THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
September 7th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CLXXIV
~~~~~~~~~~
Top News
by Jeff Wolfe
Chase Clinch ScenariosPresented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
September 7th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CLXXIV
~~~~~~~~~~
Top News
by Jeff Wolfe
With nine drivers already locked into the Chase, there are still three spots left to fill. But just who has a shot to race their way into those final openings in the last race before the Chase field is set?
Tony Stewart: He's already guaranteed at least a wild-card spot with his three wins. But he can stay in the top 10 by finishing 14th, 15th with one lap led or 16th with the most laps led.
Kasey Kahne: He is the only driver outside the top 10 with two wins. He is basically in. The only iffy scenario for him is if Kyle Busch knocks Stewart out of the top 10 and Jeff Gordon wins. If that happens Kahne then must finish 13th or better, or 14th with one lap led or 15th with the most laps led.
There are five other drivers besides Kahne outside the top 10 with at least one win. So, if Busch, Gordon, Ryan Newman, Marcos Ambrose or Joey Logano win, they are in by virtue of joining Kahne with two wins.
Here's how they can get in without a win:
Busch: He's also in if he loses 12 or fewers points to Gordon and loses 40 or fewer points to Ambrose.
Gordon: He has to finish 13 points ahead of Busch and not lose more than 28 points to Ambrose and 37 points to Newman.
Newman and Logano: They can only clinch with a win. However if either Busch or Gordon knock Stewart out of the top 10, both will be eliminated.
Ambrose: He needs to finish 41 points ahead of Busch and 29 ahead of Gordon.
There are two winless drivers with a very slim chance to make it.
Carl Edwards needs to win (and score 47 points) and have Busch finish 24th or worse and Gordon finish 12th or worse, each with no laps led. Also, if Busch or Gordon knock Stewart out of the top 10, Edwards is eliminated.
Paul Menard needs to win (and also score 47 points) and have Busch finish 34th or worse and Gordon finish 22nd or worse, each with no laps led. Also, if Gordon or Busch knock Stewart out of the top 10 Menard will be eliminated.
The first race in the Chase is at 2 PM Sunday, September 16, at Chicagoland Speedway on ESPN.
Richard Petty, Ambrose, Hamlin to Highlight Charlotte Pit Party
Richard Petty has long had a love affair with NASCAR fans, and the Hall of Famer will continue that with an infield Pit Party at the Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway Oct. 13. The King will also be joined by four-time 2012 winner Denny Hamlin as well as one of Petty's own drivers, Marcos Ambrose.
The party will take place in the Nationwide Series garage from 2 to 5 PM before the lone Saturday night event in the 10-race Chase for the Championship, NASCAR's version of the playoffs. Fans who buy race tickets and pre-race pit passes will be allowed in to the party, which will also feature other driver appearances
"Pre-race pit passes give fans a unique, behind-the-scenes look at race day preparations that you just can't get at other sporting events," said Marcus Smith, president and general manager at Charlotte Motor Speedway. "We wanted to give our fans even more access to an area that's usually off limits. The Pit Party is also going to provide plenty of fun before the Bank of America 500 and yet another reason to get to Charlotte Motor Speedway early on race day."
The party will also feature displays from the Richard Petty Driving Experience and a tire-changing station where fans can try out their pit crew skills. Also scheduled to appear are SPEED TV personalities Jimmy Spencer and Danielle Trotta.
Pit passes are $100 for adults, $50 for children ages 14-18 and free for children 13 and under.
Have news for The Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com with a promising lead or tip.
by Amy Henderson
Dakoda Armstrong Driver Diary: Tough Breaks, Iowa's Excellence And NFL 2012
as told to Beth Lunkenheimer
Voices From the Cheapseats: It's On the Internet So It Must Be True
by Jeff Meyer
Four Burning Questions: How Much Is Denny Showing His Hand? Wild Cards & More
by Summer Bedgood
Nuts For Nationwide: Danica-Mania Leaving Travis At The Altar
by Tom Bowles
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: Later on in the 1998 Autolite Platnium 250, there was yet another big wreck. What happened here?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: In 1998, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. picked up his first career Richmond victory in the Busch Series Autolite Platnium 250. However, this race had a big wreck early on. What happened?
A: It took less than a minute for heck to break loose that night. On the second lap, Tracy Leslie, Brad Noffsinger and Matt Kenseth had contact with each other in Turn 1. Noffsinger spun and was hit by Mike Dillon and Tim Fedewa, effectively blocking the racing groove. Joe Bessey, Tony Stewart, Mike McLaughlin, Robert Pressley, Ken Schrader and Elliott Sadler were all involved. The crash can be seen at the 10:40 mark of this clip. Only Schrader, who wasn't racing for points, was eliminated in this crash. Everyone else continued after repairs.
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:
-- Federated Auto Parts 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: Federated Auto Parts 400 by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan is here with his overall thoughts about the action from Saturday night's race from Richmond.
Big Six: Federated Auto Parts 400 by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving Saturday's event from Richmond? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing.
Pace Laps: Richmond Weekend by the Frontstretch Staff
In our newest column this season, we'll take a look at the biggest stories to keep an eye on in each series after the races at Richmond.
Other Columns TBD
-----------------------------
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
~~~~~~~~~~
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!
~~~~~~~~~~
In Case You Missed It
by Beth Lunkenheimer
COME JOIN THE FRONTSTRETCH FAMILY!
~~~~~~~~~~
In Case You Missed It
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Rusty Wallace to Be Honored at Iowa "Fan Appreciation" Weekend
When the Camping World Truck Series heads to Iowa Speedway next weekend, the track will host a special fan tribute leading up to their final race of the 2012 season. Those who attend will be able to meet and chat with Rusty Wallace, who will also participate in pre-race ceremonies. Majority track owners Conrad and Stan Clement will be joined by four fans to present Wallace with an Iowa Speedway "Tribute Plaque" to commemorate his Hall of Fame induction.
"We are so proud of Rusty Wallace's accomplishments throughout his incredibly successful NASCAR career," Iowa Speedway president Stan Clement said. "Those accomplishments, and his untiring support of NASCAR racing over the years, are among the many reasons he is the youngest member to be elected to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. We are looking forward to honoring him at our NASCAR Truck race, along with thousands of his fans, before he is formally inducted in Charlotte."
Wallace will also pilot one of the pace trucks for the initial start of the American Ethanol 200 presented by Hy-Vee.
"I'm honored and humbled by the outpouring of support for my induction in the NASCAR Hall of Fam, particularly from Iowa Speedway fans who have been so supportive over the years," Wallace said. "This NASCAR Truck race weekend is really about the fans, and I'm raelly pleased that my schedule allows me to come to Iowa and meet many of them personally."
In 706 career starts, the 1989 Cup Series champion has 55 victories, 202 top 5s and 349 top-10 finishes.
Lowe's to Donate $133,000 to Red Cross
As mentioned briefly earlier this week in our Newsletter, Lowe's announced that it will donate $133,966 to the American Red Cross to assist with the relief efforts following Hurricane Isaac's impact on the south. The home improvement store matched Jimmie Johnson's earnings at Atlanta Motor Speedway as part of its Racing for Relief program. Additionally, Hendrick Motorsports and Johnson will donate $48,000.
"Lowe's heartfelt thoughts go out to those impacted by this disaster, many of whom are a part of our Lowe's family, Lowe's director of community relations Joan Higginbotham said. "By partnering with organizations like the American Red Cross, we're able to ensure that immediate support and supplies continue to read those in need."
Lowe's stores across the country will also be collecting donations at every register. The funds go to providing food, shelter and more to those affected by the hurricane and resulting floods. Lowe's and its customers have donated more than $23 million since the company began partnering with the Red Cross in 1999.
~~~~~~~~~~
Keepin' It Short: All About Racing at the SuperNationals
by Mike Neff
It is SuperNationals week in Boone, Iowa. The main focus of the show is the dirt modifieds, but there are also Late Models, Stock Cars, SportMods and Hobby Stocks. The event is a Mecca for racing, with races running early into the morning, and the track crew re-prepping the track after every 10 races. Wednesday night was the opening night of activity for the modifieds, while the other divisions had been running earlier in the week.
248 cars took part in just the Modified portion of the activities on Wednesday night across 30 heat races, six B-Mains and an A-Main. The SuperNationals are a racing junkie's dream. Nearly 250 Modifieds are in town for the events along with almost 200 stock cars. 42 Deery Brothers Late Models raced on Monday night along with 180 SportMods and 152 Hobby Stocks.
The folks at Boone Speedway have this race down to a science. One of the tricks to dirt track racing is keeping up with the changing track conditions. That is not a problem at Boone because they rework the track every 10 races. The track is tilled up, watered and repacked every time. They have the process down pat to where the disruption is about as minimal as possible and the end result is a dirt playing field that is about as consistent as it can possibly be.
The interesting fact about the Modified SuperNationals is that the winner, who survives four grueling days of racing and bests a field of the greatest Modified racers in the business, takes home a check for $2,000. In addition to that honor, he also loses his engine, which is raffled off after the feature to the highest bidder.
It may sound like a quirky deal, and it does keep some racers away, but in the end the winner can always claim he won the biggest dirt race in the world. If you're a dirt racing fan, and you know the dirt mentality, then you should make a pilgrimage to Boone before your days come to an end. Monday night's activities were still going strong at 1:30 in the morning, with 30 races still to go. Provided you don't have anywhere to go the next day, because you won't get any sleep, the price of admission is well worth it to attend the IMCA SuperNationals.
Whelen All-American National Points Race
While the weekend was a rainy one east of the Mississippi, the top two contenders in the Whelen All-American National Points were able to race, but neither of them improved their position in the point standings. Lee Pulliam added a top-10 finish to his resume while Nate Monteith notched a top 5. Somehow Keith Rocco dropped two points, which puts him behind Duane Howard now. Howard was the big winner of the week, scoring his ninth win of the season and vaulting from eighth to third in the national race. The members of the top 10 did not change, although there was some position shuffling.
With just two weekends of racing left to determine the National Champion, Pulliam has to just be hoping his two closest competitors are not able to run and win enough races to catch him, unless he is able to make it to the 810 maximum first.
Position Name Races Wins Top5s Top10s Total Points
1. Lee Pulliam 33 20 27 29 783
2. Nate Monteith 29 10 21 24 726
3. Duane Howard 19 9 16 19 713
4. Keith Rocco 37 12 22 27 712
5. Ted Christopher 46 7 38 41 712
6. Ryan Preece 44 13 29 36 709
7. C.E. Falk III 28 14 20 25 705
8. Deac McCaskill 26 18 24 26 703
9. Tim Brown 24 8 13 18 672
10. Jason O'Brien 28 5 18 24 661
A driver's best 18 results through Sept. 16 are counted toward their states and national point totals, and the champions are decided on overall point total. Once a driver reaches 18 starts, their total would increase incrementally as they replace some poorer runs with better results.
Under the points structure for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, the race winner receives two points for every car in the event up to 20 cars. Second place receives two fewer points and so on through the field. Race winners receive an additional five points. For example, if 20 cars are in the field, the winner receives 45 points, second place 38 and third 36. If there are 15 cars, the winner receives 35 points, second 28 and third, 26.
ASA National Points Battle
One of the most difficult aspects of winning the ASA National Title is that a driver has to win a track championship to be eligible. In the NASCAR Whelen All-American battle, it is all about the points and it doesn't matter if a driver wins a track title or not. The ASA requires drivers to take a local track title in order to be eligible for the national title. For Shelby Stroebel and Lance Gatlin, that hurdle was cleared this past week.
Stroebel's amazing season finished off with two more wins this past weekend, giving him 14 consecutive victories for the year and 16 in-a-row dating back to 2011. His track championship, undefeated season and 5.0763 average has him sitting atop the national point standings. Gatlin also capped off a track title this past weekend, although his season-long quest to go undefeated ended a few weeks ago. Gatlin has a week left in his racing season but his closest competitor is too far behind to wrest the track title away from him in the last event of the season.
Most of the other competitors at ASA tracks in the east were rained out this weekend, although Ace Speedway did get their feature in. Dustin Rumley leads the track championship at Ace and that puts him third in the national title battle. Mike Slone was unable to add to his average this past weekend due to the remnants of Hurricane Isaac, which washed out most of the east coast's activities.
ASA Member Track National Championship Standings
Position Name Average
1. Shelby Stroebel 5.0763
2. Lance Gatlin 4.6725
3. Dustin Rumley 4.2593
4. Mike Slone 4.7059
5. Dennis Queen 3.9873
6. Michael Hale 3.8030
7. Mark Eswein 3.4388
8. Kyle Borden 1.3704
Throughout the season, drivers competing in the premiere divisions at eligible ASA Member Tracks are in the running for the 2012 ASA Member Track National Championship. In order to have a chance for the national title, a driver must first win their 2012 track championship.
Speednetdirect.com, for the fifth year in a row, will tabulate the National Championship standings. Using a proprietary formula that creates an average based on wins, finishing positions, number of cars passed, car counts and events. The driver who wins their track championship and has the highest average over the other ASA Member Track champions will win the 2012 ASA Member Track National Championship. Full standings are available at www.speednetdirect.com. Click on the ASA Member Track logo at the top of the page.
Weekend Race Schedule
Fri : Sept 7th – Northeast Arkansas Speedway ; Harrisburg : AR – 2nd Annual Rock-A-Billy 45 Comp Cams Super Late Models
Fri : Sept 7th – Silver Dollar Speedway ; Chico : CA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Fri : Sept 7th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 5 Star Series Late Models
Fri : Sept 7th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 5 Star Series Limited Late Models
Fri : Sept 7th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 5 Star Series SK Lights
Fri : Sept 7th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 5 Star Series SK Modifieds
Fri : Sept 7th – Tri-City Speedway ; Pontoon Beach : IL – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Fri : Sept 7th – Gas City I-69 Speedway ; Gas City : IN – USAC Midwest Focus Midgets
Fri : Sept 7th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – 36th Annual Jonathan Byrd's World Figure 8 Three Hour Endurance Qualifiers
Fri : Sept 7th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets Figure 8
Fri : Sept 7th – Ogilvie Raceway ; Ogilvie : MN – USMTS National Championship Series Modifieds
Fri : Sept 7th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Final Points Night NDRA Late Models
Fri : Sept 7th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Final Points Night Open Wheel Modifieds
Fri : Sept 7th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Final Points Night Street Stocks
Fri : Sept 7th – Southwest Speedway ; Dickinson : ND – Harvest Shootout IMCA Modifieds
Fri : Sept 7th – Southwest Speedway ; Dickinson : ND – Harvest Shootout Wissota Street Stocks
Fri : Sept 7th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : Sept 7th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : Sept 7th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Stock
Fri : Sept 7th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Street Stock
Fri : Sept 7th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – Fall Classic IMCA Modifieds
Fri : Sept 7th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – Fall Classic IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : Sept 7th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – Fall Classic IMCA Stock Cars
Fri : Sept 7th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – Fall Classic Street Stocks
Sat : Sept 8th – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Lee Fields Memorial Pro Late Model Qualifying
Sat : Sept 8th – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Lee Fields Memorial Modified Qualifying
Sat : Sept 8th – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Lee Fields Memorial Super Stock Trucks Qualifying
Sat : Sept 8th – South Alabama Speedway ; Kinston : AL – Viper Pro Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – NEA Speedway ; Harrisburg : AR – 2nd Annual Rock-A-Billy 45 Comp Cams Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – Silver Dollar Speedway ; Chico : CA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 8th – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – Open Wheel Modifieds
Sat : Sept 8th – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – Sportsman
Sat : Sept 8th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Pro Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Modifieds
Sat : Sept 8th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Sportsman
Sat : Sept 8th – Dixie Speedway ; Woodstock : GA – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 8th – New Senoia Raceway ; Senoia : GA – Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – Watermelon Capital Speedway ; Cordele : GA – Outlaw Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – Waycross Motor Speedway ; Waycross : GA – Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – Montpelier Speedway ; Montpelier : IN – USAC Midwest Focus Midgets
Sat : Sept 8th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – 36th Annual Pure Power Technologies World Figure 8 Three Hour Endurance
Sat : Sept 8th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – 4 & 8 Cylinder Obstacle Course
Sat : Sept 8th – Berlin Raceway ; Marne ; MI – Outlaw Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – Berlin Raceway ; Marne ; MI – Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – Flat Rock Speedway ; Flat Rock : MI – CRA Super Series
Sat : Sept 8th – Onaway Speedway ; Onaway : MI – Top Speed Modifieds
Sat : Sept 8th – Ogilvie Raceway ; Ogilvie : MN – USMTS National Championship Series Modifieds
Sat : Sept 8th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – United Insurers Night at the Races ASA Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – United Insurers Night at the Races Modifieds
Sat : Sept 8th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – United Insurers Night at the Races Sportsman
Sat : Sept 8th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – United Insurers Night at the Races Road Warriors
Sat : Sept 8th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – United Insurers Night at the Races Chargers
Sat : Sept 8th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Final Points Night Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Final Points Night Modifieds
Sat : Sept 8th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Final Points Night Street Stocks
Sat : Sept 8th – The Bullring at Las Vegas ; Las Vegas : NV – SRL Southwest Tour Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – White Mountain Motorsports Park ; North Woodstock : NH – PASS North Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Late Model Trucks
Sat : Sept 8th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Street Stocks
Sat : Sept 8th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Street Stock
Sat : Sept 8th – Southwest Speedway ; Dickinson : ND – Harvest Shootout IMCA Modifieds
Sat : Sept 8th – Southwest Speedway ; Dickinson : ND – Harvest Shootout Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : Sept 8th – Scotia Speedworld ; Halifax : Nova Scotia – Parts for Trucks Pro Stocks
Sat : Sept 8th – Barrie Speedway ; Barrie : Ontario – NASCAR Canadian Tire Series
Sat : Sept 8th – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Fan Appreciation Night Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : Sept 8th – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Fan Appreciation Night Wissota Modifieds
Sat : Sept 8th – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Fan Appreciation Night Street Stocks
Sat : Sept 8th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Coalcracker 358 Modifieds
Sat : Sept 8th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 305 Sprints
Sat : Sept 8th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 358 Sprints
Sat : Sept 8th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – Thundercars
Sat : Sept 8th – Autodrome Chaudiere ; Vallee Junction : Quebec – ACT Castrol Series
Sat : Sept 8th – Autodrome Chaudiere ; Vallee Junction : Quebec – ACT Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – Autodrome Granby ; Granby : Quebec – DIRTCar Big-Block Modifieds
Sat : Sept 8th – Nashville Fairgrounds ; Nashville : TN – Ken Ten Pro Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Limited Sportsman
Sat : Sept 8th – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Street Stock
Sat : Sept 8th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – 12th Annual Jerry Richert Memorial IRA 410 Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 8th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – 12th Annual Jerry Richert Memorial UMSS Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 8th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – Fall Classic IMCA Modifieds
Sat : Sept 8th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – Fall Classic IMCA Sport Modifieds
Sat : Sept 8th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – Fall Classic IMCA Stock Cars
Sat : Sept 8th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – Fall Classic Street Stocks
Sat : Sept 8th – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Two Day Special Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : Sept 8th – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Two Day Special Wissota Street Stocks
Sun : Sept 9th – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Lee Fields Memorial Pro Late Model Qualifying
Sun : Sept 9th – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Lee Fields Memorial Modified Qualifying
Sun : Sept 9th – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Lee Fields Memorial Super Stock Trucks Qualifying
Sun : Sept 9th – NEA Speedway ; Harrisburg : AR – 2nd Annual Rock-A-Billy 45 Comp Cams Super Late Models
Sun : Sept 9th – Thompson International Speedway ; Thompson : CT – NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour
Sun : Sept 9th – Thompson International Speedway ; Thompson : CT – NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour
Sun : Sept 9th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Sport Modifieds
Sun : Sept 9th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Late Models
Sun : Sept 9th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Factory Stocks
Sun : Sept 9th – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Two Day Special Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sun : Sept 9th – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Two Day Special Wissota Street Stocks
Mon : Sept 10th – Antioch Speedway ; Antioch : CA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Thu : Aug 13th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – 6th Annual Legendary 100 Midwest Modifieds
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
Facebook Poll Results:
In the latest Facebook poll, race fans were asked which driver you think will take the final wild card Chase berth at Richmond. And the results are in! 50% of voters believe that Jeff Gordon will edge out the competition 43% think Kyle Busch has it in the bag, and 7% say Ryan Newman will come back at Richmond to claim the bragging rights. Carl Edwards, Marcos Ambrose and Joey Logano were not feeling the love as they all received no votes.
Make sure you like our Facebook page by clicking here and come back every day for great links and more fan polls!
~~~~~~~~~~
Fantasy Friday: Federated Auto Parts 400
by Jeff Wolfe
There are a lot of scenarios that could play out in the final race of the NASCAR Sprint Cup's regular season Saturday night at Richmond.
Some of the things to watch include whether Tony Stewart will remain in the top 10 or be forced to join the Chase as a wild card, whether Kasey Kahne will remain the first wild-card qualifier by being the only driver 11th-20th in the standings with two win; will either Kyle Busch, Jeff Gordon, Ryan Newman, Marcos Ambrose, Joey Logano manage to snag a second win for the wild card, and could Carl Edwards or Paul Menard put themselves in the Chase with a win.
Of course we can't forget about the guys already in the top 10. Since they have clinched a spot in the Chase, they can gamble and go for the win, which would give them three bonus points when the Chase starts next Sunday at Chicagoland Speedway. The top 10 in points will be seeded by how many wins they have, while the two wild-card qualifiers will not get bonus points for victories.
There are a lot of different scenarios where the above drivers could make the Chase, and some are more extreme than others.
But the real battle here will be between the No. 18 of Kyle Busch and No. 24 of Jeff Gordon. Busch currently sits in the 12th and final qualifying spot with a 12-point lead on Gordon. They each have a win, so if either wins, they are in the Chase. However, if neither is close to victory, then Gordon will need to have a 13-point advantage over Busch to make the Chase. Along with finishing that many spots ahead of Busch, Gordon can also get a point each for leading a lap and leading the most laps.
But leading at Richmond is something that Busch is accustomed to. He's won three of the last five races there and those wins weren't simply good luck. In those five races, Busch has led 493 laps, the most of any driver. He's finished in the top 5 four times in those fives races and the other finish was sixth. That all adds up to an average finish of 2.2 in his last five trips to Richmond.
It would be hard for anybody to compare to those numbers favorably. They just can't be topped. But Gordon has at least been respectable at Richmond the last five times out. He has two top-5 finishes and has led 155 laps. So it's not inconceivable that Gordon could win on Saturday night. He's visited Victory Lane 86 times in Sprint Cup career. so he knows how to win. And being 13 points better than Busch at Richmond seems like a stretch. So for Gordon, too, just like the rest of the one-win drivers sitting 11th-20th in points, it's pretty much win or miss the Chase.
The regular season ends with the Saturday night race at Richmond. It's get in the top 12 or miss the Chase for those who will still have a chance, so there could be some desperation strategy late in the race. But there are a handful of drivers who have a strong record at Richmond, so that's what the picks are based on this week, not theoretical possibilities that may or may not play out at the end of the race.
Top 5 Picks
1) Kyle Busch - He has four wins at Richmond and an average finish of 4.7 in 15 races. And he needs at least a good finish, and possibly a win, to make the Chase.
2) Denny Hamlin - He's got two wins and seven top fives in 13 races at Richmond and he's on a roll at the right time.
3) Dale Earnhardt, Jr. - If he's going to be a title contender in the Chase, three bonus points for a win would sure help him. He's got three victories at Richmond.
4) Jimmie Johnson - Even though he took himself out with an accident last week, the No. 48 will be one of the favorites at each track for the rest of the season.
5) Tony Stewart - He's desperate for a good finish and this is the place where he could get it. He's got three wins at Richmond, too, and an average finish of 10.6 in 27 races there.
Shoulda, woulda, coulda - Jeff Gordon. I had him as a possibility to win here. With Busch's record at Richmond, Gordon and his team pretty much knows they will need a victory to make the Chase. He's had some success there in the past with two wins and 15 top-5 finishes, but a top 5 might not be enough to make up the 12-point gap between him and Busch.
ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP
Here's a look at how last week's picks fared at Atlanta.
Kasey Kahne - 23rd. Loved this pick going into the race, but he was never factor.
Tony Stewart - 22nd. He started on the pole, so this looked like a strong pick, but he faded quickly after the early laps and never really got the handling figured out.
Carl Edwards - 36th. He was in the top 10 for much of the race, until a grenade engine ended his night.
Jimmie Johnson - 34th. He wasn't having a great night, but hopes were dashed when it ended in an accident.
Kyle Busch - 6th. He was the only respectable pick I had. He did lead 66 laps and did contend, but couldn't get to the front on the final restart.
Season Stats
125 Predictions
14 Wins
41 Top 5s
57 Top 10s
Grade for the week: D. Only Busch saved this week from being a complete disaster.
One last thing: Hamlin has a chance to win three straight races as he and Busch are the two favorites. The last driver to win three straight was Jimmie Johnson in 2007, when he won four straight with victories at Martinsville, Atlanta, Texas and Phoenix..
Jeff Wolfe is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at jeff.wolfe@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
ADVERTISEMENT
Are you looking to advertise your website, product or brand? A good way to get your name out there is via direct advertising here in the Frontstretch Newsletter! Interested parties can contact us at tony.lumbis@frontstretch.com for details.
~~~~~~~~~~
Frontstretch Folio: Federated Auto Parts 400
by Rick Lunkenheimer
This weekend we swing back to the second Richmond race of the year for the last regular season event before the Nascar Sprint Cup Series Championship starts. With so many drivers fighting to make their way into the chase, and others fighting to stay in the top 10, Saturday's Federated Auto Parts 400 is sure to be an exciting race. The race will be broadcast on ABC at 7:30 PM ET, and also on MRN and SiriusXM radio Channel 90. If you miss the race you can catch the rebroadcasts on Sunday, September 9 at 5:30 AM ET on ESPN2 and Wednesday, September 12 at 12:00 PM ET on SPEED.
Records and Facts
Brian Vickers holds the track qualifying record with a speed of 129.983 mph (20.772 sec.) for the Chevy American Revolution 400 on May 14th 2004. Vickers led for 32 laps and ended up finishing eighth. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. would go onto to win the race that was slowed by nine caution flags for 67 laps.
The race speed record was set by Dale Jarrett on Sept. 6th 1997 with a speed of 109.047 mph (2:45:04) in the Exide NASCAR Select Batteries 400. Jarrett took the lead on lap 362 and held on for the win. This was just one of Jarrett's seven wins that season, with two of those wins coming back to back earlier that year.
Track Facts
Race Length: 400 laps, 300 miles
Track Length: 0.75 mile oval, measured 13 1/2 feet in from SAFER Barrier
Track Width: 60 feet with 10-foot apron
Banking: turns: 14 degrees; frontstretch 8 degrees; backstretch 2 degrees
Straights: Backstretch - 860 feet; Frontstretch - 1290 feet
Pit Road Speed: 45mph
Opened: 1946 (First NASCAR race was 1953)
Last Repaved: Fall of 2003
Pre-race Schedule
Practices: Friday, September 7, 12:10 - 2:00 PM ET on ESPN2
Happy Hour: Friday, September 7, 2:45 - 3:30PM ET on ESPN2
Qualifying: Friday, September 7 at 5:35 PM ET, on ESPN2
Race Day Forecast
Saturday: Night time Thunderstorms; 50% chance of rain.
High: 88
Low: 61
Say What?!?
"We didn't really have a good run the first time out at Richmond. We ended up coming up with some things throughout the race. We have been really good at making progress at the track, which has improved our program all around. I really like Richmond and its layout. It always has interesting races and is cool to race there at night. We are thrilled to have TMone on board celebrating their sixth listing on the Inc. 5000." -David Reutimann
"I really like Richmond, and it's a track where our team has performed well. The night race and race to the Chase always makes it an exciting race. I can't wait to watch Ryan in the Nationwide race Friday in the No. 22 and to see what we can do on Saturday night in the No. 36 Chevrolet." -Dave Blaney
"[Richmond] is my favorite track. It's not one of them, it's the favorite track of mine on the circuit. It's the perfect-sized track for a Cup race. The other short tracks we run – Bristol and Martinsville – they're cool in their own right, but there's a lot of congestion at those two tracks. But at Richmond, it just seems like that extra quarter-mile, and that three-quarter-mile shape, and how wide the groove gets there, allows for good racing. It seems like we have to race ourselves and race the racetrack versus racing each other a lot of times. You do have to race each other, obviously, but there are a lot of times during the race when you have the flexibility to move around on the racetrack and try to find a spot your car likes better than somewhere else. A lot of times on a short track you don't have the flexibility. You're more narrowed down with what groove you're going to be in." -Tony Stewart
Rick Lunkenheimer is a contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at rick.lunkenheimer@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
After Move to No. 22, 2013 Could Seal Joey Logano's Future In Sprint CupWhen the Camping World Truck Series heads to Iowa Speedway next weekend, the track will host a special fan tribute leading up to their final race of the 2012 season. Those who attend will be able to meet and chat with Rusty Wallace, who will also participate in pre-race ceremonies. Majority track owners Conrad and Stan Clement will be joined by four fans to present Wallace with an Iowa Speedway "Tribute Plaque" to commemorate his Hall of Fame induction.
"We are so proud of Rusty Wallace's accomplishments throughout his incredibly successful NASCAR career," Iowa Speedway president Stan Clement said. "Those accomplishments, and his untiring support of NASCAR racing over the years, are among the many reasons he is the youngest member to be elected to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. We are looking forward to honoring him at our NASCAR Truck race, along with thousands of his fans, before he is formally inducted in Charlotte."
Wallace will also pilot one of the pace trucks for the initial start of the American Ethanol 200 presented by Hy-Vee.
"I'm honored and humbled by the outpouring of support for my induction in the NASCAR Hall of Fam, particularly from Iowa Speedway fans who have been so supportive over the years," Wallace said. "This NASCAR Truck race weekend is really about the fans, and I'm raelly pleased that my schedule allows me to come to Iowa and meet many of them personally."
In 706 career starts, the 1989 Cup Series champion has 55 victories, 202 top 5s and 349 top-10 finishes.
Lowe's to Donate $133,000 to Red Cross
As mentioned briefly earlier this week in our Newsletter, Lowe's announced that it will donate $133,966 to the American Red Cross to assist with the relief efforts following Hurricane Isaac's impact on the south. The home improvement store matched Jimmie Johnson's earnings at Atlanta Motor Speedway as part of its Racing for Relief program. Additionally, Hendrick Motorsports and Johnson will donate $48,000.
"Lowe's heartfelt thoughts go out to those impacted by this disaster, many of whom are a part of our Lowe's family, Lowe's director of community relations Joan Higginbotham said. "By partnering with organizations like the American Red Cross, we're able to ensure that immediate support and supplies continue to read those in need."
Lowe's stores across the country will also be collecting donations at every register. The funds go to providing food, shelter and more to those affected by the hurricane and resulting floods. Lowe's and its customers have donated more than $23 million since the company began partnering with the Red Cross in 1999.
~~~~~~~~~~
Keepin' It Short: All About Racing at the SuperNationals
by Mike Neff
It is SuperNationals week in Boone, Iowa. The main focus of the show is the dirt modifieds, but there are also Late Models, Stock Cars, SportMods and Hobby Stocks. The event is a Mecca for racing, with races running early into the morning, and the track crew re-prepping the track after every 10 races. Wednesday night was the opening night of activity for the modifieds, while the other divisions had been running earlier in the week.
248 cars took part in just the Modified portion of the activities on Wednesday night across 30 heat races, six B-Mains and an A-Main. The SuperNationals are a racing junkie's dream. Nearly 250 Modifieds are in town for the events along with almost 200 stock cars. 42 Deery Brothers Late Models raced on Monday night along with 180 SportMods and 152 Hobby Stocks.
The folks at Boone Speedway have this race down to a science. One of the tricks to dirt track racing is keeping up with the changing track conditions. That is not a problem at Boone because they rework the track every 10 races. The track is tilled up, watered and repacked every time. They have the process down pat to where the disruption is about as minimal as possible and the end result is a dirt playing field that is about as consistent as it can possibly be.
The interesting fact about the Modified SuperNationals is that the winner, who survives four grueling days of racing and bests a field of the greatest Modified racers in the business, takes home a check for $2,000. In addition to that honor, he also loses his engine, which is raffled off after the feature to the highest bidder.
It may sound like a quirky deal, and it does keep some racers away, but in the end the winner can always claim he won the biggest dirt race in the world. If you're a dirt racing fan, and you know the dirt mentality, then you should make a pilgrimage to Boone before your days come to an end. Monday night's activities were still going strong at 1:30 in the morning, with 30 races still to go. Provided you don't have anywhere to go the next day, because you won't get any sleep, the price of admission is well worth it to attend the IMCA SuperNationals.
Whelen All-American National Points Race
While the weekend was a rainy one east of the Mississippi, the top two contenders in the Whelen All-American National Points were able to race, but neither of them improved their position in the point standings. Lee Pulliam added a top-10 finish to his resume while Nate Monteith notched a top 5. Somehow Keith Rocco dropped two points, which puts him behind Duane Howard now. Howard was the big winner of the week, scoring his ninth win of the season and vaulting from eighth to third in the national race. The members of the top 10 did not change, although there was some position shuffling.
With just two weekends of racing left to determine the National Champion, Pulliam has to just be hoping his two closest competitors are not able to run and win enough races to catch him, unless he is able to make it to the 810 maximum first.
Position Name Races Wins Top5s Top10s Total Points
1. Lee Pulliam 33 20 27 29 783
2. Nate Monteith 29 10 21 24 726
3. Duane Howard 19 9 16 19 713
4. Keith Rocco 37 12 22 27 712
5. Ted Christopher 46 7 38 41 712
6. Ryan Preece 44 13 29 36 709
7. C.E. Falk III 28 14 20 25 705
8. Deac McCaskill 26 18 24 26 703
9. Tim Brown 24 8 13 18 672
10. Jason O'Brien 28 5 18 24 661
A driver's best 18 results through Sept. 16 are counted toward their states and national point totals, and the champions are decided on overall point total. Once a driver reaches 18 starts, their total would increase incrementally as they replace some poorer runs with better results.
Under the points structure for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, the race winner receives two points for every car in the event up to 20 cars. Second place receives two fewer points and so on through the field. Race winners receive an additional five points. For example, if 20 cars are in the field, the winner receives 45 points, second place 38 and third 36. If there are 15 cars, the winner receives 35 points, second 28 and third, 26.
ASA National Points Battle
One of the most difficult aspects of winning the ASA National Title is that a driver has to win a track championship to be eligible. In the NASCAR Whelen All-American battle, it is all about the points and it doesn't matter if a driver wins a track title or not. The ASA requires drivers to take a local track title in order to be eligible for the national title. For Shelby Stroebel and Lance Gatlin, that hurdle was cleared this past week.
Stroebel's amazing season finished off with two more wins this past weekend, giving him 14 consecutive victories for the year and 16 in-a-row dating back to 2011. His track championship, undefeated season and 5.0763 average has him sitting atop the national point standings. Gatlin also capped off a track title this past weekend, although his season-long quest to go undefeated ended a few weeks ago. Gatlin has a week left in his racing season but his closest competitor is too far behind to wrest the track title away from him in the last event of the season.
Most of the other competitors at ASA tracks in the east were rained out this weekend, although Ace Speedway did get their feature in. Dustin Rumley leads the track championship at Ace and that puts him third in the national title battle. Mike Slone was unable to add to his average this past weekend due to the remnants of Hurricane Isaac, which washed out most of the east coast's activities.
ASA Member Track National Championship Standings
Position Name Average
1. Shelby Stroebel 5.0763
2. Lance Gatlin 4.6725
3. Dustin Rumley 4.2593
4. Mike Slone 4.7059
5. Dennis Queen 3.9873
6. Michael Hale 3.8030
7. Mark Eswein 3.4388
8. Kyle Borden 1.3704
Throughout the season, drivers competing in the premiere divisions at eligible ASA Member Tracks are in the running for the 2012 ASA Member Track National Championship. In order to have a chance for the national title, a driver must first win their 2012 track championship.
Speednetdirect.com, for the fifth year in a row, will tabulate the National Championship standings. Using a proprietary formula that creates an average based on wins, finishing positions, number of cars passed, car counts and events. The driver who wins their track championship and has the highest average over the other ASA Member Track champions will win the 2012 ASA Member Track National Championship. Full standings are available at www.speednetdirect.com. Click on the ASA Member Track logo at the top of the page.
Weekend Race Schedule
Fri : Sept 7th – Northeast Arkansas Speedway ; Harrisburg : AR – 2nd Annual Rock-A-Billy 45 Comp Cams Super Late Models
Fri : Sept 7th – Silver Dollar Speedway ; Chico : CA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Fri : Sept 7th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 5 Star Series Late Models
Fri : Sept 7th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 5 Star Series Limited Late Models
Fri : Sept 7th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 5 Star Series SK Lights
Fri : Sept 7th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 5 Star Series SK Modifieds
Fri : Sept 7th – Tri-City Speedway ; Pontoon Beach : IL – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Fri : Sept 7th – Gas City I-69 Speedway ; Gas City : IN – USAC Midwest Focus Midgets
Fri : Sept 7th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – 36th Annual Jonathan Byrd's World Figure 8 Three Hour Endurance Qualifiers
Fri : Sept 7th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets Figure 8
Fri : Sept 7th – Ogilvie Raceway ; Ogilvie : MN – USMTS National Championship Series Modifieds
Fri : Sept 7th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Final Points Night NDRA Late Models
Fri : Sept 7th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Final Points Night Open Wheel Modifieds
Fri : Sept 7th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Final Points Night Street Stocks
Fri : Sept 7th – Southwest Speedway ; Dickinson : ND – Harvest Shootout IMCA Modifieds
Fri : Sept 7th – Southwest Speedway ; Dickinson : ND – Harvest Shootout Wissota Street Stocks
Fri : Sept 7th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : Sept 7th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : Sept 7th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Stock
Fri : Sept 7th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Street Stock
Fri : Sept 7th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – Fall Classic IMCA Modifieds
Fri : Sept 7th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – Fall Classic IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : Sept 7th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – Fall Classic IMCA Stock Cars
Fri : Sept 7th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – Fall Classic Street Stocks
Sat : Sept 8th – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Lee Fields Memorial Pro Late Model Qualifying
Sat : Sept 8th – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Lee Fields Memorial Modified Qualifying
Sat : Sept 8th – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Lee Fields Memorial Super Stock Trucks Qualifying
Sat : Sept 8th – South Alabama Speedway ; Kinston : AL – Viper Pro Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – NEA Speedway ; Harrisburg : AR – 2nd Annual Rock-A-Billy 45 Comp Cams Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – Silver Dollar Speedway ; Chico : CA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 8th – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – Open Wheel Modifieds
Sat : Sept 8th – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – Sportsman
Sat : Sept 8th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Pro Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Modifieds
Sat : Sept 8th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Sportsman
Sat : Sept 8th – Dixie Speedway ; Woodstock : GA – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 8th – New Senoia Raceway ; Senoia : GA – Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – Watermelon Capital Speedway ; Cordele : GA – Outlaw Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – Waycross Motor Speedway ; Waycross : GA – Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – Montpelier Speedway ; Montpelier : IN – USAC Midwest Focus Midgets
Sat : Sept 8th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – 36th Annual Pure Power Technologies World Figure 8 Three Hour Endurance
Sat : Sept 8th – Oxford Plains Speedway ; Oxford Plains : ME – 4 & 8 Cylinder Obstacle Course
Sat : Sept 8th – Berlin Raceway ; Marne ; MI – Outlaw Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – Berlin Raceway ; Marne ; MI – Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – Flat Rock Speedway ; Flat Rock : MI – CRA Super Series
Sat : Sept 8th – Onaway Speedway ; Onaway : MI – Top Speed Modifieds
Sat : Sept 8th – Ogilvie Raceway ; Ogilvie : MN – USMTS National Championship Series Modifieds
Sat : Sept 8th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – United Insurers Night at the Races ASA Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – United Insurers Night at the Races Modifieds
Sat : Sept 8th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – United Insurers Night at the Races Sportsman
Sat : Sept 8th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – United Insurers Night at the Races Road Warriors
Sat : Sept 8th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – United Insurers Night at the Races Chargers
Sat : Sept 8th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Final Points Night Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Final Points Night Modifieds
Sat : Sept 8th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Final Points Night Street Stocks
Sat : Sept 8th – The Bullring at Las Vegas ; Las Vegas : NV – SRL Southwest Tour Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – White Mountain Motorsports Park ; North Woodstock : NH – PASS North Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Late Model Trucks
Sat : Sept 8th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Street Stocks
Sat : Sept 8th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Street Stock
Sat : Sept 8th – Southwest Speedway ; Dickinson : ND – Harvest Shootout IMCA Modifieds
Sat : Sept 8th – Southwest Speedway ; Dickinson : ND – Harvest Shootout Wissota Street Stocks
Sat : Sept 8th – Scotia Speedworld ; Halifax : Nova Scotia – Parts for Trucks Pro Stocks
Sat : Sept 8th – Barrie Speedway ; Barrie : Ontario – NASCAR Canadian Tire Series
Sat : Sept 8th – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Fan Appreciation Night Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : Sept 8th – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Fan Appreciation Night Wissota Modifieds
Sat : Sept 8th – Emo Speedway ; Emo : Ontario – Fan Appreciation Night Street Stocks
Sat : Sept 8th – Big Diamond Speedway ; Minersville : PA – Coalcracker 358 Modifieds
Sat : Sept 8th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 305 Sprints
Sat : Sept 8th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 358 Sprints
Sat : Sept 8th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – Thundercars
Sat : Sept 8th – Autodrome Chaudiere ; Vallee Junction : Quebec – ACT Castrol Series
Sat : Sept 8th – Autodrome Chaudiere ; Vallee Junction : Quebec – ACT Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – Autodrome Granby ; Granby : Quebec – DIRTCar Big-Block Modifieds
Sat : Sept 8th – Nashville Fairgrounds ; Nashville : TN – Ken Ten Pro Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Late Models
Sat : Sept 8th – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Limited Sportsman
Sat : Sept 8th – Motor Mile Speedway ; Radford : VA – Street Stock
Sat : Sept 8th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – 12th Annual Jerry Richert Memorial IRA 410 Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 8th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – 12th Annual Jerry Richert Memorial UMSS Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 8th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – Fall Classic IMCA Modifieds
Sat : Sept 8th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – Fall Classic IMCA Sport Modifieds
Sat : Sept 8th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – Fall Classic IMCA Stock Cars
Sat : Sept 8th – Oshkosh Speedzone Winnebago County Fairgrounds ; Oshkosh : WI – Fall Classic Street Stocks
Sat : Sept 8th – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Two Day Special Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sat : Sept 8th – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Two Day Special Wissota Street Stocks
Sun : Sept 9th – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Lee Fields Memorial Pro Late Model Qualifying
Sun : Sept 9th – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Lee Fields Memorial Modified Qualifying
Sun : Sept 9th – Mobile International Speedway ; Irvington : AL – Lee Fields Memorial Super Stock Trucks Qualifying
Sun : Sept 9th – NEA Speedway ; Harrisburg : AR – 2nd Annual Rock-A-Billy 45 Comp Cams Super Late Models
Sun : Sept 9th – Thompson International Speedway ; Thompson : CT – NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour
Sun : Sept 9th – Thompson International Speedway ; Thompson : CT – NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour
Sun : Sept 9th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Sport Modifieds
Sun : Sept 9th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Late Models
Sun : Sept 9th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Factory Stocks
Sun : Sept 9th – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Two Day Special Wissota Midwest Modifieds
Sun : Sept 9th – TNT Speedway ; Three Lakes : WI – Two Day Special Wissota Street Stocks
Mon : Sept 10th – Antioch Speedway ; Antioch : CA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Thu : Aug 13th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – 6th Annual Legendary 100 Midwest Modifieds
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
Facebook Poll Results:
In the latest Facebook poll, race fans were asked which driver you think will take the final wild card Chase berth at Richmond. And the results are in! 50% of voters believe that Jeff Gordon will edge out the competition 43% think Kyle Busch has it in the bag, and 7% say Ryan Newman will come back at Richmond to claim the bragging rights. Carl Edwards, Marcos Ambrose and Joey Logano were not feeling the love as they all received no votes.
Make sure you like our Facebook page by clicking here and come back every day for great links and more fan polls!
~~~~~~~~~~
Fantasy Friday: Federated Auto Parts 400
by Jeff Wolfe
There are a lot of scenarios that could play out in the final race of the NASCAR Sprint Cup's regular season Saturday night at Richmond.
Some of the things to watch include whether Tony Stewart will remain in the top 10 or be forced to join the Chase as a wild card, whether Kasey Kahne will remain the first wild-card qualifier by being the only driver 11th-20th in the standings with two win; will either Kyle Busch, Jeff Gordon, Ryan Newman, Marcos Ambrose, Joey Logano manage to snag a second win for the wild card, and could Carl Edwards or Paul Menard put themselves in the Chase with a win.
Of course we can't forget about the guys already in the top 10. Since they have clinched a spot in the Chase, they can gamble and go for the win, which would give them three bonus points when the Chase starts next Sunday at Chicagoland Speedway. The top 10 in points will be seeded by how many wins they have, while the two wild-card qualifiers will not get bonus points for victories.
There are a lot of different scenarios where the above drivers could make the Chase, and some are more extreme than others.
But the real battle here will be between the No. 18 of Kyle Busch and No. 24 of Jeff Gordon. Busch currently sits in the 12th and final qualifying spot with a 12-point lead on Gordon. They each have a win, so if either wins, they are in the Chase. However, if neither is close to victory, then Gordon will need to have a 13-point advantage over Busch to make the Chase. Along with finishing that many spots ahead of Busch, Gordon can also get a point each for leading a lap and leading the most laps.
But leading at Richmond is something that Busch is accustomed to. He's won three of the last five races there and those wins weren't simply good luck. In those five races, Busch has led 493 laps, the most of any driver. He's finished in the top 5 four times in those fives races and the other finish was sixth. That all adds up to an average finish of 2.2 in his last five trips to Richmond.
It would be hard for anybody to compare to those numbers favorably. They just can't be topped. But Gordon has at least been respectable at Richmond the last five times out. He has two top-5 finishes and has led 155 laps. So it's not inconceivable that Gordon could win on Saturday night. He's visited Victory Lane 86 times in Sprint Cup career. so he knows how to win. And being 13 points better than Busch at Richmond seems like a stretch. So for Gordon, too, just like the rest of the one-win drivers sitting 11th-20th in points, it's pretty much win or miss the Chase.
The regular season ends with the Saturday night race at Richmond. It's get in the top 12 or miss the Chase for those who will still have a chance, so there could be some desperation strategy late in the race. But there are a handful of drivers who have a strong record at Richmond, so that's what the picks are based on this week, not theoretical possibilities that may or may not play out at the end of the race.
Top 5 Picks
1) Kyle Busch - He has four wins at Richmond and an average finish of 4.7 in 15 races. And he needs at least a good finish, and possibly a win, to make the Chase.
2) Denny Hamlin - He's got two wins and seven top fives in 13 races at Richmond and he's on a roll at the right time.
3) Dale Earnhardt, Jr. - If he's going to be a title contender in the Chase, three bonus points for a win would sure help him. He's got three victories at Richmond.
4) Jimmie Johnson - Even though he took himself out with an accident last week, the No. 48 will be one of the favorites at each track for the rest of the season.
5) Tony Stewart - He's desperate for a good finish and this is the place where he could get it. He's got three wins at Richmond, too, and an average finish of 10.6 in 27 races there.
Shoulda, woulda, coulda - Jeff Gordon. I had him as a possibility to win here. With Busch's record at Richmond, Gordon and his team pretty much knows they will need a victory to make the Chase. He's had some success there in the past with two wins and 15 top-5 finishes, but a top 5 might not be enough to make up the 12-point gap between him and Busch.
ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP
Here's a look at how last week's picks fared at Atlanta.
Kasey Kahne - 23rd. Loved this pick going into the race, but he was never factor.
Tony Stewart - 22nd. He started on the pole, so this looked like a strong pick, but he faded quickly after the early laps and never really got the handling figured out.
Carl Edwards - 36th. He was in the top 10 for much of the race, until a grenade engine ended his night.
Jimmie Johnson - 34th. He wasn't having a great night, but hopes were dashed when it ended in an accident.
Kyle Busch - 6th. He was the only respectable pick I had. He did lead 66 laps and did contend, but couldn't get to the front on the final restart.
Season Stats
125 Predictions
14 Wins
41 Top 5s
57 Top 10s
Grade for the week: D. Only Busch saved this week from being a complete disaster.
One last thing: Hamlin has a chance to win three straight races as he and Busch are the two favorites. The last driver to win three straight was Jimmie Johnson in 2007, when he won four straight with victories at Martinsville, Atlanta, Texas and Phoenix..
Jeff Wolfe is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at jeff.wolfe@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
ADVERTISEMENT
Are you looking to advertise your website, product or brand? A good way to get your name out there is via direct advertising here in the Frontstretch Newsletter! Interested parties can contact us at tony.lumbis@frontstretch.com for details.
~~~~~~~~~~
Frontstretch Folio: Federated Auto Parts 400
by Rick Lunkenheimer
This weekend we swing back to the second Richmond race of the year for the last regular season event before the Nascar Sprint Cup Series Championship starts. With so many drivers fighting to make their way into the chase, and others fighting to stay in the top 10, Saturday's Federated Auto Parts 400 is sure to be an exciting race. The race will be broadcast on ABC at 7:30 PM ET, and also on MRN and SiriusXM radio Channel 90. If you miss the race you can catch the rebroadcasts on Sunday, September 9 at 5:30 AM ET on ESPN2 and Wednesday, September 12 at 12:00 PM ET on SPEED.
Records and Facts
Brian Vickers holds the track qualifying record with a speed of 129.983 mph (20.772 sec.) for the Chevy American Revolution 400 on May 14th 2004. Vickers led for 32 laps and ended up finishing eighth. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. would go onto to win the race that was slowed by nine caution flags for 67 laps.
The race speed record was set by Dale Jarrett on Sept. 6th 1997 with a speed of 109.047 mph (2:45:04) in the Exide NASCAR Select Batteries 400. Jarrett took the lead on lap 362 and held on for the win. This was just one of Jarrett's seven wins that season, with two of those wins coming back to back earlier that year.
Track Facts
Race Length: 400 laps, 300 miles
Track Length: 0.75 mile oval, measured 13 1/2 feet in from SAFER Barrier
Track Width: 60 feet with 10-foot apron
Banking: turns: 14 degrees; frontstretch 8 degrees; backstretch 2 degrees
Straights: Backstretch - 860 feet; Frontstretch - 1290 feet
Pit Road Speed: 45mph
Opened: 1946 (First NASCAR race was 1953)
Last Repaved: Fall of 2003
Pre-race Schedule
Practices: Friday, September 7, 12:10 - 2:00 PM ET on ESPN2
Happy Hour: Friday, September 7, 2:45 - 3:30PM ET on ESPN2
Qualifying: Friday, September 7 at 5:35 PM ET, on ESPN2
Race Day Forecast
Saturday: Night time Thunderstorms; 50% chance of rain.
High: 88
Low: 61
Say What?!?
"We didn't really have a good run the first time out at Richmond. We ended up coming up with some things throughout the race. We have been really good at making progress at the track, which has improved our program all around. I really like Richmond and its layout. It always has interesting races and is cool to race there at night. We are thrilled to have TMone on board celebrating their sixth listing on the Inc. 5000." -David Reutimann
"I really like Richmond, and it's a track where our team has performed well. The night race and race to the Chase always makes it an exciting race. I can't wait to watch Ryan in the Nationwide race Friday in the No. 22 and to see what we can do on Saturday night in the No. 36 Chevrolet." -Dave Blaney
"[Richmond] is my favorite track. It's not one of them, it's the favorite track of mine on the circuit. It's the perfect-sized track for a Cup race. The other short tracks we run – Bristol and Martinsville – they're cool in their own right, but there's a lot of congestion at those two tracks. But at Richmond, it just seems like that extra quarter-mile, and that three-quarter-mile shape, and how wide the groove gets there, allows for good racing. It seems like we have to race ourselves and race the racetrack versus racing each other a lot of times. You do have to race each other, obviously, but there are a lot of times during the race when you have the flexibility to move around on the racetrack and try to find a spot your car likes better than somewhere else. A lot of times on a short track you don't have the flexibility. You're more narrowed down with what groove you're going to be in." -Tony Stewart
Rick Lunkenheimer is a contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at rick.lunkenheimer@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
by Amy Henderson
Dakoda Armstrong Driver Diary: Tough Breaks, Iowa's Excellence And NFL 2012
as told to Beth Lunkenheimer
Voices From the Cheapseats: It's On the Internet So It Must Be True
by Jeff Meyer
Four Burning Questions: How Much Is Denny Showing His Hand? Wild Cards & More
by Summer Bedgood
Nuts For Nationwide: Danica-Mania Leaving Travis At The Altar
by Tom Bowles
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: Later on in the 1998 Autolite Platnium 250, there was yet another big wreck. What happened here?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: In 1998, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. picked up his first career Richmond victory in the Busch Series Autolite Platnium 250. However, this race had a big wreck early on. What happened?
A: It took less than a minute for heck to break loose that night. On the second lap, Tracy Leslie, Brad Noffsinger and Matt Kenseth had contact with each other in Turn 1. Noffsinger spun and was hit by Mike Dillon and Tim Fedewa, effectively blocking the racing groove. Joe Bessey, Tony Stewart, Mike McLaughlin, Robert Pressley, Ken Schrader and Elliott Sadler were all involved. The crash can be seen at the 10:40 mark of this clip. Only Schrader, who wasn't racing for points, was eliminated in this crash. Everyone else continued after repairs.
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:
-- Federated Auto Parts 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: Federated Auto Parts 400 by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan is here with his overall thoughts about the action from Saturday night's race from Richmond.
Big Six: Federated Auto Parts 400 by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving Saturday's event from Richmond? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing.
Pace Laps: Richmond Weekend by the Frontstretch Staff
In our newest column this season, we'll take a look at the biggest stories to keep an eye on in each series after the races at Richmond.
Other Columns TBD
-----------------------------
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
Feel free to forward this newsletter if you have any friends who loves
NASCAR and great NASCAR commentary. They can subscribe to the Frontstetch by visiting http://www.frontstretch.com/notice/9557/.
If you want to stop your Frontstretch Newsletter subscription, we're sorry
to see you go. Just send an email to
TheFrontstretch+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com from the address that you
recieve the Frontstretch Newsletter.
No comments:
Post a Comment