Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
September 26th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CLXCII
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Top News
by Brad Morgan
NASCAR Releases 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Schedule
NASCAR released its 2013 Sprint Cup Schedule on Wednesday, and as predicted, there were few changes. The 36-race schedule will not feature any different tracks next year, and only two races will be run at a different time as Kansas and Talladega swap their fall Chase dates back. Kansas Speedway's repaving project necessitated a later date this year, but in 2013, the 400-mile race will be run on October 6 while the fall 500-miler will be held at Talladega on October 20. The ten Chase tracks remain the same.
There was speculation that Kansas Speedway's April 21 race would become a night race after the track installed lights this summer, but it appears that that will not be the case. The Series has two off-weekends: Easter Weekend (March 29-31) and the weekend between the summer race at new Hampshire and the Brickyard 400 (July 19-21.) The season officially opens with the Daytona 500 on February 24. The non-points Shootout at Daytona will be held on February 16 and the other exhibition event, the Sprint All-Star Race will run on May 18 in Charlotte.
NASCAR has not indicated when the 2013 Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series schedules will be released, but NASCAR recently indicated that negotiations with some tracks are ongoing.
"The new NASCAR Sprint Cup cars for next season have dominated fan conversation for more than a year, and the time is approaching to unleash them on the race track," said Brian France, NASCAR chairman and CEO. "Next year's schedule again will offer a strong mix of challenges for our talented drivers, and we believe fans will continue to enjoy what they've come to expect – the most exciting and competitive racing in the world."
The schedule in its entirety is listed below.
2/16 - Shootout at Daytona International Speedway - FOX
2/17 - Daytona 500 qualifying at Daytona International Speedway - FOX
2/21 - Budweiser Duels at Daytona International Speedway - SPEED
2/24 - Daytona 500 - FOX
3/3 - Phoenix International Raceway - FOX
3/10 - Las Vegas Motor Speedway - FOX
3/17 - Bristol Motor Speedway - FOX
3/24 - Auto Club Speedway - FOX
4/7 - Martinsville Speedway - FOX
4/13 - Texas Motor Speedway - FOX
4/21 - Kansas Speedway - FOX
4/27 - Richmond International Raceway - FOX
5/5 - Talladega Superspeedway - FOX
5/11 - Darlington Raceway - FOX
5/18 - NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway - SPEED
5/26 - Charlotte Motor Speedway - FOX
6/2 - Dover International Speedway - FOX
6/9 - Pocono Raceway - TNT
6/16 - Michigan International Speedway - TNT
6/23 - Sonoma - TNT
6/29 - Kentucky Speedway - TNT
7/6 - Daytona International Speedway - TNT
7/14 - New Hampshire Motor Speedway - TNT
7/28 - Indianapolis Motor Speedway - ESPN
8/4 - Pocono Raceway - ESPN
8/11 - Watkins Glen International - ESPN
8/18 - Michigan International Speedway - ESPN
8/24 - Bristol Motor Speedway - ABC
9/1 - Atlanta Motor Speedway - ESPN
9/7 - Richmond International Raceway - ABC
9/15 - Chicagoland Speedway - ESPN
9/22 - New Hampshire Motor Speedway - ESPN
9/29 - Dover International Speedway - ESPN
10/6 - Kansas Speedway - ESPN
10/12 - Charlotte Motor Speedway - ABC
10/20 - Talladega Superspeedway - ESPN
10/27 - Martinsville Speedway - ESPN
11/3 - Texas Motor Speedway - ESPN
11/10 - Phoenix International Raceway - ESPN
11/17 - Homestead-Miami Speedway - ESPN
Super 8 Sponsoring No. 43 for Dover
Super 8 Worldwide has been named as the official sponsor of the No. 43 Richard Petty Motorsports Ford Fusion for the AAA 400 at Dover International Speedway on Sept. 30. The car will sport the hotel chain's familiar red and yellow colors this weekend.
Driver Aric Almirola and the No. 43 team will have a direct impact on one lucky fan who wins the Super 8 Road Trip Challenge Sweepstakes. Depending on how the team performs during the Chase event, the winner of the March 2012 sweepstakes will win extra money. The September contest winner could receive $250 if the car finishes in the top 10 and $1,000 if the car can get into victory lane.
News Bites
- Sunday's ESPN broadcast of the Sprint Cup Series Sylvania 300 from New Hampshire garnered a 2.6 household rating, averaging 3.5 millon viewers. Viewership suffered a 16 percent decrease from the 3.1 rating in 2011. Meanwhile, the Nationwide Series telecast of the Kentucky 300 on the same network 1.1 househould rating with an average of 1.4 million viewers in the first fall event at the mile-and-a-half oval.
- FIA Race Director and Safety Delegate Charlie Whiting completed his final inspection of the newly build Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas ahead of the scheduled November 18th race date. The inspection, which focuses on safety and technial aspects of the racing surface, was the final step for approval for the event to go on as scheduled. Whiting determined the track to be "a very unique Grand Prix that will provide a lot of overtaking opportunities."
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!
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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Today's Featured Commentary
Beth's Brief
Furniture Row Stands As a Vital Next Step in Busch's Career
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Just days after discussing "a handful of contracts sitting on [his] desk" saying "whoever you want to plug in there--there's more than three," Kurt Busch announced he has signed with Furniture Row Racing to pilot the No. 78 Chevrolet for the 2013 season. He'll replace Regan Smith, who has driven for the organization since 2009, when they ran on a part-time basis before returning to full-time competition beginning in 2010.
"They want to go to the next level, and they are committed to Sprint Cup Racing," Busch told SPEEDTV's Steve Byrnes Monday night on NASCAR Race Hub where he made the announcement. "The family atmosphere Barney (Visser, team owner) talked to me about, right when I first showed up was his most important thing. It was great to talk with other owners this year; different sponsors. So I'm committed to this program--Furniture Row--and I'm excited about it, so 2013 is going to be great."
In a release posted on the team's website, FRR general manager Joe Garone made it clear the organization is just as committed to Busch.
"Though we have made strides as a resourceful single-car Sprint Cup team, we are not where we want to be, which led us to the difficult decision of making a driver change as we move forward," Garone said. "Kurt's exceptional driving talent has the capacity to take a team to another level. We look forward to having Kurt join our Denver-based organization and feel his racing experience will play an important role as we plan ahead to 2013."
Aside from talent and experience, the older Busch brother also brings along with him a tendency to have emotional outbursts on a tough day. In fact, it's that trait that had many speculating he'd never land a top-tier ride in NASCAR again, especially since a YouTube video captured by a fan showed Busch berating veteran ESPN reporter Dr. Jerry Punch in the garage area. The incident ultimately led the 34-year-old and Penske Racing to "mutually agree" to part ways.
Enter Phoenix Racing, an organization who had scored four top 10s, including a win with Brad Keselowski at Talladega in 2009, and hadn't done a whole lot else despite getting their engines from Hendrick Motorsports. Team owner James Finch took a gamble on the volatile temper and signed Busch for a one year deal behind the wheel of the No. 51 Chevrolet.
In a year where Busch came in with a bounce to his step and optimism in his voice, the trouble quickly began at Darlington in May. After running into the back of Ryan Newman on pit road, an incident that Busch called an accident caused by taking off his helmet, NASCAR fined the driver of the No. 51 Chevrolet $50,000 and placed him on probation through July 25th. Less than a month later, he was in trouble once again for cussing at Sporting News reporter Bob Pockrass at Dover, only this time it meant a one-race suspension and an apology issued by Busch.
Despite the suspension following two separate incidents in a "make or break" situation for Busch's career, his Phoenix Racing team continued to stand behind him, voting to keep the driver around. But with the lack of sponsorship coming in combined with the changing 2013 stock cars that would make Finch's fleet obsolete, it was only a matter of time before Busch would be forced to find work elsewhere.
The move to FRR shouldn't come as that much of a surprise considering the team has expressed an interest in the 2004 champion since the beginning of the year. Instead, it's more of a next step in his recovery. It's no secret that Finch's organization has been running on minimal sponsorship, but on the other hand, FRR has a decent amount of resources and a solid engine partnership with Richard Childress Racing.
But the real key is whether Busch learned anything from his suspension in June. On the surface it appears he has, having avoided the spotlight for much of the three months since then despite just three lead-lap finishes since posting a third-place result at Sonoma just two weeks later. While the Las Vegas, Nevada native has been rather well-behaved since his suspension, I'm not completely sold that he'll be able to keep his anger under control if the equipment doesn't perform quite the way he'd like it to.
Simply put, second chances typically don't come along all that often in NASCAR, but Kurt Busch has been given multiple shots, including a new one for the 2013 season. You can expect one thing for sure: assuming there really is a new attitude behind the wheel, Furniture Row Racing will make strides against the competition with the 2004 champion behind the wheel. Only time will tell if that's the only reason he makes headlines next year.
Author's Note: Looking for thoughts on what the move means for Regan Smith? Be sure to check out Kevin's Corner where fellow writer Kevin Rutherford takes a look at the departing driver of the No. 78 Chevrolet and what his future might hold.
Beth Lunkenheimer is a 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 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. It 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...
@kadinger17 (Karen Allmendinger): So proud of my son! Did what he needed to do to get reinstated & get his life in order. Hopefully everyone else will forgive his mistake.
@Andy__Rock: Nice to have a former winner visiting @RockinghamSpeed today. Mr @tydillon checking out his name on The Rock https://twitter.com/Andy__Rock/status/248417559492296704/photo/1
@JimmieJohnson: Evie waiting for the National Anthem, it's her new favorite song. http://instagram.com/p/Pwkxa7Epb9/
@aric_almirola: 2 weeks in and Alex is eating us out of house n home. Takes after his dad in that respect. We're runnin the planet dry just washin bottles.
@mw55: Clint's going pink !! @5HourEnergyGuy https://twitter.com/mw55/status/248567168663420929/photo/1
@ivandebosch: @JeffGordonWeb & @ivandebosch Found this in our front yard today! Reason 9,765,424 why not to text and drive! https://twitter.com/ivandebosch/status/248599332717215744/photo/1
@nateryan: Gordon says having full family for first time in victory lane at Pocono tops his Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400 celebrations. #nascar
@ivandebosch: .@JeffGordonWeb and Leo unvailing the Ninja Turtle car with Leonardo for the Charlotte race https://twitter.com/ivandebosch/status/248798225245540353/photo/1
@JamieLittleESPN: Now that Carter is learning he has a voice....I found this outfit appropriate. (thx @SSpakeESPN!) https://twitter.com/JamieLittleESPN/status/248853602704179200/photo/1
@55MarkMartin: I was sorry to hear Cecil Gordon passed away. #NASCAR #respect
@Kenny_Wallace: #1.Roger Penske called me 1 month ago and said "Be on standby to drive something for me"..I have not heard back from Roger.
@Kenny_Wallace: #2. I was NEVER scheduled to drive this weeks NNS race in Kentucky! I DO NOT know why I was on the entry blank?
@CandiceSpencer: Congratulations to @JamieMcMurray, who has a second child on the way! #NASCAR
@MartySmithESPN: Truex on MWR: "Michael sunk everything he ever had into this. And if Rob Kauffman didnt come around he'd have lost everything he had."
@nateryan: How often have father and son combinations used the same number on the same weekend in #nascar national series? @mforde is glad you asked.
@nateryan: So upon further review ... I screwed up @mforde payoff: Dale Earnhardt & Dale Earnhardt Jr. each ran a 3 on same weekends in 1998-99 #nascar
@SamanthaBusch: Lucy found her reflection, b sure 2 turn up ur volume 2 hear her ferocious growl lol http://www.telly.com/DX37Z?fromtwitvid=1
@bobpockrass: Fox is expected to create all-sports network a la ESPN. Speed possibly the network that gets rebranded. When? Programming? I don't know.
@SummerBedgood: So am I the only one who thinks this "Fox Sports One" will fail miserably? I would imagine 99% of SPEED's viewers are race fans. #NASCAR
@Kris_Buescher: I am so proud of my sweet husband! http://instagram.com/p/P3B_iVAlUy/
@pkligerman (Parker Kligerman): A team this good. Deserves a championship, I feel we at the #7 team have a chance to do that. Great recovery 2night. We r coming. #NASCAR
@Mc_Driver: Big brother feeding the baby. https://twitter.com/Mc_Driver/status/249488120230342656/photo/1
@walr2772 (Wally Rogers): I am sure that @scottspeed is not only the best! But also the most handsome driver I have ever worked with!!
@walr2772: I didn't write that..my phone has been pirated..lol @scottspeed ...
@Patricia_AFF (Patricia Driscoll): #KurtBusch has met & spoken w/many teams. There are quite a few offers on the table but nothing has been decided yet. Focused on the race
@dennyhamlin: "@bobpockrass: Is Drew Herring making a case he should get the KBM 18 truck ride next year? #nascar" yes
@EddieDHondt: The NASCAR KN Series is stocked w/some future talent that in the coming yrs will head2 the Cup Series It's cool 2watch these kids grow.
@bobpockrass: Cole Whitt tells PRN Danica and Ryan Pemberton helped them on setups ...said about that teamwork: "haven't done that in a while." #nascar
@KevinHarvick: She is better then her equipment right now... "@mimireba: @KevinHarvick hey Kevin Joanna Long is running pretty good today
@KevinHarvick: You were funny! "@happyshell29: Oh my god! I finally got 2 meet Kevin! I'm sure he'll remember me! I bet I'm the only fan that cried!"
@Elliott_Sadler: Tuff, tuff break today... Lost power steering and it was locking up... We had them killed today... Proud of my team... Off to Dover...
@CrewChief6NNS (Mike Kelley): Tough day! Think we had them covered today, we rebounded the best we could, only 4 points back! 6 car never Quits!
@MikeMassaroESPN: Ok, so, funny moment before the race. A gust of wind took my note card. I chased it 100 yards down pit road. Think I pulled a hamstring.
@NewmanKrissie: Brooklyn ready to watch some racing with her buddy https://twitter.com/NewmanKrissie/status/249926516786483200/photo/1
@NewmanKrissie: Ashlyn didn't make it past pre-race! https://twitter.com/NewmanKrissie/status/249930463022551040/photo/1
@DeLanaHarvick: Haha! Didn't know @KevinHarvick was in race reporter! Keelan was mesmerized watching the tv & hearing dads voice!
@11mommalou (Mary Lou Hamlin): That's MY boy! https://twitter.com/11mommalou/status/249977361498525696/photo/1
@pkligerman: I wish they would put the top 1 groove nxt to the wall to 15 degree banking. Leave everything else. Would B AWESOME! #NASCAR #NSCS
@Kenny_Wallace: Denny Hamlin called his shot like Babe Ruth :)
@bobpockrass: Asked Dave Rogers about telling Kyle that if engine was about to blow, to pull it in b4 it did and whether that was b/c Hamlin in lead ...
@bobpockrass: ... Rogers said no - remember Watkins Glen? He didn't want anyone to have that type of experience that 18 had w/oil on track. #nascar
@ClintBowyer: Not what we wanted but solid day for us. Kept us in the running! Congrats to @dennyhamlin for calling his shot and backing it up...
@WendyVenturini: #NASCAR takes @RCR31JeffBurton car back to R&D center. Nothing wrong, NASCARs choice. Last wk random #29. Before that #27. I see a trend
@MissJFish: Here's @dennyhamlin and @dariangrubb with the lobster! He was huge!! #NASCAR https://twitter.com/MissJFish/status/249992226040590336/photo/1
@bobpockrass: For those asking about Grubb blocking an ESPN camera, I didn't see it so not sure what situation was or what he didn't want them to see.
@bobpockrass: OK, saw the video ... I'd guess it was fuel mileage info on Grubb's computer but that's just a guess. #nascasr
@LarryMac28: @Bmcreynolds28 Awesome! Very excited about @Bmcreynolds28 and Turner Motorsports running K&N East race at Dover this coming weekend! #fb
@MissJFish: Loudon celebration @RR_Birkdale with some of the crew! https://twitter.com/MissJFish/status/250070323276439552/photo/1
@dariangrubb: Awesome job by @dennyhamlin, the @FedExDelivers, and all of @JoeGibbsRacing for bringing home #100! Proud to be part of this team!
@dariangrubb: Just tire pressures, fuel mileage, race strategy, and other misc stuff. @AndyJGraves @nateryan @bobpockrass
@dariangrubb: Cameraman apologized. Anyone who doesn't like it, send your credit card info and I'll post that for 4-5 million ESPN viewers. :)
@Kenny_Wallace: Me and @MartySmithESPN "Going Home" #NASCAR http://twitter.yfrog.com/kee23uoj
@KurtBusch: Really excited about this opportunity. "@Patricia_AFF: @KurtBusch & I are so excited about 2013 as we join Furniture Row!!"
@justinburnett (Justin Blake Burnett): Cool having legit breaking news on @RaceHub w/ Kurt going to Furniture Row. Tough to keep secret. Way to scoop that @MattClarkMC.
@stevewallace66: The orange cone is @bobdillner and http://speed51.com there ya have it folks!! #boom
@TheOrangeCone: Dillner is correct. RT @bobdillner: not true Steve & I don't appreciate that "@stevewallace66: The orange cone
@NASCAR_Wonka: I predict in a couple hours ol' Wallace will start claiming @TheOrangeCone was the second gunman on the grassy knoll.
@queers4gears: actually, all @TheOrangeCone tweets are generated from a customer-service-call-center in India.
@MattClarkMC: As part of his deal @KurtBusch will not be moving to Denver...
@TheOrangeCone: Listen y'all. I don't hate anyone. I love anyone brave enough to strap into a racecar. Even @stevewallace66. I hope y'all don't hate me.
@TheOrangeCone: I #respect the heck out of @bobdillner, @MatthewDillner, @mattkentfield and http://Speed51.com. I have NO affiliation w them.
@MatthewDillner: anyone who thinks @TheOrangeCone is @bobdillner Is downright foolish.Whoever started that is Pretty dumb. Us on the inside know his identity
@landoncassill: Hey #nfl fans watch the #NASCAR race this weekend, no refs! We police ourselves #dover
@TimothyPeters17: At the Dr office with @SaraPeters17 to get some more pics of the little guy!! #prouddad
@jim_utter: To clear up the other big controversy from last night, I know Bob Dillner isn't @TheOrangeCone. Sheesh. Everyone knows its Charles Krall
@Kenny_Wallace: @jim_utter it's about time a professional Journalist said what you just said about "Charles Krall" Good Job!
@MatthewDillner: Finally i like / agree w a Utter tweet! MT @jim_utter: I know @bobdillner isn't @TheOrangeCone. Sheesh. Everyone knows its Charles Krall
@Kenny_Wallace: LOOK what this man posted......RT"@BlakeSmith2012: @kenny_wallace here ya go @ChasKrall = The Orange Cone http://twitpic.com/ay8myc"
@dcaraviello: Kid in audience asks if that's really Danica Patrick's cell phone number in the Nationwide Insurance commercial she and Dale did. Big laugh.
@AshleyAllgaier: Getting ready to practice for the #betterhalfdash !!! http://instagram.com/p/QA7h5iRQDm/
@bobpockrass: Cup ratings down 16% for NHMS - 2.2 (2.6 when just households w/ESPN) ...maybe fans just want to see what NFL refs will mess up next #nascar
@DeLanaHarvick: it was a big day for keelan... he had his first photo shoot with @KevinHarvick and got to see the ole two niner for the first time!!!
Summer Bedgood is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via email at summer.bedgood@frontstretch.com. Follow her on Twitter @SummerBedgood.
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ADVERTISEMENT
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
IndyCar Year in Review: Drivers - 14th through 26th
by Toni Montgomery, Huston Ladner and Matt Stallknecht
Top Ten Things Darian Grubb Was Hiding On His Computer Screen
by Jeff Meyer
NASCAR Sprint Cup Power Rankings: Top 15 After New Hampshire
compiled by Summer Bedgood
by the Frontstretch Staff
Uncertain Times Await for Suddenly-Replaced Regan Smith
by Kevin Rutherford
by Tom Bowles
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: In 1994, Jeff Burton was by far the best driver out of a large rookie class ('94 also happened to be the first time that the Cup Series had 40 full-time teams). Burton was leading the Splitfire Spark Plugs 400 at Dover when things suddenly went wrong in a hurry. What happened?
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Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- What's Vexing Vito by Vito Pugliese
-- Critic's Annex by Phil Allaway
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, the Line of the Week and more!
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Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
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 the history of the No. 11 in NASCAR and how it has gone from feast to famine over the years.
Fan Q&A by Summer Bedgood
Summer takes on your questions and answers them to the best of her ability. Be sure to send your questions in if there's something that's been nagging at you and you might see your name in print.
Beyond the Cockpit: Parker Kligerman by Beth Lunkenheimer
Parker Kligerman took a few minutes out of his busy schedule to talk to Beth about his move to Red Horse Racing mid-season, his championship hopes and so much more. Tune in to find out what the 22-year-old thinks it takes to become a NASCAR star.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth is back this year on a new night, but it's the same great commentary you've come to enjoy on NASCAR's Truck Series! This week, Beth takes a look at James Buescher's season compared to where he was this time last year.
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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
-- @Andy__Rock: Nice to have a former winner visiting @RockinghamSpeed today. Mr @tydillon checking out his name on The Rock https://twitter.com/Andy__Rock/status/248417559492296704/photo/1
@JimmieJohnson: Evie waiting for the National Anthem, it's her new favorite song. http://instagram.com/p/Pwkxa7Epb9/
@aric_almirola: 2 weeks in and Alex is eating us out of house n home. Takes after his dad in that respect. We're runnin the planet dry just washin bottles.
@mw55: Clint's going pink !! @5HourEnergyGuy https://twitter.com/mw55/status/248567168663420929/photo/1
@ivandebosch: @JeffGordonWeb & @ivandebosch Found this in our front yard today! Reason 9,765,424 why not to text and drive! https://twitter.com/ivandebosch/status/248599332717215744/photo/1
@nateryan: Gordon says having full family for first time in victory lane at Pocono tops his Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400 celebrations. #nascar
@ivandebosch: .@JeffGordonWeb and Leo unvailing the Ninja Turtle car with Leonardo for the Charlotte race https://twitter.com/ivandebosch/status/248798225245540353/photo/1
@JamieLittleESPN: Now that Carter is learning he has a voice....I found this outfit appropriate. (thx @SSpakeESPN!) https://twitter.com/JamieLittleESPN/status/248853602704179200/photo/1
@55MarkMartin: I was sorry to hear Cecil Gordon passed away. #NASCAR #respect
@Kenny_Wallace: #1.Roger Penske called me 1 month ago and said "Be on standby to drive something for me"..I have not heard back from Roger.
@Kenny_Wallace: #2. I was NEVER scheduled to drive this weeks NNS race in Kentucky! I DO NOT know why I was on the entry blank?
@CandiceSpencer: Congratulations to @JamieMcMurray, who has a second child on the way! #NASCAR
@MartySmithESPN: Truex on MWR: "Michael sunk everything he ever had into this. And if Rob Kauffman didnt come around he'd have lost everything he had."
@nateryan: How often have father and son combinations used the same number on the same weekend in #nascar national series? @mforde is glad you asked.
@nateryan: So upon further review ... I screwed up @mforde payoff: Dale Earnhardt & Dale Earnhardt Jr. each ran a 3 on same weekends in 1998-99 #nascar
@SamanthaBusch: Lucy found her reflection, b sure 2 turn up ur volume 2 hear her ferocious growl lol http://www.telly.com/DX37Z?fromtwitvid=1
@bobpockrass: Fox is expected to create all-sports network a la ESPN. Speed possibly the network that gets rebranded. When? Programming? I don't know.
@SummerBedgood: So am I the only one who thinks this "Fox Sports One" will fail miserably? I would imagine 99% of SPEED's viewers are race fans. #NASCAR
@Kris_Buescher: I am so proud of my sweet husband! http://instagram.com/p/P3B_iVAlUy/
@pkligerman (Parker Kligerman): A team this good. Deserves a championship, I feel we at the #7 team have a chance to do that. Great recovery 2night. We r coming. #NASCAR
@Mc_Driver: Big brother feeding the baby. https://twitter.com/Mc_Driver/status/249488120230342656/photo/1
@walr2772 (Wally Rogers): I am sure that @scottspeed is not only the best! But also the most handsome driver I have ever worked with!!
@walr2772: I didn't write that..my phone has been pirated..lol @scottspeed ...
@Patricia_AFF (Patricia Driscoll): #KurtBusch has met & spoken w/many teams. There are quite a few offers on the table but nothing has been decided yet. Focused on the race
@dennyhamlin: "@bobpockrass: Is Drew Herring making a case he should get the KBM 18 truck ride next year? #nascar" yes
@EddieDHondt: The NASCAR KN Series is stocked w/some future talent that in the coming yrs will head2 the Cup Series It's cool 2watch these kids grow.
@bobpockrass: Cole Whitt tells PRN Danica and Ryan Pemberton helped them on setups ...said about that teamwork: "haven't done that in a while." #nascar
@KevinHarvick: She is better then her equipment right now... "@mimireba: @KevinHarvick hey Kevin Joanna Long is running pretty good today
@KevinHarvick: You were funny! "@happyshell29: Oh my god! I finally got 2 meet Kevin! I'm sure he'll remember me! I bet I'm the only fan that cried!"
@Elliott_Sadler: Tuff, tuff break today... Lost power steering and it was locking up... We had them killed today... Proud of my team... Off to Dover...
@CrewChief6NNS (Mike Kelley): Tough day! Think we had them covered today, we rebounded the best we could, only 4 points back! 6 car never Quits!
@MikeMassaroESPN: Ok, so, funny moment before the race. A gust of wind took my note card. I chased it 100 yards down pit road. Think I pulled a hamstring.
@NewmanKrissie: Brooklyn ready to watch some racing with her buddy https://twitter.com/NewmanKrissie/status/249926516786483200/photo/1
@NewmanKrissie: Ashlyn didn't make it past pre-race! https://twitter.com/NewmanKrissie/status/249930463022551040/photo/1
@DeLanaHarvick: Haha! Didn't know @KevinHarvick was in race reporter! Keelan was mesmerized watching the tv & hearing dads voice!
@11mommalou (Mary Lou Hamlin): That's MY boy! https://twitter.com/11mommalou/status/249977361498525696/photo/1
@pkligerman: I wish they would put the top 1 groove nxt to the wall to 15 degree banking. Leave everything else. Would B AWESOME! #NASCAR #NSCS
@Kenny_Wallace: Denny Hamlin called his shot like Babe Ruth :)
@bobpockrass: Asked Dave Rogers about telling Kyle that if engine was about to blow, to pull it in b4 it did and whether that was b/c Hamlin in lead ...
@bobpockrass: ... Rogers said no - remember Watkins Glen? He didn't want anyone to have that type of experience that 18 had w/oil on track. #nascar
@ClintBowyer: Not what we wanted but solid day for us. Kept us in the running! Congrats to @dennyhamlin for calling his shot and backing it up...
@WendyVenturini: #NASCAR takes @RCR31JeffBurton car back to R&D center. Nothing wrong, NASCARs choice. Last wk random #29. Before that #27. I see a trend
@MissJFish: Here's @dennyhamlin and @dariangrubb with the lobster! He was huge!! #NASCAR https://twitter.com/MissJFish/status/249992226040590336/photo/1
@bobpockrass: For those asking about Grubb blocking an ESPN camera, I didn't see it so not sure what situation was or what he didn't want them to see.
@bobpockrass: OK, saw the video ... I'd guess it was fuel mileage info on Grubb's computer but that's just a guess. #nascasr
@LarryMac28: @Bmcreynolds28 Awesome! Very excited about @Bmcreynolds28 and Turner Motorsports running K&N East race at Dover this coming weekend! #fb
@MissJFish: Loudon celebration @RR_Birkdale with some of the crew! https://twitter.com/MissJFish/status/250070323276439552/photo/1
@dariangrubb: Awesome job by @dennyhamlin, the @FedExDelivers, and all of @JoeGibbsRacing for bringing home #100! Proud to be part of this team!
@dariangrubb: Just tire pressures, fuel mileage, race strategy, and other misc stuff. @AndyJGraves @nateryan @bobpockrass
@dariangrubb: Cameraman apologized. Anyone who doesn't like it, send your credit card info and I'll post that for 4-5 million ESPN viewers. :)
@Kenny_Wallace: Me and @MartySmithESPN "Going Home" #NASCAR http://twitter.yfrog.com/kee23uoj
@KurtBusch: Really excited about this opportunity. "@Patricia_AFF: @KurtBusch & I are so excited about 2013 as we join Furniture Row!!"
@justinburnett (Justin Blake Burnett): Cool having legit breaking news on @RaceHub w/ Kurt going to Furniture Row. Tough to keep secret. Way to scoop that @MattClarkMC.
@stevewallace66: The orange cone is @bobdillner and http://speed51.com there ya have it folks!! #boom
@TheOrangeCone: Dillner is correct. RT @bobdillner: not true Steve & I don't appreciate that "@stevewallace66: The orange cone
@NASCAR_Wonka: I predict in a couple hours ol' Wallace will start claiming @TheOrangeCone was the second gunman on the grassy knoll.
@queers4gears: actually, all @TheOrangeCone tweets are generated from a customer-service-call-center in India.
@MattClarkMC: As part of his deal @KurtBusch will not be moving to Denver...
@TheOrangeCone: Listen y'all. I don't hate anyone. I love anyone brave enough to strap into a racecar. Even @stevewallace66. I hope y'all don't hate me.
@TheOrangeCone: I #respect the heck out of @bobdillner, @MatthewDillner, @mattkentfield and http://Speed51.com. I have NO affiliation w them.
@MatthewDillner: anyone who thinks @TheOrangeCone is @bobdillner Is downright foolish.Whoever started that is Pretty dumb. Us on the inside know his identity
@landoncassill: Hey #nfl fans watch the #NASCAR race this weekend, no refs! We police ourselves #dover
@TimothyPeters17: At the Dr office with @SaraPeters17 to get some more pics of the little guy!! #prouddad
@jim_utter: To clear up the other big controversy from last night, I know Bob Dillner isn't @TheOrangeCone. Sheesh. Everyone knows its Charles Krall
@Kenny_Wallace: @jim_utter it's about time a professional Journalist said what you just said about "Charles Krall" Good Job!
@MatthewDillner: Finally i like / agree w a Utter tweet! MT @jim_utter: I know @bobdillner isn't @TheOrangeCone. Sheesh. Everyone knows its Charles Krall
@Kenny_Wallace: LOOK what this man posted......RT"@BlakeSmith2012: @kenny_wallace here ya go @ChasKrall = The Orange Cone http://twitpic.com/ay8myc"
@dcaraviello: Kid in audience asks if that's really Danica Patrick's cell phone number in the Nationwide Insurance commercial she and Dale did. Big laugh.
@AshleyAllgaier: Getting ready to practice for the #betterhalfdash !!! http://instagram.com/p/QA7h5iRQDm/
@bobpockrass: Cup ratings down 16% for NHMS - 2.2 (2.6 when just households w/ESPN) ...maybe fans just want to see what NFL refs will mess up next #nascar
@DeLanaHarvick: it was a big day for keelan... he had his first photo shoot with @KevinHarvick and got to see the ole two niner for the first time!!!
Summer Bedgood is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via email at summer.bedgood@frontstretch.com. Follow her on Twitter @SummerBedgood.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
IndyCar Year in Review: Drivers - 14th through 26th
by Toni Montgomery, Huston Ladner and Matt Stallknecht
Top Ten Things Darian Grubb Was Hiding On His Computer Screen
by Jeff Meyer
NASCAR Sprint Cup Power Rankings: Top 15 After New Hampshire
compiled by Summer Bedgood
by the Frontstretch Staff
Uncertain Times Await for Suddenly-Replaced Regan Smith
by Kevin Rutherford
by Tom Bowles
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: In 1994, Jeff Burton was by far the best driver out of a large rookie class ('94 also happened to be the first time that the Cup Series had 40 full-time teams). Burton was leading the Splitfire Spark Plugs 400 at Dover when things suddenly went wrong in a hurry. What happened?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Tuesday's Answer:
Q: The 1993 SplitFire Spark Plugs 500 marked Geoff Bodine's first race driving for the team formerly owned by the late Alan Kulwicki (he had purchased the operation from Kulwicki's estate--administered by Felix Sabates--a month earlier). However, his race ended on Lap 360 when he crashed exiting Turn 2. What was notable about the car that Bodine crashed?
A: The black and red car that Bodine crashed was actually the infamous "Underbird" that Alan Kulwicki had used the previous year to win the Winston Cup championship. The crash totaled out the car, but it was eventually purchased and restored to its former 1992 glory.
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 1993 SplitFire Spark Plugs 500 marked Geoff Bodine's first race driving for the team formerly owned by the late Alan Kulwicki (he had purchased the operation from Kulwicki's estate--administered by Felix Sabates--a month earlier). However, his race ended on Lap 360 when he crashed exiting Turn 2. What was notable about the car that Bodine crashed?
A: The black and red car that Bodine crashed was actually the infamous "Underbird" that Alan Kulwicki had used the previous year to win the Winston Cup championship. The crash totaled out the car, but it was eventually purchased and restored to its former 1992 glory.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: If we mess up, you get the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
~~~~~~~~~~
Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- What's Vexing Vito by Vito Pugliese
-- Critic's Annex by Phil Allaway
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, the Line of the Week and more!
~~~~~~~~~~
Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
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 the history of the No. 11 in NASCAR and how it has gone from feast to famine over the years.
Fan Q&A by Summer Bedgood
Summer takes on your questions and answers them to the best of her ability. Be sure to send your questions in if there's something that's been nagging at you and you might see your name in print.
Beyond the Cockpit: Parker Kligerman by Beth Lunkenheimer
Parker Kligerman took a few minutes out of his busy schedule to talk to Beth about his move to Red Horse Racing mid-season, his championship hopes and so much more. Tune in to find out what the 22-year-old thinks it takes to become a NASCAR star.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth is back this year on a new night, but it's the same great commentary you've come to enjoy on NASCAR's Truck Series! This week, Beth takes a look at James Buescher's season compared to where he was this time last year.
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