THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
September 21st, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CLXXXIX
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Hey Race Fans! Do you think you can predict the finishing order of this year's Chase? If you can, we'll give you our shirt! If you want a chance to win a Frontstretch T-Shirt and a free FanVision rental for a race weekend in 2013, now is your chance. Simply submit a list of the 12 Chase drivers in the order you think they will finish. You have until the end of the race at Dover to make your picks - but after the checkered flag flies on that race, we will not accept any more submissions. Then, we'll hang on to all of your predictions until after the final race in Homestead and tally them up. If you can correctly place all 12, you win the T-Shirt and the FanVision rental! If nobody places all 12 correctly, we'll give the prize to whomever can get the most drivers in their correct points positions at the end of the year. Please submit your entries to FrontstretchEditors@googlegroups.com by the moment of the checkered flag at Dover! We will accept only one entry per person (if you submit more than one list, we will only take the FIRST one you submitted!) Good luck!
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Top News
by Jeff Wolfe
Gordon's No. 24 to Feature Teenage Mutant Ninja TurtlesPresented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
September 21st, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CLXXXIX
~~~~~~~~~~
Hey Race Fans! Do you think you can predict the finishing order of this year's Chase? If you can, we'll give you our shirt! If you want a chance to win a Frontstretch T-Shirt and a free FanVision rental for a race weekend in 2013, now is your chance. Simply submit a list of the 12 Chase drivers in the order you think they will finish. You have until the end of the race at Dover to make your picks - but after the checkered flag flies on that race, we will not accept any more submissions. Then, we'll hang on to all of your predictions until after the final race in Homestead and tally them up. If you can correctly place all 12, you win the T-Shirt and the FanVision rental! If nobody places all 12 correctly, we'll give the prize to whomever can get the most drivers in their correct points positions at the end of the year. Please submit your entries to FrontstretchEditors@googlegroups.com by the moment of the checkered flag at Dover! We will accept only one entry per person (if you submit more than one list, we will only take the FIRST one you submitted!) Good luck!
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Top News
by Jeff Wolfe
Thursday, Jeff Gordon unveiled a special paint scheme that will adorn his No. 24 Chevrolet for the October 13th Chase race at Charlotte. he Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, in conjunction with AARP, AARP Foundation and Nickelodeon's Helping and Leading Others program on Drive to End Hunger.
"To have a cool car like this, I know the kids are going to be excited about it," Gordon said. "They love Nickelodeon, my kids, that's al we DVR, that's all we watch. I know they're going to be big fans of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The kids love racing and they love the paint schemes. As a parent now, these types of moments are very special."
Gordon promised Charlotte Motor Speedway president Marcus Smith that he would breakdance in victory lane if he managed to win the Bank of America 500.
Ragan's Car to Adorn Colors of Shriner Hospital for Children
David Ragan will have a special cause as his sponsor on the No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Sprint Cup car this weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Ragan has been a loyal supporter of Shriners Hospitals for Children since he named it his charity of choice in 2008.
"I wanted to have a charity to work with while running Sprint Cup, wanted to pick a group that does something for Children that needs there help," Ragan said. "The Shriners are a group that a lot of people don't know much about."
Shriners Hospitals for Children provides specialty care to children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate, regardless of the families' ability to pay. All care and services are delivered in a family centered environment.
Ragan says, too, that Shriners' commitment to children also is important.
"They work hard to be a leader in the Medical field and they work with children until the age of 21," Ragan said. "It's not a onetime procedure and you're out. They continue helping you for years."
Ragan comes into Sunday's race at New Hampshire 29th in points and has one top-10 finish this year. He has visited several Shriners Hospitals and also participated in public service announcements for the organization.
Former NASCAR Driver, Crew Member Cecil Gordon Dies
Cecil Gordon, who spent a large part of his life involved in NASCAR as a driver / owner and then as a crew member, passed away Wednesday at age 71 after a short battle with cancer, according to the obituary posted on blueridgenow.com.
Gordon raced in 449 NASCAR Sprint Cup races between 1968 and 1985. While he did not have a Sprint Cup victory, he did have 111 top 10s and 29 top-5 finishes in his career. He also finished third in the points standings in 1971 and 1973. Gordon also worked as a crew member with the Richard Childress / Dale Earnhardt team and then with the Travis Carter Team until his retirement.
Gordon's survivors include his wife, Elaine, sons, Douglas Gordon (Susan) and Tyler Carpenter, all of Morganton, N.C.; daughter, Stefanie Gordon, of Durham, N.C., and son, Jonathon Gordon, ; a brother, Lee Gordon (Joyce), and a sister, Carolyn Carland (Wayne), each of Mills River, N.C.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Autism Society of North Carolina and Hospice of Forsyth County, N.C.
Have news for The Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com with a promising lead or tip.
by Amy Henderson
Four Burning Questions: An Unexpected Hendrick Driver Loving Loudon
by Tom Bowles
Voices from the Cheapseats: AJ Allmendinger Sets Record Pace!
by Jeff Meyer
Kenny Wallace Driver Diary: A Big Trophy and Playoff Time!
as told to Amy Henderson
The End of the Eury Era at JR Motorsports
by Bryan Davis Keith
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COME JOIN THE FRONTSTRETCH FAMILY!
Hey Frontstretch Readers! Are you looking for a fast-growing website that can give you an opportunity to not only share your thoughts on racing, but have FUN doing it with a group of laid-back, dedicated personnel? Well, we have the place for you. Frontstretch is actively seeking 1-3 additional writers for both our newsletter and website to add to our dedicated staff. Follow this link for more information on how you can become a weekly columnist for the site and / or newsletter!
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In Case You Missed It
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Dakoda Armstrong, John King Return to Truck Series
After being sidelined thanks to sponsorship woes, rookies Dakoda Armstrong and John King will return to the Camping World Truck Series this weekend. Daytona winner John King joins Wauters Motorsports in their first race since Aric Almirola posted a fifth-place finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway and will pilot the No. 5 Ford.
"I'm really looking forward to being back at the race track after a bit of a rollercoaster season since winning at Daytona in February," King said. "Richie Wauters is a veteran crew chief with the most sought after equipment and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to drive for him and Ford. Racing is what I love to do, and I'm hoping to give Richie and the guys on the Wauters Motorsports team a solid finish in Kentucky."
In five races, King boasted his victory at Daytona plus one more top 10--a ninth at Martinsville; he also suffered DNFs at Rockingham and Charlotte before being released.
Meanwhile, Dakoda Armstrong, who was released from his No. 98 ThorSport Toyota following Atlanta, has joined forces with Turner Motorsports and will pilot a fourth truck, joining James Buescher, Miguel Paludo and Nelson Piquet, Jr. The 21-year-old is set to run the No. 4 Mudd Advertising Chevrolet tonight.
"I am excited that we have the opportunity to run for Turner in their (No.) 4 machine. They are a great team that always had good results. Every track we go to, week in and week out, Turner is competitive," Armstrong said. "I am glad that I am able to step into one of their trucks for this race. I am so thankful to Mudd Advertising for sponsoring us for this week. Both Turner and Mudd are the reason that I am able to do what I love, and I have to thank them for that."
In 14 starts this year, Armstrong has just one top-10 finish, a third-place run at Michigan last month.
There is no word whether either driver will remain in their respective rides beyond Kentucky as of press time.
Crawford, BRG Team Up For Talladega
Long-time Camping World Truck Series veteran Rick Crawford has teamed up with BRG Motorsports for the Fred's 250 Powered by Coca-Cola at Talladega Superspeedway October 6th. The current schedule has Crawford piloting the No. 20 Toyota at Talladega and in the 2013 season opener at Daytona with the possibility of two additional races this year. In 335 career starts, Crawford has five victories, 75 top 5s and 160 top-10 finishes. He's run just four races this year and has a best finish of 11th at Chicagoland last weekend.
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Got NASCAR-related questions or comments?
Send them Summer Bedgood's way at summer.bedgood@frontstretch.com; and, if you're lucky, you'll get your name in print when she does her weekly column answering back to you – the fans that keep Frontstretch afloat. Frontstretch Fan Q & A will run on Thursdays with a whole new set of Fan Questions and Answers!
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Keepin' It Short: Bring the Dirt to the Asphalt in Michigan
by Mike Neff
It isn't the first time it has been tried. In fact, there are some tracks that have gone back and forth during their lifetimes. However, for the first time since it was paved in 1966, Berlin Raceway in Southwestern Michigan is going to host a dirt race on the 7/16ths-mile oval. Some 300 truckloads of dirt have been dumped on the surface and painstakingly massaged into a racing oval for the World of Outlaws Late Models. The race is going to be quite a test for man and crew chief. A virgin racing surface where none of the World of Outlaws drivers have raced on dirt before is going to put a premium on tire selection and car setup knowledge.
The driver who is able to decipher the track conditions best before the green flag drops, and then adapt their driving style to maximize their pre-race choices will most likely be standing in Victory Lane with the big, fake $20,000 check. Several drivers have stopped by the track to check out the surface but there hasn't been any practice on it, so the driver who makes the best decisions will have the chance to win in his hands.
There are going to be many home state entries at Berlin this weekend, highlighted by Jeep VanWormer. VanWormer is the only Michigan native to have ever won a World of Outlaws Late Model race. While he is from the state, he grew up on the other side of the state and has never seen a race at the Marne, MI track. VanWormer will be joined by fellow Michiganders Ryan VanderVeen, Brian Ruhlman, Curtis Roberts, Brandon Thirlby, J.R. Hotovy, Alan Vochaska, Dona Maroullier, Eric Spangler, Rich Neiser, Adam Thrush, Zack Olger and the Ausras, Phil and Doug.
Darrell Lanigan has unquestionably been the most dominant driver on the WoO trail this year and a win in this race would push his already spectacular season to unprecedented heights. A victory would give him three 100-lap feature wins and 15 A-main triumphs in 2012. Lanigan has won a WoO feature race in Michigan before, taking the 2011 Late Model event at Hartford Motor Speedway. Joining Lanigan as WoO winners in Michigan are Rick Eckert, Chub Frank and Clint Smith.
Not only will the WoO regulars be tearing up the fresh dirt at Berlin but so will several well known interlopers. Billy Moyer, Dennis Erb, Jr., Brandon Sheppard and Mike Spatola just to name a few are making the trek to Marne to participate in this historic event which is the richest dirt race in Michigan history.
Berlin president Mike Bursley is confident the dirt Late Models are going to lay down some blistering laps on the fresh track. "I feel these guys are gonna haul around here," Bursley told DirtonDirt. "I really do feel they're gonna be faster."
Drivers spent a few hours practicing Thursday night, and the action will be hot and heavy on Friday evening. Time trials and heat races will highlight the evening along with UMP Modifieds racing for $2,000. Saturday will see the feature Down and Dirty 100 along with another $2,000 to win UMP modified show and a Street Stock feature.
Gates will open at 3:00 both afternoons with racing starting at 7:00. Racing is not allowed on Sunday so, should weather force postponement, it will be run on Monday night. Tickets are $20 for adults on Friday and $30 for Saturday. Two-day passes are $45. Kids are $7 on Friday, $10 on Saturday and $15 for both nights. If you want to see something that has never happened before, head out to Berlin Raceway on Saturday night and see the dirt fly.
Whelen All-American National Champion is Lee Pulliam
Just over a year ago a National Championship was the furthest thing from Lee Pulliam's mind. He'd just won the biggest asphalt Late Model race in the country and then was suspended for a post race altercation with Philip Morris at South Boston. Pulliam didn't know how long the suspension was going to last, but he knew there was a chance he'd never race in NASCAR again. Fortunately for Pulliam he was reinstated May 1st and he immediately went on a tear with his new attitude and a race car that had been itching to take to the tracks in the Southeast again. Five months later and, as the checkered flag fell on the second Late Model feature at Motor Mile Speedway Saturday night, Pulliam notched his 22nd win of the season and put the bow on his magical comeback season.
Pulliam scored 794 points in his 18 best races, coming up 16 points shy of a perfect score. He beat Keith Rocco, who was the first loser for the second year in a row, by 46 points. C.E. Falk, III finished 66 points back for another top-5 finish in the national points. Nate Monteith ended the season in fourth place with 726 points, two better than fifth place Ryan Preece.
Five of the top 10 point finishers, who are all now locked into the UNOH Battle at the Beach in February of 2013, are from the Southeast while four are from the Northeast. Adam Royle, the ninth place finisher, is the only driver from west of the Mississippi. Royle, Tim Brown and Duane Howard are the only drivers in the top 10 who scored points at just one track this season.
The Whelen All-American Awards Banquet will be held in Charlotte the first week of December.
Position Name Races Wins Top 5s Top 10s Total Points
1. Lee Pulliam 36 22 30 32 794
2. Keith Rocco 43 14 26 32 748
3. C.E. Falk, III 30 16 25 27 728
4. Nate Monteith 33 10 23 27 726
5. Ryan Preece 48 14 33 40 724
6. Ted Christopher 48 7 40 43 716
7. Duane Howard 19 9 16 19 713
8. Deac McCaskill 30 18 27 29 706
9. Adam Royle 18 7 16 18 685
10. Tim Brown 24 8 13 18 672
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
The ASA National Title hunt runs through the end of the month and more and more tracks are wrapping up their season, determining who is eligible for the National Title. One requirement for the ASA title is that a driver has to win a track championship in order to be eligible for the championship. Shelby Stroebel has been crowned champ at Meridian Speedway after completing a perfect season, winning every ASA Modified race held at the Idaho race track this season, after taking the last two of last year. Lance Gatlin, Mark Eswein, Dennis Queen and Michael Hale have all thrown their hats in the ring as eligible drivers for the title after winning their track titles for 2012.
Dustin Rumley, Mike Slone and Kyle Borden are all poised to secure their track championships this weekend, although anything can happen in racing.
West Region Standings
Position Name Average
1. Shelby Stroebel 5.0763
2. Matt Wallace 4.1862
3. Mike Slone 4.0874
4. Roger Wilson 4.0036
5. Mark Ith, Jr. 3.8689
East Region Standings
Position Name Average
1. Lance Gatlin 4.6725
2. Dustin Rumley 4.2593
3. Ryan Stiltner 4.1531
4. Dennis Queen 3.9873
5. Barry Beggarly 3.9513
Throughout the season, drivers competing in the premiere divisions at eligible ASA Member Tracks are in the running for the 2012 ASA Member Track National Championship. In order to have a chance for the national title, a driver must first win their 2012 track championship.
Speednetdirect.com, for the fifth year in a row, will tabulate the National Championship standings. Using a proprietary formula that creates an average based on wins, finishing positions, number of cars passed, car counts and events. The driver who wins their track championship and has the highest average over the other ASA Member Track champions will win the 2012 ASA Member Track National Championship. Full standings are available at www.speednetdirect.com. Click on the ASA Member Track logo at the top of the page.
Weekend's Racing Schedule
Fri : Sept 21st – Five Flags Speedway ; Pensacola : FL – Blizzard Series Super Late Models
Fri : Sept 21st – Orlando Speedworld ; Orlando : FL – Pro Late Models
Fri : Sept 21st – Brownstown Speedway ; Brownstown : IN – 33rd Annual Jackson 100 Lucas Oil Late Models
Fri : Sept 21st – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – Cornbelt Clash Late Models
Fri : Sept 21st – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – USMTS Hunt for the Casey's Cup Modifieds
Fri : Sept 21st – Magnolia Motor Speedway ; Columbus : MS – 23rd Magnolia State 100 Super Late Models Qualifying and Heats
Fri : Sept 21st – Valley Speedway ; Grain Valley : MO – United Late Model Association Late Models
Fri : Sept 21st – Eldora Speedway ; Rossburg : OH – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Fri : Sept 21st – Thunderbird Speedway ; Muskogee : OK – Comp Cams Super Late Models
Fri : Sept 21st – 411 Motor Speedway ; Seymour : TN – Southern All Star Dirt Super Late Models
Fri : Sept 21st – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : Sept 21st – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : Sept 21st – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Stock
Fri : Sept 21st – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Street Stock
Sat : Sept 22nd – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Miller Lite Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Modifieds
Sat : Sept 22nd – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – 305 Winged Sprints
Sat : Sept 22nd – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – 360 Winged Sprints
Sat : Sept 22nd – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Modifieds
Sat : Sept 22nd – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Race #5 Coors Light Open Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Sport Modifieds
Sat : Sept 22nd – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Hobby Stocks
Sat : Sept 22nd – Placerville Speedway ; Placerville : CA – Tribute to Al Hinds Race Civil War California Civil War Series Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 22nd – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – Open Wheel Modifieds
Sat : Sept 22nd – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – Sportsman
Sat : Sept 22nd – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Modifieds
Sat : Sept 22nd – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Sportsman
Sat : Sept 22nd – Watermelon Capital Speedway ; Cordele : GA – Super Streets
Sat : Sept 22nd – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – Brownstown Speedway ; Brownstown : IN – 33rd Annual Jackson 100 Lucas Oil Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Stocks Figure 8
Sat : Sept 22nd – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets Track and Field Championship
Sat : Sept 22nd – Davenport Speedway ; Davenport : IA – Deery Brothers Summer Series IMCA Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – Cornbelt Clash Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Brighthouse Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – New Senoia Raceway ; Senoia : GA – Season Championship Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – Waycross Motor Speedway ; Waycross : GA – Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Sportsman
Sat : Sept 22nd – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Pure Street
Sat : Sept 22nd – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Mini Stock
Sat : Sept 22nd – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Outlaw Mini Cup
Sat : Sept 22nd – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – USMTS Hunt for the Casey's Cup Modifieds
Sat : Sept 22nd – Magnolia Motor Speedway ; Columbus : MS – 23rd Magnolia State 100 Super Late Models Qualifying and Heats
Sat : Sept 22nd – New Hampshire Motor Speedway ; Loudon : NH – ACT Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – New Hampshire Motor Speedway ; Loudon : NH – NASCAR K&N Pro East Series
Sat : Sept 22nd – New Hampshire Motor Speedway ; Loudon : NH – NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour
Sat : Sept 22nd – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – PASS South
Sat : Sept 22nd – Orange County Speedway ; Rougemon : NC – Southeast Limited Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – Eldora Speedway ; Rossburg : OH – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 22nd – Eldora Speedway ; Rossburg : OH – USAC MOPAR National Midgets
Sat : Sept 22nd – Eldora Speedway ; Rossburg : OH – USAC Silver Crown
Sat : Sept 22nd – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Modifieds
Sat : Sept 22nd – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Street Stocks
Sat : Sept 22nd – Sandusky Speedway ; Sandusky : OH – Main Event Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – Thunderbird Speedway ; Muskogee : OK – Comp Cams Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – Kawartha Speedway ; Fraserville : Ontario – NASCAR Canadian Tire Series
Sat : Sept 22nd – Lernerville Speedway ; Sarver : PA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 22nd – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – Annual Kenny Weld/Hilly Rife Memorial 410 Sprints
Sat : Sept 22nd – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – Thundercars
Sat : Sept 22nd – Mahoning Valley Speedway ; Lehighton : PA – 4c Super Modifieds
Sat : Sept 22nd – Smoky Mountain Speedway ; Maryville : TN – Southern All Star Dirt Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – CARS Pro Cup Series
Sun : Sept 23rd – Shangri La II Speedway ; Tioga Center : NY – Race of Champions Modifieds
Sun : Sept 23rd – Sandusky Speedway ; Sandusky : OH – Main Event Super Late Models
Sun : Sept 23rd – Sunset Speedway ; Innisfil : Ontario – OSCAAR Super Late Models
Sun : Sept 23rd – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Sport Modifieds
Sun : Sept 23rd – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Late Models
Sun : Sept 23rd – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Factory Stocks
Wed : Sept 26th – Millbridge Speedway ; Salisbury : NC – Mini Outlaws
Thu : Sept 27th – Knoxville Raceway ; Knoxville : IA – 9th Annual Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com. Follow him on Twitter @MNeffShortTrack.
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Frontstretch Folio: Sylvania 300
by Rick Lunkenheimer
The Sprint Cup Series heads off to New Hampshire Motor Speedway this weekend for the second Chase race. The Sylvania 300 will be broadcast live at 1:00 PM ET on ESPN; the race can also be heard on your local MRN affiliate or SiriusXM channel 90. Drivers will compete for 300 laps (317.4 miles) en route to the checkered flag.
Records and Facts
Ryan Newman holds the track qualifying record in his No. 39 Chevrolet at 135.232 mph (28.165 sec) set on July 15, 2011 for the LENOX Industrial Tools 301. Newman went on to lead 119 laps en route to his only victory for the 2011 season.
Jeff Burton holds the race record of 117.134 mph (2:42:35) while running the 1997 Jiffy Lube 300. Burton led 99 laps on the way to victory lane for his second of three wins during the 1997 season. Ironically he also holds the record for most wins at the track with four.
Tony Stewart is the defending winner of the Sylvania 300. He led just two laps en route to his second of five wins during the 2011 Chase. Brad Keselowski, Greg Biffle, Jeff Gordon and Brian Vickers rounded out the top 5.
Track Facts
Track Length / Race Length: 1.058-mile oval / 300 laps (317.4 miles)
Degree of Banking: Turns variable 7-9 degrees
Frontstretch: Length: 1,500 feet; banked one degree
Backstretch: Length: 1,500 feet; banked one degree
Grandstand Seating: 95,491
Pre-Race Schedule
Practices: Friday, September 21, 12:00 - 1:00 PM ET on SPEED
Saturday, September 22, 9:15 - 10:15 AM ET (not televised)
Happy Hour: Saturday, September 22, 11:00 - 11:55 AM ET on SPEED
Qualifying: Friday, September 21 at 3:40 PM ET on SPEED (tape delayed at 10:00 PM ET)
Say What?!?
I'm excited to get back into the No. 10 Chevrolet. We had an engine issue in July about midway through the race. We struggles a little with handlin, so looking forward tot his weekend to see what improvements have been made since July. Tommy (Baldwin, Jr., Team Owner) has always been good at this track and it's his home track, so it is definitely a place he is very familiar with. Our team has donw well at short tracks, and with one race under our belt, I'm eager to see what we can do this weekend." David Reutimann
"We need to instill some fire into our team after mediocre outings the past two weeks. When you qualify in the top 10, you expect to bring home better finishes than what we had in Richmond and Chicago. Things just didn't go our way, but we know that New Hampshire can be a turnaround weekend for our Furniture Row / Farm American Chevrolet. I always like going to New Hampshire. This is a type of race track where most of us cut our teeth on. We had a pretty good run at New Hampshire last year with a top-10 finish. If you can compete alongside of the Chase contenders that gives everyone a big lift. We can do that, but we need to have a clean race in New Hampshire." Regan Smith
"I used to say New Hampshire was my least favorite race track, but it's far from that now. It's still not my favorite race track, but I really look forward to going back there each year. New Hampshire has always been a good place for me. I'm not 100 percent sure why. It's the place I got my first win and, when I hadn't won in a long while, 70-some races, I won again there. Last July, we were able to qualify and finish 1-2 at Stewart-Haas. I like the track because I think you have to feel the tires and be on the edge.New Hampshire kind of drives like that kind of track where your car is on top of the racetrack and you get everything you can. There is nothing to really make it go any faster. It's not like you are pushing the car on the banking to make it grip better. There's none of that really to speak of here, I think, other than just a little bit of our past, a little bit of our time, and a little bit of us as far as the way we drive racecars." Ryan Newman
Rick Lunkenheimer is a contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at rick.lunkenheimer@frontstrech.com. Follow him on Twitter @FrntstretchRick.
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Fantasy Friday: Sylvania 300
by Jeff Wolfe
After Week One of the Chase, we're off to New Hampshire for Week two. So, just as Tony Stewart started last year's Chase with two straight victories on the way to the title, the question will now be if Brad Keselowski can do the same thing. The only two times that drivers have won the first two races of the Chase were in 2004, by Kurt Busch, and Stewart last year. Busch and Stewart each won the Chase in those years.
Top 5 Picks
1) Jimmie Johnson - He finished second at Chicagoland while dominating much of the race. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him dominate and win in Loudon, where he has three victories.
2) Tony Stewart - He has three wins and 10 top 5s here, so this is an easy pick.
3) Clint Bowyer - If he wants to be considered a serious contender for the title, this is one of the places he needs to win at. He has two victories and three top 5s in 13 races at Loudon.
4) Denny Hamlin - He had been running so well before Chicagoland, which has never been a great track for him. Hamlin, one of the favorites coming into the Chase, needs a win to get all the way back to the front here. He has a win and six top-5 finishes in 13 races at New Hampshire.
5) Ryan Newman - He's not a Chaser but he's usually a factor in the outcome at New Hampshire. In the last five races there he has a win and three top-10 finishes.
Shoulda, woulda, coulda - A couple of guys I like, but couldn't pick were Jeff Gordon and Kasey Kahne. Gordon has an average finish of 6.2 in the last five races there, but no wins. Kahne also has a win there and is a dangerous, too.
ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP
Here's a look at how last week's picks fared in Week 1 of the Chase at Chicagoland.
Tony Stewart - 6th. He had a pretty good day considering he started back in 28th.
Denny Hamlin - 16th. He was set to finish ninth before running out of gas on the last lap. That could be some crucial points lost later in the Chase.
Jimmie Johnson - 2nd. Continued to be a driver who can dominate much of the race, leading 202 laps this time, but not win at Chicagoland.
Jeff Gordon - 35th. He was running fourth when his throttle stuck and stuck him into the wall.
Kevin Harvick - 12th. Not a bad finish, but was never really a factor on track that he has generally been good at. So one has to wonder if he will be a factor at all during the Chase.
Season Stats
135 Predictions
14 Wins
43 Top 5s
60 Top 10s
Grade for the week: C. Johnson could have easily won this race, but as he said, Keselowski was just better at the end. Gordon may have been a contender too had he not found the wall. No matter, we need winners here. That's what matters in the Chase.
One last thing: Seven drivers have 10 or more top-5 finishes this season, and they are each in the Chase, led by Jimmie Johnson's 13. Kevin Harvick has the least amount of top-5 results among Chase drivers this season with four.
Jeff Wolfe is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at jeff.wolfe@frontstretch.com.
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In Case You Missed It
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Dakoda Armstrong, John King Return to Truck Series
After being sidelined thanks to sponsorship woes, rookies Dakoda Armstrong and John King will return to the Camping World Truck Series this weekend. Daytona winner John King joins Wauters Motorsports in their first race since Aric Almirola posted a fifth-place finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway and will pilot the No. 5 Ford.
"I'm really looking forward to being back at the race track after a bit of a rollercoaster season since winning at Daytona in February," King said. "Richie Wauters is a veteran crew chief with the most sought after equipment and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to drive for him and Ford. Racing is what I love to do, and I'm hoping to give Richie and the guys on the Wauters Motorsports team a solid finish in Kentucky."
In five races, King boasted his victory at Daytona plus one more top 10--a ninth at Martinsville; he also suffered DNFs at Rockingham and Charlotte before being released.
Meanwhile, Dakoda Armstrong, who was released from his No. 98 ThorSport Toyota following Atlanta, has joined forces with Turner Motorsports and will pilot a fourth truck, joining James Buescher, Miguel Paludo and Nelson Piquet, Jr. The 21-year-old is set to run the No. 4 Mudd Advertising Chevrolet tonight.
"I am excited that we have the opportunity to run for Turner in their (No.) 4 machine. They are a great team that always had good results. Every track we go to, week in and week out, Turner is competitive," Armstrong said. "I am glad that I am able to step into one of their trucks for this race. I am so thankful to Mudd Advertising for sponsoring us for this week. Both Turner and Mudd are the reason that I am able to do what I love, and I have to thank them for that."
In 14 starts this year, Armstrong has just one top-10 finish, a third-place run at Michigan last month.
There is no word whether either driver will remain in their respective rides beyond Kentucky as of press time.
Crawford, BRG Team Up For Talladega
Long-time Camping World Truck Series veteran Rick Crawford has teamed up with BRG Motorsports for the Fred's 250 Powered by Coca-Cola at Talladega Superspeedway October 6th. The current schedule has Crawford piloting the No. 20 Toyota at Talladega and in the 2013 season opener at Daytona with the possibility of two additional races this year. In 335 career starts, Crawford has five victories, 75 top 5s and 160 top-10 finishes. He's run just four races this year and has a best finish of 11th at Chicagoland last weekend.
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Got NASCAR-related questions or comments?
Send them Summer Bedgood's way at summer.bedgood@frontstretch.com; and, if you're lucky, you'll get your name in print when she does her weekly column answering back to you – the fans that keep Frontstretch afloat. Frontstretch Fan Q & A will run on Thursdays with a whole new set of Fan Questions and Answers!
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Keepin' It Short: Bring the Dirt to the Asphalt in Michigan
by Mike Neff
It isn't the first time it has been tried. In fact, there are some tracks that have gone back and forth during their lifetimes. However, for the first time since it was paved in 1966, Berlin Raceway in Southwestern Michigan is going to host a dirt race on the 7/16ths-mile oval. Some 300 truckloads of dirt have been dumped on the surface and painstakingly massaged into a racing oval for the World of Outlaws Late Models. The race is going to be quite a test for man and crew chief. A virgin racing surface where none of the World of Outlaws drivers have raced on dirt before is going to put a premium on tire selection and car setup knowledge.
The driver who is able to decipher the track conditions best before the green flag drops, and then adapt their driving style to maximize their pre-race choices will most likely be standing in Victory Lane with the big, fake $20,000 check. Several drivers have stopped by the track to check out the surface but there hasn't been any practice on it, so the driver who makes the best decisions will have the chance to win in his hands.
There are going to be many home state entries at Berlin this weekend, highlighted by Jeep VanWormer. VanWormer is the only Michigan native to have ever won a World of Outlaws Late Model race. While he is from the state, he grew up on the other side of the state and has never seen a race at the Marne, MI track. VanWormer will be joined by fellow Michiganders Ryan VanderVeen, Brian Ruhlman, Curtis Roberts, Brandon Thirlby, J.R. Hotovy, Alan Vochaska, Dona Maroullier, Eric Spangler, Rich Neiser, Adam Thrush, Zack Olger and the Ausras, Phil and Doug.
Darrell Lanigan has unquestionably been the most dominant driver on the WoO trail this year and a win in this race would push his already spectacular season to unprecedented heights. A victory would give him three 100-lap feature wins and 15 A-main triumphs in 2012. Lanigan has won a WoO feature race in Michigan before, taking the 2011 Late Model event at Hartford Motor Speedway. Joining Lanigan as WoO winners in Michigan are Rick Eckert, Chub Frank and Clint Smith.
Not only will the WoO regulars be tearing up the fresh dirt at Berlin but so will several well known interlopers. Billy Moyer, Dennis Erb, Jr., Brandon Sheppard and Mike Spatola just to name a few are making the trek to Marne to participate in this historic event which is the richest dirt race in Michigan history.
Berlin president Mike Bursley is confident the dirt Late Models are going to lay down some blistering laps on the fresh track. "I feel these guys are gonna haul around here," Bursley told DirtonDirt. "I really do feel they're gonna be faster."
Drivers spent a few hours practicing Thursday night, and the action will be hot and heavy on Friday evening. Time trials and heat races will highlight the evening along with UMP Modifieds racing for $2,000. Saturday will see the feature Down and Dirty 100 along with another $2,000 to win UMP modified show and a Street Stock feature.
Gates will open at 3:00 both afternoons with racing starting at 7:00. Racing is not allowed on Sunday so, should weather force postponement, it will be run on Monday night. Tickets are $20 for adults on Friday and $30 for Saturday. Two-day passes are $45. Kids are $7 on Friday, $10 on Saturday and $15 for both nights. If you want to see something that has never happened before, head out to Berlin Raceway on Saturday night and see the dirt fly.
Whelen All-American National Champion is Lee Pulliam
Just over a year ago a National Championship was the furthest thing from Lee Pulliam's mind. He'd just won the biggest asphalt Late Model race in the country and then was suspended for a post race altercation with Philip Morris at South Boston. Pulliam didn't know how long the suspension was going to last, but he knew there was a chance he'd never race in NASCAR again. Fortunately for Pulliam he was reinstated May 1st and he immediately went on a tear with his new attitude and a race car that had been itching to take to the tracks in the Southeast again. Five months later and, as the checkered flag fell on the second Late Model feature at Motor Mile Speedway Saturday night, Pulliam notched his 22nd win of the season and put the bow on his magical comeback season.
Pulliam scored 794 points in his 18 best races, coming up 16 points shy of a perfect score. He beat Keith Rocco, who was the first loser for the second year in a row, by 46 points. C.E. Falk, III finished 66 points back for another top-5 finish in the national points. Nate Monteith ended the season in fourth place with 726 points, two better than fifth place Ryan Preece.
Five of the top 10 point finishers, who are all now locked into the UNOH Battle at the Beach in February of 2013, are from the Southeast while four are from the Northeast. Adam Royle, the ninth place finisher, is the only driver from west of the Mississippi. Royle, Tim Brown and Duane Howard are the only drivers in the top 10 who scored points at just one track this season.
The Whelen All-American Awards Banquet will be held in Charlotte the first week of December.
Position Name Races Wins Top 5s Top 10s Total Points
1. Lee Pulliam 36 22 30 32 794
2. Keith Rocco 43 14 26 32 748
3. C.E. Falk, III 30 16 25 27 728
4. Nate Monteith 33 10 23 27 726
5. Ryan Preece 48 14 33 40 724
6. Ted Christopher 48 7 40 43 716
7. Duane Howard 19 9 16 19 713
8. Deac McCaskill 30 18 27 29 706
9. Adam Royle 18 7 16 18 685
10. Tim Brown 24 8 13 18 672
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
The ASA National Title hunt runs through the end of the month and more and more tracks are wrapping up their season, determining who is eligible for the National Title. One requirement for the ASA title is that a driver has to win a track championship in order to be eligible for the championship. Shelby Stroebel has been crowned champ at Meridian Speedway after completing a perfect season, winning every ASA Modified race held at the Idaho race track this season, after taking the last two of last year. Lance Gatlin, Mark Eswein, Dennis Queen and Michael Hale have all thrown their hats in the ring as eligible drivers for the title after winning their track titles for 2012.
Dustin Rumley, Mike Slone and Kyle Borden are all poised to secure their track championships this weekend, although anything can happen in racing.
West Region Standings
Position Name Average
1. Shelby Stroebel 5.0763
2. Matt Wallace 4.1862
3. Mike Slone 4.0874
4. Roger Wilson 4.0036
5. Mark Ith, Jr. 3.8689
East Region Standings
Position Name Average
1. Lance Gatlin 4.6725
2. Dustin Rumley 4.2593
3. Ryan Stiltner 4.1531
4. Dennis Queen 3.9873
5. Barry Beggarly 3.9513
Throughout the season, drivers competing in the premiere divisions at eligible ASA Member Tracks are in the running for the 2012 ASA Member Track National Championship. In order to have a chance for the national title, a driver must first win their 2012 track championship.
Speednetdirect.com, for the fifth year in a row, will tabulate the National Championship standings. Using a proprietary formula that creates an average based on wins, finishing positions, number of cars passed, car counts and events. The driver who wins their track championship and has the highest average over the other ASA Member Track champions will win the 2012 ASA Member Track National Championship. Full standings are available at www.speednetdirect.com. Click on the ASA Member Track logo at the top of the page.
Weekend's Racing Schedule
Fri : Sept 21st – Five Flags Speedway ; Pensacola : FL – Blizzard Series Super Late Models
Fri : Sept 21st – Orlando Speedworld ; Orlando : FL – Pro Late Models
Fri : Sept 21st – Brownstown Speedway ; Brownstown : IN – 33rd Annual Jackson 100 Lucas Oil Late Models
Fri : Sept 21st – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – Cornbelt Clash Late Models
Fri : Sept 21st – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – USMTS Hunt for the Casey's Cup Modifieds
Fri : Sept 21st – Magnolia Motor Speedway ; Columbus : MS – 23rd Magnolia State 100 Super Late Models Qualifying and Heats
Fri : Sept 21st – Valley Speedway ; Grain Valley : MO – United Late Model Association Late Models
Fri : Sept 21st – Eldora Speedway ; Rossburg : OH – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Fri : Sept 21st – Thunderbird Speedway ; Muskogee : OK – Comp Cams Super Late Models
Fri : Sept 21st – 411 Motor Speedway ; Seymour : TN – Southern All Star Dirt Super Late Models
Fri : Sept 21st – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : Sept 21st – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : Sept 21st – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Stock
Fri : Sept 21st – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Street Stock
Sat : Sept 22nd – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Miller Lite Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Modifieds
Sat : Sept 22nd – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – 305 Winged Sprints
Sat : Sept 22nd – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – 360 Winged Sprints
Sat : Sept 22nd – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Modifieds
Sat : Sept 22nd – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Race #5 Coors Light Open Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Sport Modifieds
Sat : Sept 22nd – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Hobby Stocks
Sat : Sept 22nd – Placerville Speedway ; Placerville : CA – Tribute to Al Hinds Race Civil War California Civil War Series Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 22nd – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – Open Wheel Modifieds
Sat : Sept 22nd – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – Sportsman
Sat : Sept 22nd – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Modifieds
Sat : Sept 22nd – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Sportsman
Sat : Sept 22nd – Watermelon Capital Speedway ; Cordele : GA – Super Streets
Sat : Sept 22nd – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – Brownstown Speedway ; Brownstown : IN – 33rd Annual Jackson 100 Lucas Oil Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Stocks Figure 8
Sat : Sept 22nd – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets Track and Field Championship
Sat : Sept 22nd – Davenport Speedway ; Davenport : IA – Deery Brothers Summer Series IMCA Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – Independence Motor Speedway ; Independence : IA – Cornbelt Clash Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Brighthouse Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – New Senoia Raceway ; Senoia : GA – Season Championship Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – Waycross Motor Speedway ; Waycross : GA – Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Sportsman
Sat : Sept 22nd – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Pure Street
Sat : Sept 22nd – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Mini Stock
Sat : Sept 22nd – Corbin Speedway ; Corbin : KY – Outlaw Mini Cup
Sat : Sept 22nd – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – USMTS Hunt for the Casey's Cup Modifieds
Sat : Sept 22nd – Magnolia Motor Speedway ; Columbus : MS – 23rd Magnolia State 100 Super Late Models Qualifying and Heats
Sat : Sept 22nd – New Hampshire Motor Speedway ; Loudon : NH – ACT Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – New Hampshire Motor Speedway ; Loudon : NH – NASCAR K&N Pro East Series
Sat : Sept 22nd – New Hampshire Motor Speedway ; Loudon : NH – NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour
Sat : Sept 22nd – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – PASS South
Sat : Sept 22nd – Orange County Speedway ; Rougemon : NC – Southeast Limited Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – Eldora Speedway ; Rossburg : OH – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 22nd – Eldora Speedway ; Rossburg : OH – USAC MOPAR National Midgets
Sat : Sept 22nd – Eldora Speedway ; Rossburg : OH – USAC Silver Crown
Sat : Sept 22nd – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Modifieds
Sat : Sept 22nd – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Street Stocks
Sat : Sept 22nd – Sandusky Speedway ; Sandusky : OH – Main Event Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – Thunderbird Speedway ; Muskogee : OK – Comp Cams Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – Kawartha Speedway ; Fraserville : Ontario – NASCAR Canadian Tire Series
Sat : Sept 22nd – Lernerville Speedway ; Sarver : PA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 22nd – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – Annual Kenny Weld/Hilly Rife Memorial 410 Sprints
Sat : Sept 22nd – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – Thundercars
Sat : Sept 22nd – Mahoning Valley Speedway ; Lehighton : PA – 4c Super Modifieds
Sat : Sept 22nd – Smoky Mountain Speedway ; Maryville : TN – Southern All Star Dirt Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 22nd – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – CARS Pro Cup Series
Sun : Sept 23rd – Shangri La II Speedway ; Tioga Center : NY – Race of Champions Modifieds
Sun : Sept 23rd – Sandusky Speedway ; Sandusky : OH – Main Event Super Late Models
Sun : Sept 23rd – Sunset Speedway ; Innisfil : Ontario – OSCAAR Super Late Models
Sun : Sept 23rd – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Sport Modifieds
Sun : Sept 23rd – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Late Models
Sun : Sept 23rd – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Factory Stocks
Wed : Sept 26th – Millbridge Speedway ; Salisbury : NC – Mini Outlaws
Thu : Sept 27th – Knoxville Raceway ; Knoxville : IA – 9th Annual Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com. Follow him on Twitter @MNeffShortTrack.
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COME JOIN THE FRONTSTRETCH FAMILY!
Hey Frontstretch Readers,
We are looking for someone who shares our enthusiasm for NASCAR and has an experienced background in web design. Specifically, we are looking for someone who can help maintain and enhance our website, increase our SEO, and upgrade our publishing platform while producing a limited amount of content throughout the season. This job presents a perfect opportunity for someone with a technical background, a person who wants their work to gain national exposure.
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Frontstretch Folio: Sylvania 300
by Rick Lunkenheimer
The Sprint Cup Series heads off to New Hampshire Motor Speedway this weekend for the second Chase race. The Sylvania 300 will be broadcast live at 1:00 PM ET on ESPN; the race can also be heard on your local MRN affiliate or SiriusXM channel 90. Drivers will compete for 300 laps (317.4 miles) en route to the checkered flag.
Records and Facts
Ryan Newman holds the track qualifying record in his No. 39 Chevrolet at 135.232 mph (28.165 sec) set on July 15, 2011 for the LENOX Industrial Tools 301. Newman went on to lead 119 laps en route to his only victory for the 2011 season.
Jeff Burton holds the race record of 117.134 mph (2:42:35) while running the 1997 Jiffy Lube 300. Burton led 99 laps on the way to victory lane for his second of three wins during the 1997 season. Ironically he also holds the record for most wins at the track with four.
Tony Stewart is the defending winner of the Sylvania 300. He led just two laps en route to his second of five wins during the 2011 Chase. Brad Keselowski, Greg Biffle, Jeff Gordon and Brian Vickers rounded out the top 5.
Track Facts
Track Length / Race Length: 1.058-mile oval / 300 laps (317.4 miles)
Degree of Banking: Turns variable 7-9 degrees
Frontstretch: Length: 1,500 feet; banked one degree
Backstretch: Length: 1,500 feet; banked one degree
Grandstand Seating: 95,491
Pre-Race Schedule
Practices: Friday, September 21, 12:00 - 1:00 PM ET on SPEED
Saturday, September 22, 9:15 - 10:15 AM ET (not televised)
Happy Hour: Saturday, September 22, 11:00 - 11:55 AM ET on SPEED
Qualifying: Friday, September 21 at 3:40 PM ET on SPEED (tape delayed at 10:00 PM ET)
Say What?!?
I'm excited to get back into the No. 10 Chevrolet. We had an engine issue in July about midway through the race. We struggles a little with handlin, so looking forward tot his weekend to see what improvements have been made since July. Tommy (Baldwin, Jr., Team Owner) has always been good at this track and it's his home track, so it is definitely a place he is very familiar with. Our team has donw well at short tracks, and with one race under our belt, I'm eager to see what we can do this weekend." David Reutimann
"We need to instill some fire into our team after mediocre outings the past two weeks. When you qualify in the top 10, you expect to bring home better finishes than what we had in Richmond and Chicago. Things just didn't go our way, but we know that New Hampshire can be a turnaround weekend for our Furniture Row / Farm American Chevrolet. I always like going to New Hampshire. This is a type of race track where most of us cut our teeth on. We had a pretty good run at New Hampshire last year with a top-10 finish. If you can compete alongside of the Chase contenders that gives everyone a big lift. We can do that, but we need to have a clean race in New Hampshire." Regan Smith
"I used to say New Hampshire was my least favorite race track, but it's far from that now. It's still not my favorite race track, but I really look forward to going back there each year. New Hampshire has always been a good place for me. I'm not 100 percent sure why. It's the place I got my first win and, when I hadn't won in a long while, 70-some races, I won again there. Last July, we were able to qualify and finish 1-2 at Stewart-Haas. I like the track because I think you have to feel the tires and be on the edge.New Hampshire kind of drives like that kind of track where your car is on top of the racetrack and you get everything you can. There is nothing to really make it go any faster. It's not like you are pushing the car on the banking to make it grip better. There's none of that really to speak of here, I think, other than just a little bit of our past, a little bit of our time, and a little bit of us as far as the way we drive racecars." Ryan Newman
Rick Lunkenheimer is a contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at rick.lunkenheimer@frontstrech.com. Follow him on Twitter @FrntstretchRick.
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Fantasy Friday: Sylvania 300
by Jeff Wolfe
After Week One of the Chase, we're off to New Hampshire for Week two. So, just as Tony Stewart started last year's Chase with two straight victories on the way to the title, the question will now be if Brad Keselowski can do the same thing. The only two times that drivers have won the first two races of the Chase were in 2004, by Kurt Busch, and Stewart last year. Busch and Stewart each won the Chase in those years.
Top 5 Picks
1) Jimmie Johnson - He finished second at Chicagoland while dominating much of the race. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him dominate and win in Loudon, where he has three victories.
2) Tony Stewart - He has three wins and 10 top 5s here, so this is an easy pick.
3) Clint Bowyer - If he wants to be considered a serious contender for the title, this is one of the places he needs to win at. He has two victories and three top 5s in 13 races at Loudon.
4) Denny Hamlin - He had been running so well before Chicagoland, which has never been a great track for him. Hamlin, one of the favorites coming into the Chase, needs a win to get all the way back to the front here. He has a win and six top-5 finishes in 13 races at New Hampshire.
5) Ryan Newman - He's not a Chaser but he's usually a factor in the outcome at New Hampshire. In the last five races there he has a win and three top-10 finishes.
Shoulda, woulda, coulda - A couple of guys I like, but couldn't pick were Jeff Gordon and Kasey Kahne. Gordon has an average finish of 6.2 in the last five races there, but no wins. Kahne also has a win there and is a dangerous, too.
ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP
Here's a look at how last week's picks fared in Week 1 of the Chase at Chicagoland.
Tony Stewart - 6th. He had a pretty good day considering he started back in 28th.
Denny Hamlin - 16th. He was set to finish ninth before running out of gas on the last lap. That could be some crucial points lost later in the Chase.
Jimmie Johnson - 2nd. Continued to be a driver who can dominate much of the race, leading 202 laps this time, but not win at Chicagoland.
Jeff Gordon - 35th. He was running fourth when his throttle stuck and stuck him into the wall.
Kevin Harvick - 12th. Not a bad finish, but was never really a factor on track that he has generally been good at. So one has to wonder if he will be a factor at all during the Chase.
Season Stats
135 Predictions
14 Wins
43 Top 5s
60 Top 10s
Grade for the week: C. Johnson could have easily won this race, but as he said, Keselowski was just better at the end. Gordon may have been a contender too had he not found the wall. No matter, we need winners here. That's what matters in the Chase.
One last thing: Seven drivers have 10 or more top-5 finishes this season, and they are each in the Chase, led by Jimmie Johnson's 13. Kevin Harvick has the least amount of top-5 results among Chase drivers this season with four.
Jeff Wolfe is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at jeff.wolfe@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.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
by Amy Henderson
Four Burning Questions: An Unexpected Hendrick Driver Loving Loudon
by Tom Bowles
Voices from the Cheapseats: AJ Allmendinger Sets Record Pace!
by Jeff Meyer
Kenny Wallace Driver Diary: A Big Trophy and Playoff Time!
as told to Amy Henderson
The End of the Eury Era at JR Motorsports
by Bryan Davis Keith
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: The 1995 New England 200, the final open-wheel race at then-New Hampshire International Speedway, was won by rookie Andre Ribeiro of Brazil. However, Mexican racer Adrian Fernandez had the complete opposite day, not even completing a half-mile before his day ended. What happened?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: In the 1993 New England 200, Raul Boesel was right up in the battle up front with Nigel Mansell. However, it all went wrong for Boesel while they were negotiating through lapped traffic. What happened?
A: Boesel was running fourth (albeit a lap down) on Lap 122 when he lost it exiting Turn 2 with Mansell underneath. Boesel spun and backed into the wall with his rear wing. The hit didn't necessarily look that hard, but it was enough to put Boesel out of the race. The racing through the lapped traffic, and Boesel's wreck can be seen at the 12:10 mark of this clip.
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:
-- Sylvania 300 Race Recap by Jeff Wolfe
-- Secret Star and Stat of the Race by Tom Bowles
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
Monday on the Frontstretch:
Thinkin' Out Loud: Sylvania 300 by Mike Neff
Mike is back with his overall thoughts about the action from Sunday afternoon's race from New Hampshire.
Bowles' Eye View by Tom Bowles
Tom is back with a commentary about one of the biggest stories leaving the second Chase race from New Hampshire.
Commentayr by TBA
A commentary about the hottest topic leaving New Hampshire.
Big Six: Sylvania 300 by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving the second Chase race at New Hampshire? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing.
Pace Laps: Kentucky / New Hampshire Weekend by the Frontstretch Staff
In our newest column this season, we'll take a look at the biggest stories to keep an eye on in each series after the races at Kentucky and New Hampshire.
Nationwide Series Breakdown: Kentucky 300 by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan has all the post-race analysis you need following Saturday afternoon's Nationwide Series race from Kentucky.
Tracking the Trucks: Kentucky 201 by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth has all the post-race analysis you need following Friday night's Camping World Truck Series race from Kentucky.
-----------------------------
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
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: The 1995 New England 200, the final open-wheel race at then-New Hampshire International Speedway, was won by rookie Andre Ribeiro of Brazil. However, Mexican racer Adrian Fernandez had the complete opposite day, not even completing a half-mile before his day ended. What happened?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: In the 1993 New England 200, Raul Boesel was right up in the battle up front with Nigel Mansell. However, it all went wrong for Boesel while they were negotiating through lapped traffic. What happened?
A: Boesel was running fourth (albeit a lap down) on Lap 122 when he lost it exiting Turn 2 with Mansell underneath. Boesel spun and backed into the wall with his rear wing. The hit didn't necessarily look that hard, but it was enough to put Boesel out of the race. The racing through the lapped traffic, and Boesel's wreck can be seen at the 12:10 mark of this clip.
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!
~~~~~~~~~~
Coming Monday in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Sylvania 300 Race Recap by Jeff Wolfe
-- Secret Star and Stat of the Race by Tom Bowles
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
Monday on the Frontstretch:
Thinkin' Out Loud: Sylvania 300 by Mike Neff
Mike is back with his overall thoughts about the action from Sunday afternoon's race from New Hampshire.
Bowles' Eye View by Tom Bowles
Tom is back with a commentary about one of the biggest stories leaving the second Chase race from New Hampshire.
Commentayr by TBA
A commentary about the hottest topic leaving New Hampshire.
Big Six: Sylvania 300 by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving the second Chase race at New Hampshire? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing.
Pace Laps: Kentucky / New Hampshire Weekend by the Frontstretch Staff
In our newest column this season, we'll take a look at the biggest stories to keep an eye on in each series after the races at Kentucky and New Hampshire.
Nationwide Series Breakdown: Kentucky 300 by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan has all the post-race analysis you need following Saturday afternoon's Nationwide Series race from Kentucky.
Tracking the Trucks: Kentucky 201 by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth has all the post-race analysis you need following Friday night's Camping World Truck Series race from Kentucky.
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