Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
August 22nd, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CLXVII
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Top News
by Brad Morgan
Penalties Announced for No. 18 Sprint Cup Team
NASCAR has penalized the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing team for violations that were found during practice for the Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway. Officials found illegally attached weights in the Toyota Camry upon inspection on Aug. 18.
The No. 18 car was penalized for violating Sections 12-1: actions detrimental to stock car racing; 12-4J: any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules; and 20-2.3A: improperly attached weight.
Fortunately for JGR, Kyle Busch (currently 11 points back of Ryan Newman in the wild card hunt) didn't lose points in the driver standings; but, the rules infractions will cost crew chief Dave Rogers $25,000. In addition, both Rogers and car chief Wesley Sherrill have been placed on NASCAR probation until Oct. 3.
Driver Aaron Fike Completes Road to Recovery
NASCAR officially reinstated former driver Aaron Fike on Tuesday after he completed the requirements for the Substance Abuse Policy's Road to Recovery program. He was arrested for the possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia in the parking lot of King's Island amusement park in Mason, Ohio, and subsequently suspended from NASCAR on July 11, 2007 for actions detrimental to stock car racing.
It was later revealed that the former Red Horse Racing driver competed while under the influence of heroin during his time in the Craftsman Truck Series. His admission would later force NASCAR to strengthen its drug policy to a level similar to that of other major sports leagues.
"I know that if it were not for my arrest, I would be dead," Fike told the Associated Press in 2007 shortly after his arrest. "At one point during my addiction, I stopped breathing and nearly died. Sooner or later, my luck would have run out."
The Illinois native made use of his time after the incident by traveling to schools, racetracks, and other locations to speak about drug prevention, as part of an anti-drug campaign designed to avoid felony charges and the possibility of a prison sentence.
Fike is now eligible to race in NASCAR for the first time in more than five years, but first he will need to secure a contract with a new organization.
During his 2007 Truck Series rookie campaign, he accumulated one top 5 and five top 10s in 12 races before being suspended indefinitely.
Lorene King Named NASCAR Foundation Executive Director
Lorene King was announced as the new Executive Director for the NASCAR Foundation during an emblem unveiling at the foundation's new Daytona Beach headquarters located at the International Motorsports Center.
"This is an exciting time for the foundation with our new headquarters up and running and new leadership on board," said The NASCAR Foundation chairwoman Betty Jane France. "Lorene is a great fit for our organization as we strive to take our efforts to the next level. Lorene will help us expand the already considerable impact we are making to the social and economic well-being of the communities in which we live and race."
The NASCAR Foundation honors the sport's goal of contributing back to the communities of race fans by raising funds and increasing volunteer efforts for nonprofit charities.
Camping World Truck Series Entry List
compiled by Phil Allaway
With the Camping World Truck Series running the UNOH 200 tonight at Bristol Motor Speedway, here's your entry list a day ahead of the usual Thursday posting.
Camping World Truck Series UNOH 200: 40 trucks entered
Drivers Ineligible to Earn Points:
No. 0 - T.J. Bell for JJC Racing
No. 2 - Brendan Gaughan for Richard Childress Racing
No. 18 - Brian Scott for Kyle Busch Motorsports
No. 19 - Ryan Blaney for Brad Keselowski Racing
No. 29 - Brad Keselowski for Brad Keselowski Racing
No. 86 - Blake Koch for Clay Greenfield Racing
Driver Changes:
No. 07 - Jeff Agnew returns to the seat, replacing Johnny Chapman.
No. 2 - Brendan Gaughan returns to the seat, replacing Tim George, Jr.
No. 5 - Johnny Chapman will be in the seat, replacing Scott Riggs. This team will likely again be operated by RSS Racing as Wauters Motorsports has elected to sit out the race.
No. 18 - Brian Scott returns to the seat, replacing Kurt Busch.
No. 19 - Ryan Blaney is in the seat, replacing Brad Keselowski. If he qualifies, it will mark Blaney's Camping World Truck Series debut.
No. 27 - BJ McLeod is in the seat, replacing Brandon Knupp.
Drivers who must qualify on speed:
No. 0 - T.J. Bell for JJC Racing
No. 01 - Jake Crum
No. 02 - Tyler Young for Young's Motorsports
No. 07 - Jeff Agnew for SS-Green Light Racing
No. 7 - Parker Kligerman for Red Horse Racing
No. 10 - Jennifer Jo Cobb for JJC Racing
No. 19 - Ryan Blaney for Brad Keselowski Racing
No. 36 - Grant Enfinger for Allgaier Motorsports
No. 38 - Chris Jones for RSS Racing
No. 57 - Norm Benning for Norm Benning Racing
No. 68 - Clay Greenfield for Clay Greenfield Racing
No. 75 - Caleb Holman for Henderson Motorsports
No. 81 - David Starr for Billy Ballew Motorsports
No. 84 - Chris Fontaine for Chris Fontaine, Inc.
No. 86 - Blake Koch for Clay Greenfield Racing
No. 92 - Chad McCumbee for RBR Enterprises
Not Entered:
No. 75 - Josh Wise for Norm Benning Racing
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
Will Bristol Changes Live Up to the Hype?
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! We only received one submission last week, so put on your thinking caps and send us your ideas by next Tuesday, August 28th for your chance to see your title in the Newsletter every week and a great prize to boot.
Less than four months removed from Bruton Smith's announcement and subsequent implementation of changes intended to narrow the racing groove, the Sprint Cup Series heads to Bristol Motor Speedway following fan outcry that resulted in wholesale changes to the track surface. After suffering from dismal attendance for the March race, Smith insisted the weather kept many fans away rather than the lack of on track action. However, the overwhelming majority of fan comments said differently.
"The race fans have spoken. We had input that included a wide range of opinions," Smith said. "But the majority we heard from said they wanted to see changes made. I'd say it's about 75% from the race fans that they'd like to see us put it back the way it was five years ago."
A month later, the "official announcement" detailing the track's plan to narrow the racing groove in an attempt to make passing more difficult.
"The majority of fans we heard from said they wanted adjustments made and the bulk of those said the progressive banking was what they didn't like," Smith said in late April when he detailed the changes being made. "So, that's the focus of our efforts. And that is what we are working to change."
But one driver in particular voiced his displeasure to the "Bristol Herald Courier's Allen Gregory last month.":http://www2.tricities.com/sports/2012/jul/24/3/motorsports-todd-bodine-not-happy-changes-bms-layo-ar-2078391/
"To be quite honest I was pretty disappointed with the whole process, Bodine said. "I'm not going to say they ruined things because this is Bristol and it's always going to have great racing--but to take that outside groove away wasn't the answer. The answer was for Goodyear to fix the tire."
"The left side tires have always been way too hard here, and that's for any race that you watch. That's what ruined the racing here," Bodine continued. "It would have been a simple fix to work with the tires and get the side-by-side racing better."
And perhaps that's the only thing that needs to be don;, however, the changes have been made and now uncertainty surrounds the weekend. While there are hopes that the removal of the top groove of progressive banking will bring back the Bristol of old, I have a feeling fans will still be disappointed. With the exception of Pocono in July, the majority of events run on a newly repaved track leave you with little to write home about.
But with that said, a tire test in June confirmed that the third racing groove is almost non-existent now.
"That outside line--the upper groove--is out of play now. There's going to be a lot closer racing than we've had here in the past," Clint Bowyer said. "I don't typically run up there but a lot of guys do and I can't seem them going up there now. If they do, it's pretty slippery and they'll figure that out in a hurry.
"The closer we have to race just means something's going to happen. Is it going to make fans happy? Well, narrowing up the track means less room to get around so there's no question there's going to be closer action."
That's the key question: is it going to make fans happy? Sometimes I fear you're never truly going to make everyone happy. The same spectators that were screaming for the changes in March will likely be the first ones lined up to again cry foul if they don't get a product exactly like there was before the progressive banking was put in. While there is one less groove for the drivers to use, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see that outside lane work its way back in as all three series lay rubber down over the track in the coming days.
While there's plenty of uncertainty around exactly what to expect this weekend, one thing is for sure: the triple-header is make-or-break for Bristol. I didn't have a problem with the racing the last five years brought us, especially since drivers had to actually race each other for position ... gasp! But it is a bit unnerving to look at the stands at a track that previously had a years-long waiting list only to see major holes where people of all ages once crammed themselves in like sardines. And while some of those gaps can be blamed on the economy, the overall quality of the on-track product across the board--not just at Bristol--is largely to blame.
So while Bruton Smith had good intentions of trying to give the fans what they wanted, I'm not yet sold on whether the result will be the one that was intended. Of course, by Sunday morning, I could be eating my words and declaring it the best race in a while, but only time will tell. One thing is for sure: fans had better fill those stands after Smith went out on a limb to re-design the track based on their demands.
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...
@JamieLittleESPN: Wanted to thank every one of you for the loving messages about the birth of Carter. We're doing wonderful. pic.twitter.com/QHx98N4T
@StewartHaasRcng: From the "WTH?" file. Yes, this is real and it's happening now at 10:30 pm CDT. #NASCAR http://yfrog.com/oekowgxj
@StewartHaasRcng: This is currently in the Sprint Cup garage @TXMotorSpeedway. For the record, he's an ass. http://yfrog.com/odcsidygj
@Kenny_Wallace: Tough start to our morning, around 8:30 a.m our dog "Mac" died from a weak heart, @KimWallace_36 n @brookew089 are Heart Broke
@scottspeed: This is how @Amanda_Speed cools off after a run ha ha http://lockerz.com/s/234866439
@nascarcasm: As the National Guard extends their sponsorship with HMS, Rep. Betty McCollum storms off to hauler without speaking to reporters. #NASCAR
@MartysmithESPN (Marty Smith): #DaleJr on car dealerships: "It was weird to be standing there talking to my mechanics, when I used to be one, myself."
@CandiceSpencer: #DaleJr says if racing hadn't worked out he would have worked at an auto dealership. "It paid the electric bill for four years" #NASCAR
@31n2Spotter (Brett Griffin): Yellow is out. "possible oil". #SMH
@jeff_gluck: You have to admit it's pretty funny to see NASCAR stop practice after two min. for "possible" fluid, but didn't stop an actual race.
@mw55 (Michael Waltrip): Tommy leave @ClintBowyer alone please! #speed
@Lindyhornaday: Not sure but I'm thinking the fans at @MISpeedway might have it going on over Talladega? Just saying
@JesseMedford: Had hoped to ask Kyle Busch about Watkins Glen and coming back from that finish but he declined to do media after qualifying lap. #nascar
@CandiceSpencer: Asked @Keselowski if he's talked to @KyleBusch since contact @WGI last Sunday. First he said "no". Then he said "ask me again" #NASCAR
@MartySmithESPN: Brad K says he tried to get ahold of Kyle Busch, but "every phone number I had was bad, or something."
@PPistone (Pete Pistone): Brad K says he spoke to Dave Rogers but has not talked with Kyle Busch after last week's Watkins Glen race #nascar
@PPistone: I get @KyleBusch not talking after The Glen but believe he needed to speak to the media (and the fans) today #nascar
@Arlene_Martin: Way to go @55MarkMartin on the pole at Michigan!!! I'm proud of you ❤❤❤
@CandiceSpencer: Carl Edwards on @55MarkMartin's longevity: I had Mark Martin toys when I was a kid #NASCAR
@MartySmithESPN: Edwards, as JJ walks into the room: "It's a true honor to beat Jimmie Johnson at something lately."
@rchilders55 (Rodney Childers): Big apology to @MartinTruexJr56 and all of the @napaknowhow guys.. I messed him up some on his 2nd lap.. Accidentally on his radio channel..
@jeff_gluck: "The media needs to lay off Kyle!" "The media needs to lay off Danica!" Those poor drivers and that awful media. Let them race in peace!
@jeff_gluck: Why do you think we ask drivers questions? For us? NO. For you! Bc we think you want to know what your driver thought of the race. You don't?
@DGodfatherMoody (Dave Moody): Amazing to me that some tweeps think media should not have attempted to ask KyBu about being wrecked out of lead on last lap. Really? Crazy!
@pkligerman (Parker Kligerman): Wow..What a day! Great first day with the whole @RedHorseRacing team, an amazing job by all Great mates in @Team_Onion and @TimothyPeters17
@pkligerman: While also my first time in a cup car and being P1 was very cool! Fast off the truck in @penskeracing Shell Dodge! #NASCAR #NSCS
@pkligerman: Although was aiming for a top 10 starting spot, we did alright for 1st time. .. Get it dialed in for the race Tomorow for @SamHornish
@pkligerman: Lastly, I met @JimmieJohnson and I'll say I had glasses on but he could prolly see I was excited. Super nice guy. Fun day overall! #NASCAR
@KyleBusch: We are getting close. Not every day u take a boat to a racetrack. #NASCAR #Montreal https://twitter.com/KyleBusch/status/236863403178725376/photo/1
@pkligerman: AWESOME race by @J_Allgaier ... Watched him develop those RC skills from a auspicious start. Amazing. He deserves it! #NASCAR
@walr2772 (@Wally Rogers): What the hell is Jaques mad about ? The guy runs into everyone and is mad cause someone nudges him.. #comeonman
@keselowski (Brad Keselowski): Getting lots of tweets, texts & emails from peeps who aren't normally racing fans but like the action lately This is a Good sign for #nascar
@JimmieJohnson: Thanks everyone, today was a tough one. We blew up & I'm disappointed, not much else to say. Now it's on to Bristol.
@kaseykahne: Fast as lighting #team https://twitter.com/kaseykahne/status/237371926237040640/photo/1
@ESPNMcGee (Ryan McGee): Wow. Film director Tony Scott jumped off a bridge to his death. The man who brought us Days Of Thunder.
@J_Allgaier (Justin Allgaier): Also, I can't say enough good things about @tagliani What a class act driver and person. So glad I could call him a teammate this wknd! THX
@J_Allgaier: Headed to @TurnerMotorspts today to hang out with the guys and take them to lunch! What a weekend for the whole shop!!
@JamieLittleESPN: Just got off the wkly conference call w my @NASCARESPN team...a little different this time as baby Carter slept on my lap. #BestOfBothWorlds
@bobpockrass: Aaron Fike, suspended since July 2007 after arrest on heroin charges, has been reinstated by #NASCAR after completing recovery program.
@MartySmithESPN: Kyle Busch crew chief Dave Rogers fined 25K/put on probation through Oct. 3 for improperly attached weight during prac. at MIS on Aug. 18.
@nateryan: No points penalty for KyBu, but CC Dave Rogers fined $25,000 & on probation until Oct. 3 for improperly attached weight in practice. #nascar
@nateryan: Some tungsten apparently fell off Kyle Busch's Toyota during practice Saturday, which led to the penalty from #nascar.
@bobpockrass: The penalty to Rogers is likely explanation for Reutimann running over something, punching a hole in the right front fender during Sat prac.
Summer Bedgood is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via email at summer.bedgood@frontstretch.com.
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ADVERTISEMENT
Are you looking to advertise your website, product or brand? A good way to get your name out there is via direct advertising here in the Frontstretch Newsletter! Interested parties can contact us at tony.lumbis@frontstretch.com for details.
~~~~~~~~~~
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
IndyCar Round Table: Momentum Killers, Track Changes, and Silly Season
by the Frontstretch Staff
Top Ten Things Jimmie Johnson Was Thinking When He Declined to Speak to Media at MIS
by the Frontstretch Staff
NASCAR Sprint Cup Power Rankings: Top 15 After Michigan 2
compiled by Summer Bedgood
Mirror Driving: Biffle's Good Fortune, Johnson's Poor Form...and Should Turner Turn to Cup?
by the Frontstretch Staff
Justin Allgaier Post-Montreal: Deserving of a Cup Ride
by Kevin Rutherford
Beyond the Cockpit: Patrick Long on His Cup Debut, Testing at Road America and More
by Phil Allaway
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: For Geoff Bodine, the 1997 Goody's Headache Powders 500 was actually a pretty good race. Bodine managed to avoid the various wrecks and came home on the lead lap in ninth. However, he lost something important during the race. What was it?
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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:
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 transparency and how various parties around NASCAR collaborate to disseminate information and police the sport.
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!
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Talk back to the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Got something to say about an article you've seen in the newsletter? It's as easy as replying directly to this message or sending an email to editors@frontstretch.com. We'll take the best comments and publish them here!
©2012 Frontstretch.com
-- @StewartHaasRcng: From the "WTH?" file. Yes, this is real and it's happening now at 10:30 pm CDT. #NASCAR http://yfrog.com/oekowgxj
@StewartHaasRcng: This is currently in the Sprint Cup garage @TXMotorSpeedway. For the record, he's an ass. http://yfrog.com/odcsidygj
@Kenny_Wallace: Tough start to our morning, around 8:30 a.m our dog "Mac" died from a weak heart, @KimWallace_36 n @brookew089 are Heart Broke
@scottspeed: This is how @Amanda_Speed cools off after a run ha ha http://lockerz.com/s/234866439
@nascarcasm: As the National Guard extends their sponsorship with HMS, Rep. Betty McCollum storms off to hauler without speaking to reporters. #NASCAR
@MartysmithESPN (Marty Smith): #DaleJr on car dealerships: "It was weird to be standing there talking to my mechanics, when I used to be one, myself."
@CandiceSpencer: #DaleJr says if racing hadn't worked out he would have worked at an auto dealership. "It paid the electric bill for four years" #NASCAR
@31n2Spotter (Brett Griffin): Yellow is out. "possible oil". #SMH
@jeff_gluck: You have to admit it's pretty funny to see NASCAR stop practice after two min. for "possible" fluid, but didn't stop an actual race.
@mw55 (Michael Waltrip): Tommy leave @ClintBowyer alone please! #speed
@Lindyhornaday: Not sure but I'm thinking the fans at @MISpeedway might have it going on over Talladega? Just saying
@JesseMedford: Had hoped to ask Kyle Busch about Watkins Glen and coming back from that finish but he declined to do media after qualifying lap. #nascar
@CandiceSpencer: Asked @Keselowski if he's talked to @KyleBusch since contact @WGI last Sunday. First he said "no". Then he said "ask me again" #NASCAR
@MartySmithESPN: Brad K says he tried to get ahold of Kyle Busch, but "every phone number I had was bad, or something."
@PPistone (Pete Pistone): Brad K says he spoke to Dave Rogers but has not talked with Kyle Busch after last week's Watkins Glen race #nascar
@PPistone: I get @KyleBusch not talking after The Glen but believe he needed to speak to the media (and the fans) today #nascar
@Arlene_Martin: Way to go @55MarkMartin on the pole at Michigan!!! I'm proud of you ❤❤❤
@CandiceSpencer: Carl Edwards on @55MarkMartin's longevity: I had Mark Martin toys when I was a kid #NASCAR
@MartySmithESPN: Edwards, as JJ walks into the room: "It's a true honor to beat Jimmie Johnson at something lately."
@rchilders55 (Rodney Childers): Big apology to @MartinTruexJr56 and all of the @napaknowhow guys.. I messed him up some on his 2nd lap.. Accidentally on his radio channel..
@jeff_gluck: "The media needs to lay off Kyle!" "The media needs to lay off Danica!" Those poor drivers and that awful media. Let them race in peace!
@jeff_gluck: Why do you think we ask drivers questions? For us? NO. For you! Bc we think you want to know what your driver thought of the race. You don't?
@DGodfatherMoody (Dave Moody): Amazing to me that some tweeps think media should not have attempted to ask KyBu about being wrecked out of lead on last lap. Really? Crazy!
@pkligerman (Parker Kligerman): Wow..What a day! Great first day with the whole @RedHorseRacing team, an amazing job by all Great mates in @Team_Onion and @TimothyPeters17
@pkligerman: While also my first time in a cup car and being P1 was very cool! Fast off the truck in @penskeracing Shell Dodge! #NASCAR #NSCS
@pkligerman: Although was aiming for a top 10 starting spot, we did alright for 1st time. .. Get it dialed in for the race Tomorow for @SamHornish
@pkligerman: Lastly, I met @JimmieJohnson and I'll say I had glasses on but he could prolly see I was excited. Super nice guy. Fun day overall! #NASCAR
@KyleBusch: We are getting close. Not every day u take a boat to a racetrack. #NASCAR #Montreal https://twitter.com/KyleBusch/status/236863403178725376/photo/1
@pkligerman: AWESOME race by @J_Allgaier ... Watched him develop those RC skills from a auspicious start. Amazing. He deserves it! #NASCAR
@walr2772 (@Wally Rogers): What the hell is Jaques mad about ? The guy runs into everyone and is mad cause someone nudges him.. #comeonman
@keselowski (Brad Keselowski): Getting lots of tweets, texts & emails from peeps who aren't normally racing fans but like the action lately This is a Good sign for #nascar
@JimmieJohnson: Thanks everyone, today was a tough one. We blew up & I'm disappointed, not much else to say. Now it's on to Bristol.
@kaseykahne: Fast as lighting #team https://twitter.com/kaseykahne/status/237371926237040640/photo/1
@ESPNMcGee (Ryan McGee): Wow. Film director Tony Scott jumped off a bridge to his death. The man who brought us Days Of Thunder.
@J_Allgaier (Justin Allgaier): Also, I can't say enough good things about @tagliani What a class act driver and person. So glad I could call him a teammate this wknd! THX
@J_Allgaier: Headed to @TurnerMotorspts today to hang out with the guys and take them to lunch! What a weekend for the whole shop!!
@JamieLittleESPN: Just got off the wkly conference call w my @NASCARESPN team...a little different this time as baby Carter slept on my lap. #BestOfBothWorlds
@bobpockrass: Aaron Fike, suspended since July 2007 after arrest on heroin charges, has been reinstated by #NASCAR after completing recovery program.
@MartySmithESPN: Kyle Busch crew chief Dave Rogers fined 25K/put on probation through Oct. 3 for improperly attached weight during prac. at MIS on Aug. 18.
@nateryan: No points penalty for KyBu, but CC Dave Rogers fined $25,000 & on probation until Oct. 3 for improperly attached weight in practice. #nascar
@nateryan: Some tungsten apparently fell off Kyle Busch's Toyota during practice Saturday, which led to the penalty from #nascar.
@bobpockrass: The penalty to Rogers is likely explanation for Reutimann running over something, punching a hole in the right front fender during Sat prac.
Summer Bedgood is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via email at summer.bedgood@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
ADVERTISEMENT
Are you looking to advertise your website, product or brand? A good way to get your name out there is via direct advertising here in the Frontstretch Newsletter! Interested parties can contact us at tony.lumbis@frontstretch.com for details.
~~~~~~~~~~
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
IndyCar Round Table: Momentum Killers, Track Changes, and Silly Season
by the Frontstretch Staff
Top Ten Things Jimmie Johnson Was Thinking When He Declined to Speak to Media at MIS
by the Frontstretch Staff
NASCAR Sprint Cup Power Rankings: Top 15 After Michigan 2
compiled by Summer Bedgood
Mirror Driving: Biffle's Good Fortune, Johnson's Poor Form...and Should Turner Turn to Cup?
by the Frontstretch Staff
Justin Allgaier Post-Montreal: Deserving of a Cup Ride
by Kevin Rutherford
Beyond the Cockpit: Patrick Long on His Cup Debut, Testing at Road America and More
by Phil Allaway
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: For Geoff Bodine, the 1997 Goody's Headache Powders 500 was actually a pretty good race. Bodine managed to avoid the various wrecks and came home on the lead lap in ninth. However, he lost something important during the race. What was it?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Tuesday's Answer:
Q: The 1995 Goody's 500 at Bristol is undoubtedly best known for Terry Labonte winning the race but crashing just after the checkers after contact from Dale Earnhardt. However, Bill Elliott had a wild crash on Lap 203 that took him out of any real contention. What happened?
A: Elliott appeared to cut a right front tire in Turn 2 sending the car straight into the wall just past the infamous crossover gate (we all remember what has happened when that has come into play in the past). Here, Elliott's car hit the wall, then rode up the wall and nearly put Elliott on his side before coming down on all fours. At the same time, Rusty Wallace spun out and hit the inside wall exiting Turn 2.
The crash can be seen at the 10:40 mark of this clip. The separate (but somewhat related) incidents resulted in both Wallace and Elliott spending time behind the wall for repairs. Wallace eventually finished in 21st, 46 laps down and proceeded to throw a water bottle at Earnhardt post-race; Elliott was 23rd, 47 laps down.
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: The 1995 Goody's 500 at Bristol is undoubtedly best known for Terry Labonte winning the race but crashing just after the checkers after contact from Dale Earnhardt. However, Bill Elliott had a wild crash on Lap 203 that took him out of any real contention. What happened?
A: Elliott appeared to cut a right front tire in Turn 2 sending the car straight into the wall just past the infamous crossover gate (we all remember what has happened when that has come into play in the past). Here, Elliott's car hit the wall, then rode up the wall and nearly put Elliott on his side before coming down on all fours. At the same time, Rusty Wallace spun out and hit the inside wall exiting Turn 2.
The crash can be seen at the 10:40 mark of this clip. The separate (but somewhat related) incidents resulted in both Wallace and Elliott spending time behind the wall for repairs. Wallace eventually finished in 21st, 46 laps down and proceeded to throw a water bottle at Earnhardt post-race; Elliott was 23rd, 47 laps down.
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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:
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 transparency and how various parties around NASCAR collaborate to disseminate information and police the sport.
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!
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