in the final ten events of the year, there are so many possibilities. If the top 10 remains as it is today, I'd expect to see Kyle Busch as that second wild card unless someone like Carl Edwards finally finds the performance that has been just outside his grasp for much of the year. One thing is for sure though: it should be an exciting fight for that last spot.
Beth Lunkenheimer is a Co-Managing Editor for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via email at beth.lunkenheimer@frontstretch.com. Follow her on Twitter @Beth_Frntstrtch.
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Got NASCAR-related questions or comments?
Send them John Potts' way at john.potts@frontstretch.com; and, if you're lucky, you'll get your name in print when he does his weekly column answering back to you – the fans that keep Frontstretch afloat. Potts' Shots will run on Thursday with a whole new set of Fan Questions and Answers!
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Tweet 'N' Greet
by Summer Bedgood
Editor's Note: With the NASCAR Twitter community expanding by leaps and bounds, it remains a place for instantaneous news, reactions, and a whole lot of inside jokes. We understand if you don't want to join the Twitter community - but as a fan, it's important to know the news and info you're missing out on! That's why, every week, Summer Bedgood will sort through the thousands of messages and give us a little taste of what's going on each Wednesday.
So, without further ado, here's a look at what those in NASCAR were thinking over the past seven days...
@DNewtonESPN (David Newton): #NASCAR @joeylogano says he has offer for couple of fulltime Cup rides. JGR is one. He would not name other. Decision likely soon.
@Andy__Rock (Andy Hillenburg): Taking a walk around the grandstands. Thinking a bit. :) https://twitter.com/Andy__Rock/status/233303920892583937/photo/1
@DGodfatherMoody (Dave Moody): Amazing how 95% of the people making rotten statements about @AJDinger today don't have guts to put a real name on their account. #Cowards
@MikeMassaroESPN: Wow! Woke up to exciting news! Congrats to @JamieLittleESPN and Cody on the birth of their little boy!
@keselowski (Brad Keselowski): Lots of questions every year on why #nascar doesn't run in the rain. IMO the reason is simple- the fans vote not to. Most fans won't come...
@keselowski: Seems ironic after last weeks tragedy that we are debating over racing in the rain. #Perspective
@dennyhamlin: watching Nascar's top 10 rivalry's. They need to update it.. Right @keselowski?
@EarnhardtKelley: @DeLanaHarvick tip to keep Keelan contained when he's sitting up...basket of toys. #momtomomtips http://lockerz.com/s/233249984
@MartysmithESPN: Ambrose notes that racing in the wet isn't that tough, it's racing in the transition period between wet-and-dry that's tough.
@RCR31JeffBurton (Jeff Burton): Amazing how fast my guys got our back up ready. That was badass. That's why I love driving the 31. We will b back to the top!
@keselowski: Have 2 agree with Carl Edwards IE: nationwide series Run it- every1 ?s Ur commitment to cup Don't Run- every1 says u don't want it bad enuf
@Ryan_Truex: Got wheel hop going into 1. Spun it into the grass to avoid piling into everyone on front of me. My fault
@Ryan_Truex: I already feel like an idiot. you don't have to to tell me I am one
@keselowski: Dang, solid run, no trophy! Feel bad for my guys on 22 team, but sometimes you gotta play nice... I want the cup championship.
@joeylogano: Was going to have a good run even after we got dumped. We almost got back to the front before we broke a valve. We will get them tomorrow
@KimWallace_36: @Kenny_Wallace and I are extremely happy about the announcement that our daughter @brookew089 and @Jacob_Randolph are getting married!
@Riceman61 (Doug Rice): Not that long ago most NASCAR fans wanted road courses turned into bass ponds, not so much now, very entertaining show today.
@SummerBedgood: The solution to the nationwide drought? #NASCAR, apparently.
@MikeDavis88: Well, that's no good. Last 10 laps at road-courses have not been our friend this year. Junior pitting for tires after spin. #NASCAR
@PPistone (pete Pistone): Best race of the year!
@TheOrangeCone: That. Was. Bad. Ass!!! #nascar
@nascarcasm: HOLY CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@SummerBedgood: It just me or should this be the distance for every race? We're not sitting around for 2.5-3 hours waiting for something to happen #NASCAR
@KimBurton31 (Kim Burton): #NASCAR must not have seen the 47 oil the track up for 3 laps. Not sure why they didn't throw the caution. Dangerous
@DeLanaHarvick: Wow!!!! What a finish... That was a pretty freakin cool battle for the win.
@MonteDutton: #NASCAR I'd call that a rousing finish.
@Kenny_Wallace: One of the Greatest @NASCAR finishes I have EVER seen! OH MY! #nascar
@NASCAR_Realtime: Lets see the Indy Car Series give you a final lap like that baby... WOW! Ambrose wins. Kyle gets spun finished 7th. Gordon 21st. #Nascar
@Writer_Amy (Amy Henderson): Stupidest question of the day by a commentator: "will they use the bumpers?" Really? They've been using them for a lap and a half #NASCAR
@queers4gears: that was amazing
@nascarcasm: Again - that race was sponsored by "HOLY S--T!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME???!!l" #NASCAR #WatkinsGlen
@jeff_gluck: Kyle Busch told to keep composure and not do anything he'll regret
@J_Allgaier (Justin Allgaier): That was absolutely insane!!!!!! What a race
@Mother_Function: That might have been the best final lap I have ever seen on a road course!!! We need a road course in the chase!!! #NASCAR
@jeff_gluck: Kyle Busch https://twitter.com/jeff_gluck/status/234736697550716928/photo/1
@MartySmithESPN: Kyle Busch exits his car and heads into transporter. Understandably pissed. https://twitter.com/MartySmithESPN/status/234736794397179905/photo/1
@Riceman61 (Doug Rice): The 2012 season now has a signature moment, that was awesome, @keslowski very classy #nascar
@TheFrontstretch: There was a loud cheer from the Media Center lobby when Kyle Busch spun. I'm fairly confident that wasn't from anyone credentialed, though.
@mw55 (Michael Waltrip): I love @nascar
@DanielleTrotta: That's the way racing should be. - Brad Keselowski. Class act. Ambrose wins at Watkins Glen (my pick btw) :) Best finish of the year!
@jeff_gluck: "I've got nothing good to say." Kyle says before leaving. https://twitter.com/jeff_gluck/status/234738656127098880/photo/1
@MartySmithESPN: Asked Kyle what happened and how confident he was that he could win. He said "I have nothing good to say" to both q's. Was his only comment.
@NASCAR_Realtime: Now #Nascar needs it to start raining so they will not have to be photographed cleaning up the oil all over the track.
@MartinTruexJr56: Dodged a bullet with a top 10 today. Had a good car but they dont run without gas! #battle
@NASCAR_Realtime: Well, #Nascar is 3 for 3. Sadler Indy call. Delayed caution period before rain at Pocono. Now oil the final 2 laps at @WGI. #Nascar
@nascarcasm: So the USA Basketball team defeated Spain for the gold? Big deal. CALL ME WHEN THE COURT IS COVERED IN OIL. #NASCAR #Olympics
@rchilders55 (Rodney Chidlers): An idea would be to stop each race with 5 to go and oil the track down, then restart it. That was bad ass.. Haha.. Just kidding
@KevinHarvick: Last set of tires didn't agree with our car no grip.. Roll on to Michigan.
@RB_Mrs (Nicole Briscoe): That was fun to watch! #NASCAR
@queers4gears: I wonder if @WGI will use any of that last lap for next year's commercial
@MartinTruexJr56: the deal with @kaseykahne was my bad. I was off the gas just couldnt stay off his lr. Sorry to him and his fans.
@DeLanaHarvick: But first, roll on home!!!
@mikemulhern: WATKINSGLEN: BKeselowski says no american road courses are up to proper safety standards, compared to european tracks.
@SamanthaBusch: Absolutely sick to my stomach, that was heartbreaking
@Kenny_Wallace: You can tell this Race was #epic Because ALL Fans are pissed about something! Ha ha ha! PERFECT!
@bobdillner: VP of Competition for #NASCAR Robin Pemberton told me on #VictoryLane on @NASCARonSPEED that officials saw no oil on track to throw caution.
@joeylogano: Man... broke the rear shock mount. We will get them next week at MIS, we had a good test there a couple weeks ago
@bobpockrass: Pemberton said if they thought oil on track, they would have had to make a decision whether to throw caution. But never thought there was.
@bobpockrass: I asked Pemberton that the cars were slipping and sliding as if oil was on the track ...
@bobpockrass: Pemberton response: "They also said that their tires were wore out and their brakes were wore out and all that other stuff that goes on."
@jeff_gluck: NASCAR has a hard time admitting a mistake. Check @bobpockrass timeline for the latest example.
@bobpockrass: Ambrose said you couldn't see the oil - wasn't a black streak but more of a spray. ... but there was definitely oil on the track. #nascar
@jim_utter: Yeah like Twitter wouldn't be full of people complaining after some Green-White-Checkered finish
@MartySmithESPN: Ambrose said he couldn't see the oil on the racetrack. "It was wait-for-the-car-to-slide, and try to save it.
@31n2Spotter (Brett Griffin): Exciting finish. Maybe we Spread vaseline out before every restart. #SMH
@keselowski: I got it wrong in post race interview, 18 wasn't leaking oil, his was brake smoke. The 47 was the car leaking oil heavily.
@JimmieJohnson: Those last 2 laps were slick with all that oil down! A solid day for @LowesRacing and I'm really happy we are leading the points.
@jim_utter: King making sure scoring monitor is right #NASCAR http://twitpic.com/aint3c
@landoncassill: Found recipe for great finishes. Send a car out on the track with 2 to go every week and oil the track down. PROFIT
@keselowski: Sorry to @KyleBusch and his fans for the contact. We were just all pushing hard for the win and he caught the worst of it. #NotIntentional
@mw55: There's the oil! We see it! https://twitter.com/mw55/status/234755142967238656/photo/1
@31n2Spotter: Kyle deserves a lot of credit for how he handled himself. One of the best of all time doesn't just lose a 20 car length lead in one lap.
@jim_utter: The people complaining KyBu didn't talk are the same people who would complain about something bad he would likely say #truth
@PPistone: @jim_utter And I think those complaining NASCAR didn't throw the caution on the last lap are the same who would have yelled had yellow flew?
@TheOrangeCone: Riding back with #pemberton. Took drain plug out of oil pan. Dumped oil all over car behind us then got out and yelled "what oil???" #nascar
@BrianLVickers: Not what I wanted for our @MWRteam and @MyClassicGarage team. But I really appreciate their support as well as all the fans at The Glen
@Elliott_Sadler: perfect example that you not guaranteed nuttin.. Fight till the checkerd!!"@NCSmurf: @Elliott_Sadler what did u think of today's cup race?"
@jamiemcmurray: Not sure what broke on the car today. Did not look bad on tv but that was a huge hit.
@Kenny_Wallace: This is how the "Race teams" get back to Concord N,C, That's a Chartered plane and teams Buy tics http://yfrog.com/hsru9wnj
@gbiffle (Greg Biffle): Had a pretty good run going today slid in the oil on the track and lost 2 spots gained one back when kyle spun in the oil !!! That's racin
@NASCAR_Wonka: #SharkWeek always reminds me that I should be taking fish oil supplements, but oil-based items are hard to see and difficult to find #NASCAR
@keselowski: I'm in pure amazement at how so many peeps can think I wrecked kyle Busch intentionally and feel the need to be jerks about it on twitter.
@keselowski: When you flame some1 on twitter, you're discouraging others from joining and everybody loses. Thats why guys like dale jr aren't on here....
@nascarcasm: Seems "You dumped Kyle on purpose, @keselowski !" is this week's "You're lying about having a flat tire, @JimmieJohnson!" #LetItGo #NASCAR
@JeffGordonWeb: Still bummed about spinning in the fluid on the track in the last corner. Would have been nice to pull off a top 10 today.
@2Spotter (Joey Meier): Sometimes it OK to say,"I or We didn't know".....No one expects perfection.
@keselowski: The finishes of the last two #nascar races have been incredible. Hoping we can find those last few spots @MISpeedway & win @ my home track
@MikeCalinoff: Just watched the last lap from @WGI. I say we have Bobby Labonte oil down the track every week. It was an amazing #NASCAR finish. #fb
@PPistone: The race at The Glen actually being discussed on Chicago sports talk radio-think that would have happened had it ended under yellow? #nascar
@NASCAR_Wonka: That awkward moment when you laugh during a serious meeting after remembering the image of Kurt's tire spontaneously falling off. #NASCAR
@SamanthaBusch: That feeling after the gym when it hurts just walking to ur car! I needed that after yesterday!
@landoncassill: Hey @55markmartin have you been talking about me again? Thanks buddy :)
@NASCAR_Wonka: Hearing that Newman will be staying at SHR. I'm sorry I can't get confirmation faster, but who do you think I am, Quicken Loans? #NASCAR
@DeLanaHarvick: @KevinHarvick #daddyduty http://img.ly/m12q
@MartySmithESPN: Many asking about Kyle Busch postrace at WG. He wasnt rude at all. He chose not to talk. We'd love him to talk, but his dec shows maturation
@KevinHarvick: Great way to spend the morning! "@DeLanaHarvick: @KevinHarvick #daddyduty http://img.ly/m12q"
@Kenny_Wallace: Happy Birthday to my BIG Brother "Rusty Wallace" 56 Years YOUNG :) I would have NEVER made it to NASCAR without Rusty, Thank You Brother
@DGodfatherMoody (Dave Moody): JGR posted this photo on their FB page today. Why are the building fuzzy race cars? LOL https://twitter.com/DGodfatherMoody/status/235439258087874560/photo/1
@jeff_gluck: Kyle Busch Motorsports announces it has parted ways with Jason Leffler. #NASCAR
Summer Bedgood is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via email at summer.bedgood@frontstretch.com.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Start Times, Consistent Schedule Keys to INDYCAR Success
by Huston Ladner
Top Ten Ways NASCAR CEO Brian France (et al) Plan to Add 'NASCAR Flavor' at Mitt Romney's Fundraiser
by Jeff Meyer
NASCAR Sprint Cup Power Rankings: Top 15 After Watkins Glen
compiled by Summer Bedgood
Mirror Driving: Oh, Canada?, The Use Of A Wild Card And Throwing Caution To The Oil
by the Frontstretch Staff
Soundtracking the Season: Seven New(er) NASCAR Anthems
by Kevin Rutherford
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: The 1994 GM Goodwrench Dealer 400 weekend is best-known for the Saturday morning practice crash that put Ernie Irvan in the hospital with critical head injuries. However, once the rains went away and the race started, a rather unusual incident occurred on the first lap. What happened?
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Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- What's Vexing Vito by Vito Pugliese
-- Critic's Annex by Phil Allaway
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, the Line of the Week and more!
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Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
MPM2Nite by Matt McLaughlin
Matt McLaughlin is back again this season with his usual sarcastic sense of humor ... and incomparable insight.
Potts' Shots by John Potts
Fanning the Flames has become Potts' Shots, and John Potts is here to answer your questions in our weekly Fan Q & A. Do you have something you'd like to ask John? Don't sit on the sidelines! Send it to john.potts@frontstretch.com and you just may see your question in print next week!
Professor Of Speed by Mark Howell
Our professor of racing history "has at it" with another column pertinent to the sport at large. This week, Mark takes a look at how NASCAR can turn from a ho-hum season to excitement with a single race.
Dollars And Sense by Jesse Medford
A look at the business side of NASCAR.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth is back this year on a new night, but it's the same great commentary you've come to enjoy on NASCAR's Truck Series! This week, Beth has a look at the changes an off week brought, including Parker Kligerman, Jason Leffler and so much more!
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©2012 Frontstretch.com
-- @Andy__Rock (Andy Hillenburg): Taking a walk around the grandstands. Thinking a bit. :) https://twitter.com/Andy__Rock/status/233303920892583937/photo/1
@DGodfatherMoody (Dave Moody): Amazing how 95% of the people making rotten statements about @AJDinger today don't have guts to put a real name on their account. #Cowards
@MikeMassaroESPN: Wow! Woke up to exciting news! Congrats to @JamieLittleESPN and Cody on the birth of their little boy!
@keselowski (Brad Keselowski): Lots of questions every year on why #nascar doesn't run in the rain. IMO the reason is simple- the fans vote not to. Most fans won't come...
@keselowski: Seems ironic after last weeks tragedy that we are debating over racing in the rain. #Perspective
@dennyhamlin: watching Nascar's top 10 rivalry's. They need to update it.. Right @keselowski?
@EarnhardtKelley: @DeLanaHarvick tip to keep Keelan contained when he's sitting up...basket of toys. #momtomomtips http://lockerz.com/s/233249984
@MartysmithESPN: Ambrose notes that racing in the wet isn't that tough, it's racing in the transition period between wet-and-dry that's tough.
@RCR31JeffBurton (Jeff Burton): Amazing how fast my guys got our back up ready. That was badass. That's why I love driving the 31. We will b back to the top!
@keselowski: Have 2 agree with Carl Edwards IE: nationwide series Run it- every1 ?s Ur commitment to cup Don't Run- every1 says u don't want it bad enuf
@Ryan_Truex: Got wheel hop going into 1. Spun it into the grass to avoid piling into everyone on front of me. My fault
@Ryan_Truex: I already feel like an idiot. you don't have to to tell me I am one
@keselowski: Dang, solid run, no trophy! Feel bad for my guys on 22 team, but sometimes you gotta play nice... I want the cup championship.
@joeylogano: Was going to have a good run even after we got dumped. We almost got back to the front before we broke a valve. We will get them tomorrow
@KimWallace_36: @Kenny_Wallace and I are extremely happy about the announcement that our daughter @brookew089 and @Jacob_Randolph are getting married!
@Riceman61 (Doug Rice): Not that long ago most NASCAR fans wanted road courses turned into bass ponds, not so much now, very entertaining show today.
@SummerBedgood: The solution to the nationwide drought? #NASCAR, apparently.
@MikeDavis88: Well, that's no good. Last 10 laps at road-courses have not been our friend this year. Junior pitting for tires after spin. #NASCAR
@PPistone (pete Pistone): Best race of the year!
@TheOrangeCone: That. Was. Bad. Ass!!! #nascar
@nascarcasm: HOLY CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@SummerBedgood: It just me or should this be the distance for every race? We're not sitting around for 2.5-3 hours waiting for something to happen #NASCAR
@KimBurton31 (Kim Burton): #NASCAR must not have seen the 47 oil the track up for 3 laps. Not sure why they didn't throw the caution. Dangerous
@DeLanaHarvick: Wow!!!! What a finish... That was a pretty freakin cool battle for the win.
@MonteDutton: #NASCAR I'd call that a rousing finish.
@Kenny_Wallace: One of the Greatest @NASCAR finishes I have EVER seen! OH MY! #nascar
@NASCAR_Realtime: Lets see the Indy Car Series give you a final lap like that baby... WOW! Ambrose wins. Kyle gets spun finished 7th. Gordon 21st. #Nascar
@Writer_Amy (Amy Henderson): Stupidest question of the day by a commentator: "will they use the bumpers?" Really? They've been using them for a lap and a half #NASCAR
@queers4gears: that was amazing
@nascarcasm: Again - that race was sponsored by "HOLY S--T!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME???!!l" #NASCAR #WatkinsGlen
@jeff_gluck: Kyle Busch told to keep composure and not do anything he'll regret
@J_Allgaier (Justin Allgaier): That was absolutely insane!!!!!! What a race
@Mother_Function: That might have been the best final lap I have ever seen on a road course!!! We need a road course in the chase!!! #NASCAR
@jeff_gluck: Kyle Busch https://twitter.com/jeff_gluck/status/234736697550716928/photo/1
@MartySmithESPN: Kyle Busch exits his car and heads into transporter. Understandably pissed. https://twitter.com/MartySmithESPN/status/234736794397179905/photo/1
@Riceman61 (Doug Rice): The 2012 season now has a signature moment, that was awesome, @keslowski very classy #nascar
@TheFrontstretch: There was a loud cheer from the Media Center lobby when Kyle Busch spun. I'm fairly confident that wasn't from anyone credentialed, though.
@mw55 (Michael Waltrip): I love @nascar
@DanielleTrotta: That's the way racing should be. - Brad Keselowski. Class act. Ambrose wins at Watkins Glen (my pick btw) :) Best finish of the year!
@jeff_gluck: "I've got nothing good to say." Kyle says before leaving. https://twitter.com/jeff_gluck/status/234738656127098880/photo/1
@MartySmithESPN: Asked Kyle what happened and how confident he was that he could win. He said "I have nothing good to say" to both q's. Was his only comment.
@NASCAR_Realtime: Now #Nascar needs it to start raining so they will not have to be photographed cleaning up the oil all over the track.
@MartinTruexJr56: Dodged a bullet with a top 10 today. Had a good car but they dont run without gas! #battle
@NASCAR_Realtime: Well, #Nascar is 3 for 3. Sadler Indy call. Delayed caution period before rain at Pocono. Now oil the final 2 laps at @WGI. #Nascar
@nascarcasm: So the USA Basketball team defeated Spain for the gold? Big deal. CALL ME WHEN THE COURT IS COVERED IN OIL. #NASCAR #Olympics
@rchilders55 (Rodney Chidlers): An idea would be to stop each race with 5 to go and oil the track down, then restart it. That was bad ass.. Haha.. Just kidding
@KevinHarvick: Last set of tires didn't agree with our car no grip.. Roll on to Michigan.
@RB_Mrs (Nicole Briscoe): That was fun to watch! #NASCAR
@queers4gears: I wonder if @WGI will use any of that last lap for next year's commercial
@MartinTruexJr56: the deal with @kaseykahne was my bad. I was off the gas just couldnt stay off his lr. Sorry to him and his fans.
@DeLanaHarvick: But first, roll on home!!!
@mikemulhern: WATKINSGLEN: BKeselowski says no american road courses are up to proper safety standards, compared to european tracks.
@SamanthaBusch: Absolutely sick to my stomach, that was heartbreaking
@Kenny_Wallace: You can tell this Race was #epic Because ALL Fans are pissed about something! Ha ha ha! PERFECT!
@bobdillner: VP of Competition for #NASCAR Robin Pemberton told me on #VictoryLane on @NASCARonSPEED that officials saw no oil on track to throw caution.
@joeylogano: Man... broke the rear shock mount. We will get them next week at MIS, we had a good test there a couple weeks ago
@bobpockrass: Pemberton said if they thought oil on track, they would have had to make a decision whether to throw caution. But never thought there was.
@bobpockrass: I asked Pemberton that the cars were slipping and sliding as if oil was on the track ...
@bobpockrass: Pemberton response: "They also said that their tires were wore out and their brakes were wore out and all that other stuff that goes on."
@jeff_gluck: NASCAR has a hard time admitting a mistake. Check @bobpockrass timeline for the latest example.
@bobpockrass: Ambrose said you couldn't see the oil - wasn't a black streak but more of a spray. ... but there was definitely oil on the track. #nascar
@jim_utter: Yeah like Twitter wouldn't be full of people complaining after some Green-White-Checkered finish
@MartySmithESPN: Ambrose said he couldn't see the oil on the racetrack. "It was wait-for-the-car-to-slide, and try to save it.
@31n2Spotter (Brett Griffin): Exciting finish. Maybe we Spread vaseline out before every restart. #SMH
@keselowski: I got it wrong in post race interview, 18 wasn't leaking oil, his was brake smoke. The 47 was the car leaking oil heavily.
@JimmieJohnson: Those last 2 laps were slick with all that oil down! A solid day for @LowesRacing and I'm really happy we are leading the points.
@jim_utter: King making sure scoring monitor is right #NASCAR http://twitpic.com/aint3c
@landoncassill: Found recipe for great finishes. Send a car out on the track with 2 to go every week and oil the track down. PROFIT
@keselowski: Sorry to @KyleBusch and his fans for the contact. We were just all pushing hard for the win and he caught the worst of it. #NotIntentional
@mw55: There's the oil! We see it! https://twitter.com/mw55/status/234755142967238656/photo/1
@31n2Spotter: Kyle deserves a lot of credit for how he handled himself. One of the best of all time doesn't just lose a 20 car length lead in one lap.
@jim_utter: The people complaining KyBu didn't talk are the same people who would complain about something bad he would likely say #truth
@PPistone: @jim_utter And I think those complaining NASCAR didn't throw the caution on the last lap are the same who would have yelled had yellow flew?
@TheOrangeCone: Riding back with #pemberton. Took drain plug out of oil pan. Dumped oil all over car behind us then got out and yelled "what oil???" #nascar
@BrianLVickers: Not what I wanted for our @MWRteam and @MyClassicGarage team. But I really appreciate their support as well as all the fans at The Glen
@Elliott_Sadler: perfect example that you not guaranteed nuttin.. Fight till the checkerd!!"@NCSmurf: @Elliott_Sadler what did u think of today's cup race?"
@jamiemcmurray: Not sure what broke on the car today. Did not look bad on tv but that was a huge hit.
@Kenny_Wallace: This is how the "Race teams" get back to Concord N,C, That's a Chartered plane and teams Buy tics http://yfrog.com/hsru9wnj
@gbiffle (Greg Biffle): Had a pretty good run going today slid in the oil on the track and lost 2 spots gained one back when kyle spun in the oil !!! That's racin
@NASCAR_Wonka: #SharkWeek always reminds me that I should be taking fish oil supplements, but oil-based items are hard to see and difficult to find #NASCAR
@keselowski: I'm in pure amazement at how so many peeps can think I wrecked kyle Busch intentionally and feel the need to be jerks about it on twitter.
@keselowski: When you flame some1 on twitter, you're discouraging others from joining and everybody loses. Thats why guys like dale jr aren't on here....
@nascarcasm: Seems "You dumped Kyle on purpose, @keselowski !" is this week's "You're lying about having a flat tire, @JimmieJohnson!" #LetItGo #NASCAR
@JeffGordonWeb: Still bummed about spinning in the fluid on the track in the last corner. Would have been nice to pull off a top 10 today.
@2Spotter (Joey Meier): Sometimes it OK to say,"I or We didn't know".....No one expects perfection.
@keselowski: The finishes of the last two #nascar races have been incredible. Hoping we can find those last few spots @MISpeedway & win @ my home track
@MikeCalinoff: Just watched the last lap from @WGI. I say we have Bobby Labonte oil down the track every week. It was an amazing #NASCAR finish. #fb
@PPistone: The race at The Glen actually being discussed on Chicago sports talk radio-think that would have happened had it ended under yellow? #nascar
@NASCAR_Wonka: That awkward moment when you laugh during a serious meeting after remembering the image of Kurt's tire spontaneously falling off. #NASCAR
@SamanthaBusch: That feeling after the gym when it hurts just walking to ur car! I needed that after yesterday!
@landoncassill: Hey @55markmartin have you been talking about me again? Thanks buddy :)
@NASCAR_Wonka: Hearing that Newman will be staying at SHR. I'm sorry I can't get confirmation faster, but who do you think I am, Quicken Loans? #NASCAR
@DeLanaHarvick: @KevinHarvick #daddyduty http://img.ly/m12q
@MartySmithESPN: Many asking about Kyle Busch postrace at WG. He wasnt rude at all. He chose not to talk. We'd love him to talk, but his dec shows maturation
@KevinHarvick: Great way to spend the morning! "@DeLanaHarvick: @KevinHarvick #daddyduty http://img.ly/m12q"
@Kenny_Wallace: Happy Birthday to my BIG Brother "Rusty Wallace" 56 Years YOUNG :) I would have NEVER made it to NASCAR without Rusty, Thank You Brother
@DGodfatherMoody (Dave Moody): JGR posted this photo on their FB page today. Why are the building fuzzy race cars? LOL https://twitter.com/DGodfatherMoody/status/235439258087874560/photo/1
@jeff_gluck: Kyle Busch Motorsports announces it has parted ways with Jason Leffler. #NASCAR
Summer Bedgood is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via email at summer.bedgood@frontstretch.com.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Start Times, Consistent Schedule Keys to INDYCAR Success
by Huston Ladner
Top Ten Ways NASCAR CEO Brian France (et al) Plan to Add 'NASCAR Flavor' at Mitt Romney's Fundraiser
by Jeff Meyer
NASCAR Sprint Cup Power Rankings: Top 15 After Watkins Glen
compiled by Summer Bedgood
Mirror Driving: Oh, Canada?, The Use Of A Wild Card And Throwing Caution To The Oil
by the Frontstretch Staff
Soundtracking the Season: Seven New(er) NASCAR Anthems
by Kevin Rutherford
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: The 1994 GM Goodwrench Dealer 400 weekend is best-known for the Saturday morning practice crash that put Ernie Irvan in the hospital with critical head injuries. However, once the rains went away and the race started, a rather unusual incident occurred on the first lap. What happened?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Tuesday's Answer:
Q: In 1992, Harry Gant claimed his final Winston Cup victory in the Champion Spark Plug 400 at Michigan International Speedway. How did Gant pull this win off, and at the same time, amend his existing record for the oldest driver to win a Cup race?
A: In addition to having an uncanny ability to buck Father Time, Gant was well versed in fuel conservation strategies. Gant took over the lead with 16 laps to go and was able to make his fuel hold out to take the win.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: If we mess up, you get the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
Tuesday's Answer:
Q: In 1992, Harry Gant claimed his final Winston Cup victory in the Champion Spark Plug 400 at Michigan International Speedway. How did Gant pull this win off, and at the same time, amend his existing record for the oldest driver to win a Cup race?
A: In addition to having an uncanny ability to buck Father Time, Gant was well versed in fuel conservation strategies. Gant took over the lead with 16 laps to go and was able to make his fuel hold out to take the win.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: If we mess up, you get the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
~~~~~~~~~~
Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- What's Vexing Vito by Vito Pugliese
-- Critic's Annex by Phil Allaway
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, the Line of the Week and more!
~~~~~~~~~~
Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
MPM2Nite by Matt McLaughlin
Matt McLaughlin is back again this season with his usual sarcastic sense of humor ... and incomparable insight.
Potts' Shots by John Potts
Fanning the Flames has become Potts' Shots, and John Potts is here to answer your questions in our weekly Fan Q & A. Do you have something you'd like to ask John? Don't sit on the sidelines! Send it to john.potts@frontstretch.com and you just may see your question in print next week!
Professor Of Speed by Mark Howell
Our professor of racing history "has at it" with another column pertinent to the sport at large. This week, Mark takes a look at how NASCAR can turn from a ho-hum season to excitement with a single race.
Dollars And Sense by Jesse Medford
A look at the business side of NASCAR.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth is back this year on a new night, but it's the same great commentary you've come to enjoy on NASCAR's Truck Series! This week, Beth has a look at the changes an off week brought, including Parker Kligerman, Jason Leffler and so much more!
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