THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
September 28th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CLXCIV
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Frontstretch at the Track: Tom Bowles will be live at Dover International Speedway to keep you up to date on all of the latest breaking news coming out of the third race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Additionally, Phil Allaway will be live at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, CT for the Grand-Am Rolex Series Championship Weekend. Be sure to follow along on Twitter (@TheFrontstretch, @NASCARBowles, and @Critic84) and Facebook for everything you need to know about both race weekends!
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Top News
by Jeff Wolfe
Simpson Performance Products acquires HANS Performance ProductsPresented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
September 28th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CLXCIV
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Frontstretch at the Track: Tom Bowles will be live at Dover International Speedway to keep you up to date on all of the latest breaking news coming out of the third race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Additionally, Phil Allaway will be live at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, CT for the Grand-Am Rolex Series Championship Weekend. Be sure to follow along on Twitter (@TheFrontstretch, @NASCARBowles, and @Critic84) and Facebook for everything you need to know about both race weekends!
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Top News
by Jeff Wolfe
Simpson Performance Products Inc. announced Thursday that it had acquired HANS Performance Products, expanding its racing safety product line to include the HANS Device that is worn by NASCAR drivers. HANS will be operated in Atlanta as a separate operation from Simpson.
"We are glad to have the HANS Device under the Simpson umbrella of racing safety products," said Chuck Davies, CEO of Simpson. "This acquisition positions Simpson as the clear market leader in innovative racing safety products. Our total restraint system capabilities now include a comprehensive range of car restraints for all types of racing, including seat belts, in-car nets, parachutes and the top models of head and neck restraints in the world today. We are excited about the new team we are forming and the growth possibilities for the future."
HANS Performance Products was founded in 1991 by Dr. Robert Hubbard and five-time IMSA driving champion Jim Downing. The HANS Device worn by drivers today became a requirement after the death of Dale Earnhardt due to a heady injury on the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500.
"We are thrilled that HANS has joined the Simpson family," Downing said. "Together, we look forward to bringing new and innovative products to the market."
Downing and Hubbard, who invented the HANS Device, will continue to provide experience and engineering support to Simpson and its HANS Division.
Johnson Resigns as General Manager of IndyCar's KV Racing Technology
A disappointing season by the KV Racing Technology IndyCar team has led to the resignation of Mark Johnson as the general manager of the team, according to a report by the Associated Press Johnson had been the general manager of the team since 2006 and led their transition from Champ Car to IndyCar when the two series merged in 2008.
"When he joined the team, we set out on a quest to make KVRT one of the most respected and competitive teams in the series, which I think we achieved," team co-owner Jimmy Vasser said Thursday. "There were a lot of forks in the road, series mergers, driver changes, new equipment and new rules. Throughout it all, Mark was a guiding force. You just don't replace the leadership and experience of Mark Johnson."
One of the team's few highlights this season was Tony Kanaan's third-place finish in the Indianapolis 500. The team's expectations were heightened when former Formula One driver Rubens Barichello was recruited to drive for the team in 2012.
The team is facing an uncertain offseason as only Kanaan is under contract for 2013. There are rumors that Barichello could move to another team and that third driver E.J. Viso could start his own team, meaning that KV Racing could become a one-car team in 2013.
Barichello's best finish this season was a fourth on the road course at Sonoma. He had not raced on ovals until this season and was not granted rookie status this season by IndyCar, costing him extra practice time during race weekends.
Kurt Busch to Furniture Row Racing Following Talladega
Just days after announcing he'd be headed to Furniture Row Racing for the 2013 season, FoxSports.com has reported that Kurt Busch would be out of the No. 51 Phoenix Racing Chevrolet followed next weekend's race at Talladega. Hoping to get a head-start on his 2013 campaign, Busch will being his time behind the wheel of the No. 78 Chevrolet in the Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
"He's going to be out after Talladega," Phoenix Racing team owner James Finch said.""We're going to go down there and try to win that race. We were up front for most of the spring race, and Brad (Keselowski) dumped us with three or four to go. We'll be fine at Talladega."
Speculation about who will fill the No. 51 Chevrolet has already begun with Finch stating he's talked to representatives in AJ Allmendinger's camp. He's also been approached by representatives for Nationwide drivers James Buescher and Justin Allgaier, according to the report.
In 28 races this season, Busch has just two top-10 finishes.
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 Andy Hollis
Largely Absent From Chase Headlines, Stewart and Kahne Poised to Make Waves
by Amy Henderson
Four Burning Questions: Dover Edition
by Matt Stallknecht
Champions Don't Need to Be Told to "Fall in Love"
by Jeff Meyer
Title Fight Better the Second Time Between Stenhouse, Sadler
by Bryan Davis Keith
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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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In Case You Missed It
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Truck Series Returns to The Rock in 2013
Rockingham Speedway President Any Hillenburg announced earlier this week that the Camping World Truck Series will return to "The Rock" next year.
"We got our report card from NASCAR, and it looks like we got an A+," Hillenburg said of the April visit to the track. "Fan, drivers, teams; everyone embraced our 2012 event. I'm happy to announced that with their help, we'll do it again in 2013; bigger and better than every before."
Tickets for the April 12-14 weekend have already gone on sale with prices ranging from $20 to $35 dollars and kids under 12 are half price.
Ryan Reed to Make Truck Series Debut
ARCA driver Ryan Reed is set to make his Camping World Truck Series debut this weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The development driver for Venturini Motorsports will pilot the No. 5 Racehard.com / RyansMission.org Ford in Saturday's event.
"It's pretty exciting to be making my first start in the NASCAR series. Since I was a liitle kid I've always thought about what it would be like to drive a (NCWTS) Truck, Nationwide or Cup Car, so finally doing it is really cool," Reed said. "I think it gives us a head start on next year, whatever we end up doing. Hopefully it will be back in one of these three series. I think everyone know that Richie (Wauters) is one of the best in the business so to be driving on of his trucks is an honor. We've been having success racing in a Ford on the ARCA side so the synergy in there and with Richie's truck being a Ford I think it gives us a really big advantage."
Reed has posted one top 5 and five top 10s in 13 races this year, including a career-best fifth at Chicagoland Speedway.
Fordham and Dominion Brewing Co. Announce Craft Brew Pub For Dover
This weekend, Dover International Speedway is teaming up with the Fordham and Dominion Brewing Co. for the first-ever Craft Brew Pub. It will offer fans a chance to taste a variety of local brews while visiting the Monster Mile, including Fordham's Helles Lager and Copperhead Ale, and Dominion's Octoberfest and Oak Barrel Stout.
"We're always looking for new ways to enhance the race weekend experience for our fans, and the partnership with Fordham and Old Dominion is another way for us to do that," executive vice president and COO for Dover Motorsports, Inc. Michael Tatoin said. "Featuring the Craft Brew Pub at the Monster Mile will allow our fans to get a taste of Dover during their stay."
The Craft Brew Pub will be set up in a tented area in Victory Plaza, near the Monster Monument. It will be open from 10 AM to 7 PM throughout the race 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: The Other Knoxville Nationals
by Mike Neff
The Knoxville Nationals have been contested for over 50 years. There is no question that it is the pinnacle of racing for Winged Sprint Cars. While the Winged Sprint Car Nationals is the big event that takes place at Knoxville every year, it isn't the only one. The track also holds Nationals for 360 Sprint Cars, a huge Modified event called the Harris Clash and this weekend, the Late Model Knoxville Nationals. While it is only the ninth year for the Late Models to hold a Nationals at the world renowned track, it is quickly becoming to Late Model racing what the Knoxville Nationals are to Winged Sprint Cars.
The event is sponsored by Lucas Oil and is part of the Lucas Oil Dirt Late Model schedule, but it is not open only to Lucas Oil competitors. Unlike prior years, this season the races are open to any competitors. As a result, the entry list boasts more than 70 cars competing during the three nights of competition. The first two nights of racing will culminate in feature races that pay $7,000 to win. The final night will have a $40,000 check sitting in Victory Lane along with the trophy for the victor.
The entrants in the event will include the typical Lucas Oil competitors like Jimmy Owens, Steve Francis, Shannon Babb, Billy Moyer, Jr. and Jason Feger. It will also have former winners Brian Birkhofer, Scott Bloomquist, Brian Shirley, Brady Smith, Tim McCreadie, Billy Moyer and Don O'Neal. Among the additional entrants who are not normal contenders on the Lucas Oil circuit are Jared Landers, Austin Hubbard, Tyler Reddick, Gregg Satterlee and John Blankenship.
While the Sprint Car event has 43 years on the Late Model competition, the notoriety and prestige of the Late Model Nationals is quickly approaching that of the Outlaws. Anyone in the Midwest would be well served to make the trip to Iowa to see the Late Models tear it up for three nights at the Mecca of dirt. There are several reasons Knoxville is one of the two most well known dirt tracks in the world, and the Late Models are doing there best to add to that list.
ASA National Championship Battle
The ASA Racing Season is in the books after last weekend's crowing of two of the final three ASA sanctioned track champions. The folks in the corporate office are now validating all of the racing results and confirming the final standings for both regions and the ultimate National Champ. Mike Slone and Dustin Rumley both clinched their track championships last weekend and completed the first major hurdle in being crowned the National Champion. Kyle Borden leads the point standings at Shasta Speedway with two races to go, but both of them will take place after this Sunday's point deadline, so he is the official representative from Shasta. He also leads the ASA National Modified points.
Rumley is no stranger to this process. In 2010 he was the Ace Speedway champion as well, but when the final tabulations were completed, he fell .0028 points behind Bryan Wordelman. This season it is probably not going to be as close after Stroebel's improbable undefeated run in Idaho. Rumley was able to outlast the onslaught of last season's champion Barry Beggarly, as well as, Rodney Cook.
Slone survived an intensely heated battle with Matt Wallace. When the final checkers flew, Slone's four wins, 11 top 5s and 14 top 10s in 17 races were enough to land him the big fake check on championship night.
The points are still unofficial at this time but the breakdown, by region, is below.
West Region
Position Name Average
1. Shelby Stroebel 5.0763
2. Mike Slone 4.0874
3. Michael Hale 3.8030
4. Kyle Borden 1.3704
East Region
Position Name Average
1. Lance Gatlin 4.6725
2. Dustin Rumley 4.2593
3. Dennis Queen 3.9873
4. Mark Eswein 3.7939
Throughout the season, drivers competing in the premiere divisions at eligible ASA Member Tracks are in the running for the 2012 ASA Member Track National Championship. In order to have a chance for the national title, a driver must first win their 2012 track championship.
Speednetdirect.com, for the fifth year in a row, will tabulate the National Championship standings. Using a proprietary formula that creates an average based on wins, finishing positions, number of cars passed, car counts and events. The driver who wins their track championship and has the highest average over the other ASA Member Track champions will win the 2012 ASA Member Track National Championship. Full standings are available at www.speednetdirect.com. Click on the ASA Member Track logo at the top of the page.
This Weekend's Race Schedule
Fri : Sept 28th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – Carquest Fall Final Practice
Fri : Sept 28th – Dover International Speedway ; Dover : DE – NASCAR K&N Pro East Series
Fri : Sept 28th – Gas City I-69 Speedway ; Gas City : IN – USAC Midwest Focus Midgets
Fri : Sept 28th – Knoxville Raceway ; Knoxville : IA – 9th Annual Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals
Fri : Sept 28th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Super Shoe Nationals Outlaw Super Late Models Practice and Qualifying
Fri : Sept 28th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – 2nd Annual Jesse Hockett/Daniel McMillin Memorial Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Cars
Fri : Sept 28th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – 2nd Annual Jesse Hockett/Daniel McMillin Memorial WAR Sprint Cars
Fri : Sept 28th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Street Stock
Fri : Sept 28th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Fri : Sept 28th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – USCS Outlaw Thunder Sprint Cars
Fri : Sept 28th – Thunderbird Speedway ; Muskogee : OK – MARS Dirtcar Series Late Models
Fri : Sept 28th – Williams Grove Speedway ; Mechanicsburg : PA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Fri : Sept 28th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : Sept 28th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : Sept 28th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Stock
Fri : Sept 28th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Street Stock
Sat : Sept 29th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Grass Roots Nationals 305 Winged Sprints
Sat : Sept 29th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Grass Roots Nationals 600 Mini Sprints
Sat : Sept 29th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Grass Roots Nationals Late Models
Sat : Sept 29th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Grass Roots Nationals Modifieds
Sat : Sept 29th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Championship Night Late Models
Sat : Sept 29th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Championship Night Sport Modifieds
Sat : Sept 29th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Championship Night Hobby Stocks
Sat : Sept 29th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – Carquest Fall Final Qualifying Limited Late Models
Sat : Sept 29th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – Carquest Fall Final Qualifying SK Lights
Sat : Sept 29th – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – DS Trucks
Sat : Sept 29th – Five Flags Speedway ; Pensacola : FL – Pro Late Models
Sat : Sept 29th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Pro Late Models
Sat : Sept 29th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – E-Modifieds
Sat : Sept 29th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Sportsman
Sat : Sept 29th – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Al Archdale Jr. Memorial Mini Sprint Nationals
Sat : Sept 29th – Lawrenceburg Speedway ; Lawrenceburg : IN – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 29th – Lucas Oil Raceway Park ; Clermont : IN – Jeg's All Stars Pro Late Models
Sat : Sept 29th – Montpelier Speedway ; Montpelier : IN – USAC Midwest Focus Midgets
Sat : Sept 29th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornet All-Star 200
Sat : Sept 29th – Knoxville Raceway ; Knoxville : IA – 9th Annual Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals
Sat : Sept 29th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – PASS North Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 29th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Super Shoe Nationals Outlaw Super Late Models Heat Races, Last Chance Races and Dash for Cash
Sat : Sept 29th – Lebanon I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – ASA Late Models
Sat : Sept 29th – Lebanon I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – ASA Midwest Tour Missouri 100
Sat : Sept 29th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – 2nd Annual Jesse Hockett/Daniel McMillin Memorial Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 29th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – 2nd Annual Jesse Hockett/Daniel McMillin Memorial WAR Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 29th – Sandia Motor Speedway ; Albuquerque : NM – NASCAR K&N Pro West Series
Sat : Sept 29th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Mid-Atlantic Shootout Late Models
Sat : Sept 29th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Late Model Trucks
Sat : Sept 29th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat : Sept 29th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – NASCAR Whelen Southern Modifieds
Sat : Sept 29th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 29th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – USCS Outlaw Thunder Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 29th – Toledo Speedway ; Toledo : OH – Glass City 200 Late Models
Sat : Sept 29th – Thunderbird Speedway ; Muskogee : OK – MARS Dirtcar Series Late Models
Sat : Sept 29th – Williams Grove Speedway ; Mechanicsburg : PA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 29th – Thunder Road Milk Bowl ; Waterbury : VT – ACT Late Models
Sun : Sept 30th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – Carquest Fall Final Late Models
Sun : Sept 30th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – Carquest Fall Final SK Modifieds
Sun : Sept 30th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – Carquest Fall Final Whelen Modified Tour
Sun : Sept 30th – Rockford Speedway ; Rockford : IL – 47th Annual Short Track Championships
Sun : Sept 30th – Lucas Oil Raceway Park ; Clermont : IN – CRA Super Series
Sun : Sept 30th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – PASS Mods
Sun : Sept 30th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – PASS Sportsman
Sun : Sept 30th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – PASS North Super Late Models
Sun : Sept 30th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – 26th Super Shoe Nationals Outlaw Super Late Models
Sun : Sept 30th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Modifieds
Sun : Sept 30th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Street Stocks
Sun : Sept 30th – Thunder Road Milk Bowl ; Waterbury : VT – ACT Late Models
Wed : Oct 3rd – New York State Fairgrounds ; Syracuse : NY – DIRTCar Big-Block Modifieds
Thu : Oct 4th – Tri-City Speedway ; Pontoon Beach : IL – USAC MOPAR National Midgets
Thu : Oct 4th – Greenville Speedway ; Greenville : MS – Nesmith Dirt Late Models
Thu : Oct 4th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Cotton Boll Cup Late Models
Thu : Oct 4th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Cotton Boll Cup Modifieds
Thu : Oct 4th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Cotton Boll Cup Street Stocks
Thu : Oct 4th – New York State Fairgrounds ; Syracuse : NY – DIRTCar Big-Block Modifieds
Thu : Oct 4th – Rolling Wheels Raceway Park ; Elbridge : NY – World of Outlaws Late Models
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!
If you are interested, contact frontstretcheditors@googlegroups.com. Please include references to your past work in your e-mail.
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Frontstretch Folio: AAA 400
by Rick Lunkenheimer
This weekend brings the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series to Dover for the third race of the chase. The AAA 400 broadcast is set to begin with the NASCAR countdown pre-race starting at 1 PM ET, with the green flag set to drop around 2:15 PM ET on ESPN, MRN, and SiriusXm radio channel 90. Drivers will compete for 400 laps (400 miles) en route to the checkered flag.
Records and Facts
Jeremy Mayfield holds the track qualifying record with a speed of 161.522 mph (22.288 sec.) set back on June 4, 2004. Mayfield led for 78 laps and brought home an eighth-place finish. Mark Martin went on to win the race.
Mark Martin holds the race record with a speed of 132.719 mph set on Sept. 21, 1997. Martin led for a race-high 194 laps and took the checkered flag more than ten seconds ahead of Dale Earnhardt. Kyle Petty, Bobby Labonte and Dale Jarrett rounded out the top 5.
Jimmie Johnson is the defending race winner. He led a dominating 289 laps in the 2012 FedEx 400 Benefiting Autism Speaks. It was one of Johnson's three wins that year.
Track Facts
Track/Race Length: one-mile concrete oval, 400 laps, 400 miles
Grandstand Seating: 135,000
Pit Road Speed: 35mph
Pace Car Speed: 45mph
Opened: 1969
VIPs:
Grand Marshal / Command: Philadelphia Eagles legned Brian Dawkins
Honorary Starter / Wave Green Flag: Terry Rubitz, vice president of marketing for AAA Mid-Atlantic
Invocation: Pastor Dan Schafer, Calvary Assembly of God in Heightstown, N.J.
National Anthem: Lonestar
Military Flyover: Three (3) F-16's of the 149th Fighter Wing, Texas Air National Guard
Pre-race Schedule
Practice: Friday, September 28, 11:00am - 12:25 PM ET on SPEED
Happy Hour: Friday, September 28, 2:40 – 4:15PM ET on SPEED
Qualifying: Saturday, September 29 at 1:40 PM ET on SPEED, re-air scheduled at 11:00 PM ET
Say What?!?
"Well, I'm going to be optimistic when I go there. Darian (Grubb) and the team have been working on that race track for quite a long time the last few weeks, working on a setup that would make me comfortable on that race track. The car is going to be good. I just have to have an open mind when I get out there for the first green flag run and have faith that I can do it. I'll be leaning on my teammates quite a bit this weekend. Obviously they are both very good at that track." -Denny Hamlin
"Dover is one of my favorite racetracks, I love racing there,I guess if you look at my Dover record you wouldn't think I would have these likable feelings about the track. But I do, and feel that we had some good runs at Dover recently, but either got caught up in an accident or had mechanical problems." -Regan Smith
"Dover is a race that's going to be one of the tougher (Sprint) Cup races I'm going to do. I'm sure it's going to be a difficult weekend, but the difficult weekends are what will make next year easier. Hopefully, it's one of those tracks where it helps to run both cars (Nationwide and Sprint Cup) – they both help each other. I always like going to Dover. The track is pretty fun and, hopefully, we can make it to the end this time. I remember everyone telling me how unique and challenging Dover was prior to my first race. At the time, I didn't have a whole lot to compare that track to. They said it was like a larger version of Bristol, but I hadn't raced at Bristol yet, either. It's nice to have more of a handle on what to expect heading in there this time. Dover is fun. It's fast and it can make for a really long day of racing. I think that's part of the appeal of it – how demanding it can be. We definitely want to stay out of trouble, which is easier said than done at these types of tracks." -Danica Patrick
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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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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Fantasy Friday: AAA 400
by Jeff Wolfe
As we enter week three of the Chase, it's usually at about this time when we starting seeing some separation of the contenders from the pretenders. So, here's a look at who should contend at Dover Sunday afternoon.
Top 5 Picks
1. Jimmie Johnson - He's got seven wins on the concrete mile and won the June race here earlier this year, wearing that rainbow-colored wig in Victory Lane. Wig or not, don't be surprised to see him there again late Sunday afternoon. He has led 1,069 of the last 2,000 Sprint Cup laps run at Dover.
2. Matt Kenseth - He's one of the few drivers who have been able to challenge Johnson at Dover in recent years. He also needs a win if he wants to have any hope of contending for the title as he is in 11th place, 35 points behind Johnson.
3. Greg Biffle - Much like his Roush Fenway teammate Kenseth, he needs a win to get back into the title picture. He's won twice at Dover, so maybe he can give it a shot.
4. Kyle Busch - He's had a frustrating year with several engine woes, then missed the Chase. But he 's still capable of winning at any of these Chase tracks.
5. Jeff Gordon - OK, so no other driver really sticks out here. However, if Gordon, who is 12th and 45 points behind Johnson, gets a win, maybe it would be the beginning of an epic comeback to get him back into the Chase picture, just like the rally he had to make the Chase. He does four have career wins at Dover, though none in the last five races there.
Shoulda, woulda, coulda: Tony Stewart - He used to be good at Dover in his early days in the Sprint Cup cars as he has two wins there. But Stewart has struggled in recent years, including consecutive 25th-place finishes in his last two races there. However, he's also known for doing the improbable, so I wouldn't count him out Sunday.
ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP
Here's a look at how last week's picks fared in Week 2 of the Chase at New Hampshire
Jimmie Johnson - 2nd. Was pretty good all day, just not as good as the winner who was ...
Denny Hamlin - 1st. A dominating performance that put him right in the title hunt.
Tony Stewart - 7th. He didn't have his best day, but was respectable enough.
Clint Bowyer - 4th. He needed a good run to keep realistic title hopes and he did it.
Ryan Newman - 10th. Though he's not in the Chase, he fared OK at one of his best tracks.
Season Stats:
140 Predictions
15 Wins
46 Top 5s
65 Top 10s
Grade for the week: A. I gave you the winner, three of the top four and five of the top 10. Wish I could do that every week.
One last thing: Among active drivers, Jeff Gordon has led the most laps at Dover at 2,291. Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jimmie Johnson has led 2,275, so he could surpass Gordon for that honor Sunday.
Jeff Wolfe is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at jeff.wolfe@frontstretch.com.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Formula 1 Friday: The ProfHey 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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In Case You Missed It
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Truck Series Returns to The Rock in 2013
Rockingham Speedway President Any Hillenburg announced earlier this week that the Camping World Truck Series will return to "The Rock" next year.
"We got our report card from NASCAR, and it looks like we got an A+," Hillenburg said of the April visit to the track. "Fan, drivers, teams; everyone embraced our 2012 event. I'm happy to announced that with their help, we'll do it again in 2013; bigger and better than every before."
Tickets for the April 12-14 weekend have already gone on sale with prices ranging from $20 to $35 dollars and kids under 12 are half price.
Ryan Reed to Make Truck Series Debut
ARCA driver Ryan Reed is set to make his Camping World Truck Series debut this weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The development driver for Venturini Motorsports will pilot the No. 5 Racehard.com / RyansMission.org Ford in Saturday's event.
"It's pretty exciting to be making my first start in the NASCAR series. Since I was a liitle kid I've always thought about what it would be like to drive a (NCWTS) Truck, Nationwide or Cup Car, so finally doing it is really cool," Reed said. "I think it gives us a head start on next year, whatever we end up doing. Hopefully it will be back in one of these three series. I think everyone know that Richie (Wauters) is one of the best in the business so to be driving on of his trucks is an honor. We've been having success racing in a Ford on the ARCA side so the synergy in there and with Richie's truck being a Ford I think it gives us a really big advantage."
Reed has posted one top 5 and five top 10s in 13 races this year, including a career-best fifth at Chicagoland Speedway.
Fordham and Dominion Brewing Co. Announce Craft Brew Pub For Dover
This weekend, Dover International Speedway is teaming up with the Fordham and Dominion Brewing Co. for the first-ever Craft Brew Pub. It will offer fans a chance to taste a variety of local brews while visiting the Monster Mile, including Fordham's Helles Lager and Copperhead Ale, and Dominion's Octoberfest and Oak Barrel Stout.
"We're always looking for new ways to enhance the race weekend experience for our fans, and the partnership with Fordham and Old Dominion is another way for us to do that," executive vice president and COO for Dover Motorsports, Inc. Michael Tatoin said. "Featuring the Craft Brew Pub at the Monster Mile will allow our fans to get a taste of Dover during their stay."
The Craft Brew Pub will be set up in a tented area in Victory Plaza, near the Monster Monument. It will be open from 10 AM to 7 PM throughout the race 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: The Other Knoxville Nationals
by Mike Neff
The Knoxville Nationals have been contested for over 50 years. There is no question that it is the pinnacle of racing for Winged Sprint Cars. While the Winged Sprint Car Nationals is the big event that takes place at Knoxville every year, it isn't the only one. The track also holds Nationals for 360 Sprint Cars, a huge Modified event called the Harris Clash and this weekend, the Late Model Knoxville Nationals. While it is only the ninth year for the Late Models to hold a Nationals at the world renowned track, it is quickly becoming to Late Model racing what the Knoxville Nationals are to Winged Sprint Cars.
The event is sponsored by Lucas Oil and is part of the Lucas Oil Dirt Late Model schedule, but it is not open only to Lucas Oil competitors. Unlike prior years, this season the races are open to any competitors. As a result, the entry list boasts more than 70 cars competing during the three nights of competition. The first two nights of racing will culminate in feature races that pay $7,000 to win. The final night will have a $40,000 check sitting in Victory Lane along with the trophy for the victor.
The entrants in the event will include the typical Lucas Oil competitors like Jimmy Owens, Steve Francis, Shannon Babb, Billy Moyer, Jr. and Jason Feger. It will also have former winners Brian Birkhofer, Scott Bloomquist, Brian Shirley, Brady Smith, Tim McCreadie, Billy Moyer and Don O'Neal. Among the additional entrants who are not normal contenders on the Lucas Oil circuit are Jared Landers, Austin Hubbard, Tyler Reddick, Gregg Satterlee and John Blankenship.
While the Sprint Car event has 43 years on the Late Model competition, the notoriety and prestige of the Late Model Nationals is quickly approaching that of the Outlaws. Anyone in the Midwest would be well served to make the trip to Iowa to see the Late Models tear it up for three nights at the Mecca of dirt. There are several reasons Knoxville is one of the two most well known dirt tracks in the world, and the Late Models are doing there best to add to that list.
ASA National Championship Battle
The ASA Racing Season is in the books after last weekend's crowing of two of the final three ASA sanctioned track champions. The folks in the corporate office are now validating all of the racing results and confirming the final standings for both regions and the ultimate National Champ. Mike Slone and Dustin Rumley both clinched their track championships last weekend and completed the first major hurdle in being crowned the National Champion. Kyle Borden leads the point standings at Shasta Speedway with two races to go, but both of them will take place after this Sunday's point deadline, so he is the official representative from Shasta. He also leads the ASA National Modified points.
Rumley is no stranger to this process. In 2010 he was the Ace Speedway champion as well, but when the final tabulations were completed, he fell .0028 points behind Bryan Wordelman. This season it is probably not going to be as close after Stroebel's improbable undefeated run in Idaho. Rumley was able to outlast the onslaught of last season's champion Barry Beggarly, as well as, Rodney Cook.
Slone survived an intensely heated battle with Matt Wallace. When the final checkers flew, Slone's four wins, 11 top 5s and 14 top 10s in 17 races were enough to land him the big fake check on championship night.
The points are still unofficial at this time but the breakdown, by region, is below.
West Region
Position Name Average
1. Shelby Stroebel 5.0763
2. Mike Slone 4.0874
3. Michael Hale 3.8030
4. Kyle Borden 1.3704
East Region
Position Name Average
1. Lance Gatlin 4.6725
2. Dustin Rumley 4.2593
3. Dennis Queen 3.9873
4. Mark Eswein 3.7939
Throughout the season, drivers competing in the premiere divisions at eligible ASA Member Tracks are in the running for the 2012 ASA Member Track National Championship. In order to have a chance for the national title, a driver must first win their 2012 track championship.
Speednetdirect.com, for the fifth year in a row, will tabulate the National Championship standings. Using a proprietary formula that creates an average based on wins, finishing positions, number of cars passed, car counts and events. The driver who wins their track championship and has the highest average over the other ASA Member Track champions will win the 2012 ASA Member Track National Championship. Full standings are available at www.speednetdirect.com. Click on the ASA Member Track logo at the top of the page.
This Weekend's Race Schedule
Fri : Sept 28th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – Carquest Fall Final Practice
Fri : Sept 28th – Dover International Speedway ; Dover : DE – NASCAR K&N Pro East Series
Fri : Sept 28th – Gas City I-69 Speedway ; Gas City : IN – USAC Midwest Focus Midgets
Fri : Sept 28th – Knoxville Raceway ; Knoxville : IA – 9th Annual Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals
Fri : Sept 28th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Super Shoe Nationals Outlaw Super Late Models Practice and Qualifying
Fri : Sept 28th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – 2nd Annual Jesse Hockett/Daniel McMillin Memorial Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Cars
Fri : Sept 28th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – 2nd Annual Jesse Hockett/Daniel McMillin Memorial WAR Sprint Cars
Fri : Sept 28th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Street Stock
Fri : Sept 28th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Fri : Sept 28th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – USCS Outlaw Thunder Sprint Cars
Fri : Sept 28th – Thunderbird Speedway ; Muskogee : OK – MARS Dirtcar Series Late Models
Fri : Sept 28th – Williams Grove Speedway ; Mechanicsburg : PA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Fri : Sept 28th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : Sept 28th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : Sept 28th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Stock
Fri : Sept 28th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Street Stock
Sat : Sept 29th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Grass Roots Nationals 305 Winged Sprints
Sat : Sept 29th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Grass Roots Nationals 600 Mini Sprints
Sat : Sept 29th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Grass Roots Nationals Late Models
Sat : Sept 29th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Grass Roots Nationals Modifieds
Sat : Sept 29th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Championship Night Late Models
Sat : Sept 29th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Championship Night Sport Modifieds
Sat : Sept 29th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Championship Night Hobby Stocks
Sat : Sept 29th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – Carquest Fall Final Qualifying Limited Late Models
Sat : Sept 29th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – Carquest Fall Final Qualifying SK Lights
Sat : Sept 29th – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – DS Trucks
Sat : Sept 29th – Five Flags Speedway ; Pensacola : FL – Pro Late Models
Sat : Sept 29th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Pro Late Models
Sat : Sept 29th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – E-Modifieds
Sat : Sept 29th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Sportsman
Sat : Sept 29th – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Al Archdale Jr. Memorial Mini Sprint Nationals
Sat : Sept 29th – Lawrenceburg Speedway ; Lawrenceburg : IN – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 29th – Lucas Oil Raceway Park ; Clermont : IN – Jeg's All Stars Pro Late Models
Sat : Sept 29th – Montpelier Speedway ; Montpelier : IN – USAC Midwest Focus Midgets
Sat : Sept 29th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornet All-Star 200
Sat : Sept 29th – Knoxville Raceway ; Knoxville : IA – 9th Annual Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals
Sat : Sept 29th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – PASS North Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 29th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Super Shoe Nationals Outlaw Super Late Models Heat Races, Last Chance Races and Dash for Cash
Sat : Sept 29th – Lebanon I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – ASA Late Models
Sat : Sept 29th – Lebanon I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – ASA Midwest Tour Missouri 100
Sat : Sept 29th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – 2nd Annual Jesse Hockett/Daniel McMillin Memorial Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 29th – Lucas Oil Speedway ; Wheatland : MO – 2nd Annual Jesse Hockett/Daniel McMillin Memorial WAR Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 29th – Sandia Motor Speedway ; Albuquerque : NM – NASCAR K&N Pro West Series
Sat : Sept 29th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Mid-Atlantic Shootout Late Models
Sat : Sept 29th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Late Model Trucks
Sat : Sept 29th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat : Sept 29th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – NASCAR Whelen Southern Modifieds
Sat : Sept 29th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 29th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – USCS Outlaw Thunder Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 29th – Toledo Speedway ; Toledo : OH – Glass City 200 Late Models
Sat : Sept 29th – Thunderbird Speedway ; Muskogee : OK – MARS Dirtcar Series Late Models
Sat : Sept 29th – Williams Grove Speedway ; Mechanicsburg : PA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 29th – Thunder Road Milk Bowl ; Waterbury : VT – ACT Late Models
Sun : Sept 30th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – Carquest Fall Final Late Models
Sun : Sept 30th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – Carquest Fall Final SK Modifieds
Sun : Sept 30th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – Carquest Fall Final Whelen Modified Tour
Sun : Sept 30th – Rockford Speedway ; Rockford : IL – 47th Annual Short Track Championships
Sun : Sept 30th – Lucas Oil Raceway Park ; Clermont : IN – CRA Super Series
Sun : Sept 30th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – PASS Mods
Sun : Sept 30th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – PASS Sportsman
Sun : Sept 30th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – PASS North Super Late Models
Sun : Sept 30th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – 26th Super Shoe Nationals Outlaw Super Late Models
Sun : Sept 30th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Modifieds
Sun : Sept 30th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Street Stocks
Sun : Sept 30th – Thunder Road Milk Bowl ; Waterbury : VT – ACT Late Models
Wed : Oct 3rd – New York State Fairgrounds ; Syracuse : NY – DIRTCar Big-Block Modifieds
Thu : Oct 4th – Tri-City Speedway ; Pontoon Beach : IL – USAC MOPAR National Midgets
Thu : Oct 4th – Greenville Speedway ; Greenville : MS – Nesmith Dirt Late Models
Thu : Oct 4th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Cotton Boll Cup Late Models
Thu : Oct 4th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Cotton Boll Cup Modifieds
Thu : Oct 4th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Cotton Boll Cup Street Stocks
Thu : Oct 4th – New York State Fairgrounds ; Syracuse : NY – DIRTCar Big-Block Modifieds
Thu : Oct 4th – Rolling Wheels Raceway Park ; Elbridge : NY – World of Outlaws Late Models
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: AAA 400
by Rick Lunkenheimer
This weekend brings the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series to Dover for the third race of the chase. The AAA 400 broadcast is set to begin with the NASCAR countdown pre-race starting at 1 PM ET, with the green flag set to drop around 2:15 PM ET on ESPN, MRN, and SiriusXm radio channel 90. Drivers will compete for 400 laps (400 miles) en route to the checkered flag.
Records and Facts
Jeremy Mayfield holds the track qualifying record with a speed of 161.522 mph (22.288 sec.) set back on June 4, 2004. Mayfield led for 78 laps and brought home an eighth-place finish. Mark Martin went on to win the race.
Mark Martin holds the race record with a speed of 132.719 mph set on Sept. 21, 1997. Martin led for a race-high 194 laps and took the checkered flag more than ten seconds ahead of Dale Earnhardt. Kyle Petty, Bobby Labonte and Dale Jarrett rounded out the top 5.
Jimmie Johnson is the defending race winner. He led a dominating 289 laps in the 2012 FedEx 400 Benefiting Autism Speaks. It was one of Johnson's three wins that year.
Track Facts
Track/Race Length: one-mile concrete oval, 400 laps, 400 miles
Grandstand Seating: 135,000
Pit Road Speed: 35mph
Pace Car Speed: 45mph
Opened: 1969
VIPs:
Grand Marshal / Command: Philadelphia Eagles legned Brian Dawkins
Honorary Starter / Wave Green Flag: Terry Rubitz, vice president of marketing for AAA Mid-Atlantic
Invocation: Pastor Dan Schafer, Calvary Assembly of God in Heightstown, N.J.
National Anthem: Lonestar
Military Flyover: Three (3) F-16's of the 149th Fighter Wing, Texas Air National Guard
Pre-race Schedule
Practice: Friday, September 28, 11:00am - 12:25 PM ET on SPEED
Happy Hour: Friday, September 28, 2:40 – 4:15PM ET on SPEED
Qualifying: Saturday, September 29 at 1:40 PM ET on SPEED, re-air scheduled at 11:00 PM ET
Say What?!?
"Well, I'm going to be optimistic when I go there. Darian (Grubb) and the team have been working on that race track for quite a long time the last few weeks, working on a setup that would make me comfortable on that race track. The car is going to be good. I just have to have an open mind when I get out there for the first green flag run and have faith that I can do it. I'll be leaning on my teammates quite a bit this weekend. Obviously they are both very good at that track." -Denny Hamlin
"Dover is one of my favorite racetracks, I love racing there,I guess if you look at my Dover record you wouldn't think I would have these likable feelings about the track. But I do, and feel that we had some good runs at Dover recently, but either got caught up in an accident or had mechanical problems." -Regan Smith
"Dover is a race that's going to be one of the tougher (Sprint) Cup races I'm going to do. I'm sure it's going to be a difficult weekend, but the difficult weekends are what will make next year easier. Hopefully, it's one of those tracks where it helps to run both cars (Nationwide and Sprint Cup) – they both help each other. I always like going to Dover. The track is pretty fun and, hopefully, we can make it to the end this time. I remember everyone telling me how unique and challenging Dover was prior to my first race. At the time, I didn't have a whole lot to compare that track to. They said it was like a larger version of Bristol, but I hadn't raced at Bristol yet, either. It's nice to have more of a handle on what to expect heading in there this time. Dover is fun. It's fast and it can make for a really long day of racing. I think that's part of the appeal of it – how demanding it can be. We definitely want to stay out of trouble, which is easier said than done at these types of tracks." -Danica Patrick
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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COME JOIN THE FRONTSTRETCH FAMILY!
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Fantasy Friday: AAA 400
by Jeff Wolfe
As we enter week three of the Chase, it's usually at about this time when we starting seeing some separation of the contenders from the pretenders. So, here's a look at who should contend at Dover Sunday afternoon.
Top 5 Picks
1. Jimmie Johnson - He's got seven wins on the concrete mile and won the June race here earlier this year, wearing that rainbow-colored wig in Victory Lane. Wig or not, don't be surprised to see him there again late Sunday afternoon. He has led 1,069 of the last 2,000 Sprint Cup laps run at Dover.
2. Matt Kenseth - He's one of the few drivers who have been able to challenge Johnson at Dover in recent years. He also needs a win if he wants to have any hope of contending for the title as he is in 11th place, 35 points behind Johnson.
3. Greg Biffle - Much like his Roush Fenway teammate Kenseth, he needs a win to get back into the title picture. He's won twice at Dover, so maybe he can give it a shot.
4. Kyle Busch - He's had a frustrating year with several engine woes, then missed the Chase. But he 's still capable of winning at any of these Chase tracks.
5. Jeff Gordon - OK, so no other driver really sticks out here. However, if Gordon, who is 12th and 45 points behind Johnson, gets a win, maybe it would be the beginning of an epic comeback to get him back into the Chase picture, just like the rally he had to make the Chase. He does four have career wins at Dover, though none in the last five races there.
Shoulda, woulda, coulda: Tony Stewart - He used to be good at Dover in his early days in the Sprint Cup cars as he has two wins there. But Stewart has struggled in recent years, including consecutive 25th-place finishes in his last two races there. However, he's also known for doing the improbable, so I wouldn't count him out Sunday.
ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP
Here's a look at how last week's picks fared in Week 2 of the Chase at New Hampshire
Jimmie Johnson - 2nd. Was pretty good all day, just not as good as the winner who was ...
Denny Hamlin - 1st. A dominating performance that put him right in the title hunt.
Tony Stewart - 7th. He didn't have his best day, but was respectable enough.
Clint Bowyer - 4th. He needed a good run to keep realistic title hopes and he did it.
Ryan Newman - 10th. Though he's not in the Chase, he fared OK at one of his best tracks.
Season Stats:
140 Predictions
15 Wins
46 Top 5s
65 Top 10s
Grade for the week: A. I gave you the winner, three of the top four and five of the top 10. Wish I could do that every week.
One last thing: Among active drivers, Jeff Gordon has led the most laps at Dover at 2,291. Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jimmie Johnson has led 2,275, so he could surpass Gordon for that honor Sunday.
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 Andy Hollis
Largely Absent From Chase Headlines, Stewart and Kahne Poised to Make Waves
by Amy Henderson
Four Burning Questions: Dover Edition
by Matt Stallknecht
Champions Don't Need to Be Told to "Fall in Love"
by Jeff Meyer
Title Fight Better the Second Time Between Stenhouse, Sadler
by Bryan Davis Keith
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: Ryan Newman won the 2003 MBNA America 400 for his seventh win of the year while leading 106 laps. However, it wasn't easy by any means (then again, Dover never really is easy). What did Newman have to overcome in order to win?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: Jeff Gordon dominated the 1995 MBNA 500, leading 400 of the 500 laps on his way to his first career win at Dover. However, there was a rather unusual wreck involving Dale Jarrett and Mike Wallace late in the race. What happened here?
A: With less than 100 laps to go, Dale Jarrett cut a tire in Turn 3. In what appeared (at first) to be somewhat misguided attempt to get onto pit road as fast as possible (it was really a mechanical failure), Jarrett cut across the entire track and hit Mike Wallace on the apron. Wallace ended up in the grass and spun up the track, taking himself and Jarrett into the outside wall hard. Jarrett suffered a broken rib in the crash but walked away. The crash can seen early in 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:
-- AAA 400 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: AAA 400 by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan is back with his overall thoughts about the action from Sunday afternoon's race from Dover.
Bowles' Eye View by Tom Bowles
Tom is back with a commentary about one of the biggest stories leaving the third Chase race from Dover.
Full Throttle by Mike Neff
Mike is back with a commentary about the hottest topic leaving Dover.
Big Six: AAA 400 by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving the third Chase race at Dover? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing.
Pace Laps: Las Vegas / Dover 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 in Las Vegas and Dover.
Nationwide Series Breakdown: OneMain Financial 200 by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan has all the post-race analysis you need following Saturday afternoon's Nationwide Series race from Dover.
Tracking the Trucks: Smith's 350 by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth has all the post-race analysis you need following Saturday night's Camping World Truck Series race from Las Vegas.
-----------------------------
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: Ryan Newman won the 2003 MBNA America 400 for his seventh win of the year while leading 106 laps. However, it wasn't easy by any means (then again, Dover never really is easy). What did Newman have to overcome in order to win?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: Jeff Gordon dominated the 1995 MBNA 500, leading 400 of the 500 laps on his way to his first career win at Dover. However, there was a rather unusual wreck involving Dale Jarrett and Mike Wallace late in the race. What happened here?
A: With less than 100 laps to go, Dale Jarrett cut a tire in Turn 3. In what appeared (at first) to be somewhat misguided attempt to get onto pit road as fast as possible (it was really a mechanical failure), Jarrett cut across the entire track and hit Mike Wallace on the apron. Wallace ended up in the grass and spun up the track, taking himself and Jarrett into the outside wall hard. Jarrett suffered a broken rib in the crash but walked away. The crash can seen early in 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:
-- AAA 400 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: AAA 400 by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan is back with his overall thoughts about the action from Sunday afternoon's race from Dover.
Bowles' Eye View by Tom Bowles
Tom is back with a commentary about one of the biggest stories leaving the third Chase race from Dover.
Full Throttle by Mike Neff
Mike is back with a commentary about the hottest topic leaving Dover.
Big Six: AAA 400 by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving the third Chase race at Dover? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing.
Pace Laps: Las Vegas / Dover 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 in Las Vegas and Dover.
Nationwide Series Breakdown: OneMain Financial 200 by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan has all the post-race analysis you need following Saturday afternoon's Nationwide Series race from Dover.
Tracking the Trucks: Smith's 350 by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth has all the post-race analysis you need following Saturday night's Camping World Truck Series race from Las Vegas.
-----------------------------
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
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