THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
September 14th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CLXXXIV
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Top News
by Jeff Wolfe
Bowyer Gets a New SpotterPresented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
September 14th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CLXXXIV
~~~~~~~~~~
Top News
by Jeff Wolfe
Clint Bowyer is in the Chase and he will have a new spotter to help him navigate his way through traffic in seeking his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship. Bowyer will have a familiar voice in Brett Griffin making the calls for him starting Sunday at Chicagoland. Griffin, who was a spotter for Bowyer at Richard Childress Racing, replaces Michael Waltrip Racing General Manager Ty Norris on the spotter's stand, according to a report by the NASCAR wire service.
Griffin had been the spotter for RCR's Jeff Burton, but he is also the business manager and spotter in the Nationwide Series for Elliott Sadler. Griffin lost his spotter position with RCR after it was announced that Sadler would drive in the Nationwide Series for Joe Gibbs Racing next season, even though Sadler is leading the Nationwide points race.
GEICO to Stay With Germain Racing, Mears Through 2014
GEICO announced Thursday that it will remain as a primary sponsor for Casey Mears and Germain Racing through the 2014 season, according to a release.
"Everyone at Germain Racing is thrilled to have GEICO continue to support our racing program," Germain Racing team owner Bob Germain said. "We've come such a long way since we started together back in 2008. It's been a great relationship both personally and from a business perspective. We couldn't ask for a better partner and we value the opportunity to continue to represent GEICO in the sport of NASCAR."
Mears is currently 27th in points in the Sprint Cup standings and does not have a top 10 finish this season.
"We've enjoyed our partnership with Germain Racing and are proud to have a driver of Casey Mears' caliber driving our racecar each week and representing GEICO. We are very much looking forward to 2013 and 2014 with Bob Germain and his race team," GEICO Vice President of Marketing Ted Ward said. "Our multi-faceted marketing approach to NASCAR, with our team sponsorship, campground sponsorships and race entitlement, has allowed us to engage NASCAR fans on nearly every level, allowing them to see that we have a genuine interest in the sport as well as the fans that so passionately engage it."
NASCAR Releases Official APP
NASCAR and Turner Sports announced Thursday that they have introduced the first official APP for NASCAR for the iPhone and the iPod Touch, the sanctioning body said in a press release. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile App allows fans to follow their favorite drivers and stay on top of the Chase , including access to race day content, schedules, standings, breaking news and more.
NASCAR fans in the Sprint Unlimited Data plan will also get MRN and PRN race radio broadcasts, live in-car audio for all 43 NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers, RaceBuddy in-car video and track camera views, NASCAR on SPEED broadcasts including live qualifying, practice and favorite trackside shows such as NASCAR RaceDay, in race highlights and alerts, post-race press conferences and real-time leaderboards and pit pass telemetry data.
"Fan engagement during the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup is significantly elevated each and every season as the championship battle unfolds and ultimately culminates at Homestead-Miami Speedway in November," said Marc Jenkins, NASCAR vice president of digital media. "With NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile now available for the iPhone for the first time ever, fans will get a customized experience, bringing them closer to the racing action than ever before."
NASCAR Announces Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award Finalists
NASCAR announced the four finalists for the Bette Jane France Humanitarian Award Thursday. The award honors the commitment that France has demonstrated with her philanthropic and community efforts. The award is granted annually to one passionate NASCAR fan that has made a profound impact on children in a local community.
The four finalists are Ron Eby from Windham, Maine, Michael Jackson from Dululth, Minnesota, Ali McDonough from Wilmington, Deleware and Lori Shealy Unumb from Lexington, South Carolina.
"The courage, compassion and selflessness that these four finalists have demonstrated is awe-inspiring," said France. "They have accepted the personal challenges life has thrown at them with grace and dignity, while finding avenues to help others facing similar challenges. These deserving NASCAR fans help contribute to their respective communities in moving ways and their accomplishments make them outstanding selections for 2012 finalists."
Eby is involved in Camp Sunshine in Casco, Maine a retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. He became involved after his daughter experienced meningitis and rushed to a children's hospital in Dayton, Ohio, while on a cross-country trip.
Jackson, who is 18, has battled Cerebral Palsy his entire life and serves as a Young Adult Community Leader for the for the Starlight Children's Foundation's Starbright World.
McDonough, who is 21, had her younger brother pass away in her arms after a courageous six-month battle with leukemia five years ago. She has devoted her life to help fight childhood cancer, co-founding The Andrew McDonough B+ (Be Positive) Foundation.
Unumb, a 44-year-old mother of three, 44-year-old drafted a bill – now known as "Ryan's Law" that has been enacted in 31 other states – to encourage autism insurance reform as her son Ryan has autism. She numb also founded the Autism Academy of South Carolina.
NASCAR fans, friends and families can vote for their favorite humanitarian at NASCAR.COM/award until midnight ET on Nov. 29. The winner will be announced by France live during the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards at Wynn Las Vegas on Nov. 30 and win a 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid.
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 Huston Ladner
Formula 1 Friday: The Madness of King Lewis/Tribute to a Legend
by Andy Hollis
8 Reasons NASCAR Fans Should Also Be Watching IndyCar this Weekend
by Amy Henderson
Michael Annett Driver Diary: Knocking on the Door, Politics, and Football
as told to Toni Montgomery
Four Burning Questions: Hamlin's Survivor Weekend As All Eyes Turn Towards Chicago
by Tom Bowles
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Keepin' It Short: Racing to Help Farmers
by Mike Neff
Race seasons are winding down across the country as the leaves begin to turn, fairs are in full swing and farmers across the country are beginning to harvest what crops they have managed to grow during this year's drought conditions. Economic conditions are tough across the country and racing has definitely been hit by the downturn, but racers are still some of the most giving and sharing individuals you'll meet anywhere. The racers at Madera Speedway in California are jumping in with all four wheels this weekend during the 6th Annual Harvest Classic to help out the farmers in their state who are struggling. _Protect the Harvest_ and _Families Protecting the Valley_ are two organizations that assist the agricultural community in the Central California area and are going to share in the bounty that walks through the gates at Madera for the Harvest Classic.
Protect the Harvest is an organization that is dedicated to preserving the agricultural way of life. They focus on protecting the rights of farmers, animal owners and hunters. They attempt to inform consumers about the actions of groups that attempt to limit the rights and freedoms of people in the name of animals. They also attempt to respond to actions from radical groups in order to prevent them from enacting laws and regulations that restrict the rights of farmers, animal owners and hunters.
Families Protecting the Valley is focused on preserving the agricultural heritage of the San Joaquin Valley. The organization focuses on fighting for the resources and policies that will allow the valley to flourish as the unique agricultural economy that it has been for decades. The organization sprang forth from an effort by farmers in the valley to prevent their ground water from being contaminated and exported away from the valley in order to protect the rich farming heritage of the area.
Madera Speedway is going to donate a portion of all of their ticket sales to the two organizations to give back to the community that helps support local short track racing in the Fresno/Modesto area. Last year, as part of the Harvest Classic, Madera added tractor pulling to the weekend's events. In 2012 the tractor pull portion of the weekend is being expanded to include modified pulling tractors and trucks. The Super Farm Diesel class will highlight the show again this year along with the biggest hit of last year's weekend, The Blown Injected Modified Pulling Tractors Race.
The weekends schedule of racing at Madera includes: 410/360 Super Modifieds, USAC Sprint Cars, NCMA Sprint Cars, BCRA/USAC Midgets, Vintage Super Modifieds / Valley Sportman, plus the Blown, Injected multi-engine Pulling Tractors! If you're in the Madera area this weekend, come out and check out the racing action and support the local farming economy that is not only important to the area, but to the country as a whole.
Whelen All-American National Points Championship
It is all over but the shouting. Lee Pulliam is set to win the Whelen All-American National Championship, just 10 months after being suspended from NASCAR action for completely losing his cool on the track after a race. He wondered if he was ever going to race again and, once he was reinstated, has not looked back. With this weekend being the last point scoring weekend of the season, Pulliam is all but guaranteed he'll win the title that he missed by two positions in 2011.
The season isn't going to end in the magical perfect total of 810 points, but Pulliam is still going to have at least 20 trophies in his case from this year and will be the big winner during the Whelen All-American awards banquet in Charlotte the first week in December. Pulliam has grown up quite a bit in the last 10 months and is poised to be an outstanding champion for the NASCAR local short track arm. His perspective and attitude changed dramatically after that fateful night last Fall and he is very grateful for the opportunity he has been presented this season.
Keith Rocco is once again looking like he'll be the bridesmaid rather than the bride. The 2010 National Champion was making a run at Pulliam when his wrist was injured a little over a month ago which knocked him out of the car for a few races and basically ended his run at the title. Nate Monteith will end up in the top 5 for sure and probably the top 3. He is riding the wave of the resurgence of Kingsport Speedway and could be a force to be reckoned with in 2013. Duane Howard is another driver who will probably end up in the top 5 who had a chance at a national title but simply didn't race enough. He had 19 starts and 16 top-5 finishes, but the other competition just ran more races and ended up with more points.
We'll visit the final point standings next week after all of this weekend's races are tallied.
Position Name Races Wins Top 5s Top 10s Total Points
1. Lee Pulliam 34 20 28 30 783
2. Keith Rocco 40 13 24 29 731
3. Nate Monteith 29 10 21 24 726
4. Ryan Preece 46 14 31 38 722
5. Duane Howard 19 9 16 19 713
6. Ted Christopher 47 7 39 42 712
7. CE Falk, III 28 14 23 25 705
8. Deac McCaskill 26 18 24 26 703
9. Tim Brown 24 8 13 18 672
10. Jason O'Brien 29 5 18 25 661
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 Point Battle
Mark Eswein put the State Park Speedway track championship trophy on his mantel this past weekend and became the third driver eligible to win the ASA National Championship. Shelby Stroebel and Lance Gatlin had already secured their titles last weekend so the number of eligible drivers is now three. I-44 Speedway, Newport Speedway and Rocky Mountain Raceways will all crown champions this weekend to bring the pool of eligible drivers to six.
The ASA title chase runs through the end of the month and the track that was the home of last year's champion, Ace Speedway, could still play a role this year. Dustin Rumley is leading the points race at Ace over last year's National Champion Barry Beggarly. With two races to go for Rumley, if he can put together two convincing wins with plenty of passing points he just might sneak in and win this title. We'll see over the next two weeks.
ASA Point Standings
East Region
Position Name Average
1. Lance Gatlin 4.6725
2. Dustin Rumley 4.2593
3. Ryan Stiltner 4.1531
4. Dennis Queen 9.9873
5. Barry Beggarly 3.9513
West Region
Position Name Average
1. Shelby Stroebel 5.0763
2. Matt Wallace 4.1862
3. Mike Slone 4.0874
4. Roger Wilson 4.0036
5. Mark Ith Jr. 3.8689
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 Racing Schedule
Fri : Sept 14th – Beebe Speedway ; Beebe : AR – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Fri : Sept 14th – Beebe Speedway ; Beebe : AR – USCS Outlaw Thunder Sprint Cars
Fri : Sept 14th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Harvest Classic Night #1 Late Models
Fri : Sept 14th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Harvest Classic Night #1 Sport Modifieds
Fri : Sept 14th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Harvest Classic Night #1 Hobby Stocks
Fri : Sept 14th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 5 Star Series Closing Act Late Models
Fri : Sept 14th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 5 Star Series Closing Act Limited Late Models
Fri : Sept 14th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 5 Star Series Closing Act SK Lights
Fri : Sept 14th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 5 Star Series Closing Act SK Modifieds
Fri : Sept 14th – Clay County Fair Speedway ; Spencer : IA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Fri : Sept 14th – Farley Speedway ; Farley : IA – Deery Brothers Summer Series IMCA Late Models
Fri : Sept 14th – Iowa Speedway ; Newton : IA – ASA Midwest Tour Iowa 150
Fri : Sept 14th – Farmer City Speedway ; Farmer City : IL – World of Outlaws Late Models
Fri : Sept 14th – Beech Ridge Motor Speedway ; Scarborough : ME – PASS North Super Late Models PASS 400 Weekend
Fri : Sept 14th – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – 6th Annual Small Car Nationals Late Model Sportsman Qualifying
Fri : Sept 14th – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – 6th Annual Small Car Nationals Pure Stocks Qualifying
Fri : Sept 14th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – USRA Modifieds
Fri : Sept 14th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – IMCA Stock Cars
Fri : Sept 14th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds
Fri : Sept 14th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Street Stocks
Fri : Sept 14th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – NDRA Dirt Wars
Fri : Sept 14th – Kingsport Speedway ; Kingsport : TN – UARA Stars Late Models
Fri : Sept 14th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : Sept 14th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : Sept 14th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Stock
Fri : Sept 14th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Street Stock
Fri : Sept 14th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – SST Series
Fri : Sept 14th – Virginia Motor Speedway ; Saluda : VA – USA 100 Lucas Oil Late Models
Fri : Sept 14th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – 6th Annual Legendary 100 Late Models
Fri : Sept 14th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – 6th Annual Legendary 100 Modifieds
Fri : Sept 14th – Langlade Speedway ; Antigo : WI – Late Models
Fri : Sept 14th – Langlade Speedway ; Antigo : WI – Modifieds
Sat : Sept 15th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – 305 Winged Sprints
Sat : Sept 15th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – 600 Mini Sprints
Sat : Sept 15th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Modifieds
Sat : Sept 15th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Harvest Classic Super Saturday USAC Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 15th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Harvest Classic Super Saturday 410/360 Super Modifieds
Sat : Sept 15th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Harvest Classic Super Saturday BCRA/USAC Midgets
Sat : Sept 15th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Harvest Classic Super Saturday NCMA Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 15th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Harvest Classic Super Saturday Vintage Super Modifieds
Sat : Sept 15th – Perris Auto Speedway ; Perris : CA – USAC/CRA Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 15th – Petaluma Speedway ; Petaluma : CA – Civil War California Civil War Series Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 15th – Citrus County Speedway ; Inverness : FL – Florida United Promoters Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – DS Trucks
Sat : Sept 15th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – E-Modifieds
Sat : Sept 15th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Sportsman
Sat : Sept 15th – Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA – CRA Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA – Outlaws
Sat : Sept 15th – Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA – Trucks
Sat : Sept 15th – New Senoia Raceway ; Senoia : GA – Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Magic Valley Speedway ; Twin Falls : ID – Rocky Mountain Challenge Series Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Limited Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Modifieds
Sat : Sept 15th – Salem Speedway ; Salem : IN – ARCA Racing Series
Sat : Sept 15th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – World Figure 8 Tour
Sat : Sept 15th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets Figure 8
Sat : Sept 15th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Roadsters
Sat : Sept 15th – Tri-State Speedway ; Haubstadt : IN – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 15th – Farley Speedway ; Farley : IA – Deery Brothers Summer Series IMCA Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Beech Ridge Motor Speedway ; Scarborough : ME – PASS North Super Late Models PASS 400 Weekend
Sat : Sept 15th – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – 6th Annual Small Car Nationals Late Model Sportsman
Sat : Sept 15th – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – 6th Annual Small Car Nationals Pure Stocks
Sat : Sept 15th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Call of the Wild Outlaw Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 15th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – ASA Championship Night ASA Late Models Twin 30s
Sat : Sept 15th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – ASA Championship Night Modifieds
Sat : Sept 15th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – ASA Championship Night Sportsman
Sat : Sept 15th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – ASA Championship Night Road Warriors
Sat : Sept 15th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – ASA Championship Night Chargers
Sat : Sept 15th – I-55 Speedway ; Peavely : MO – World of Outlaws Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 15th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – USCS Outlaw Thunder Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 15th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Modifieds
Sat : Sept 15th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Street Stocks
Sat : Sept 15th – Springfield Raceway ; Springfield : MO – MARS Dirtcar Series Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Mohawk International ; Akwesasne : NY – DIRTCar Big-Block Modifieds
Sat : Sept 15th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Late Models x2
Sat : Sept 15th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Madhouse Scramble Modifieds
Sat : Sept 15th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Street Stocks
Sat : Sept 15th – Concord Motorsports Park ; Concord : NC – Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Street Stock
Sat : Sept 15th – Riverside International Speedway ; Antigonish : Nova Scotia – NASCAR Canadian Tire Series
Sat : Sept 15th – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : OH – USAC Midwest Focus Midgets
Sat : Sept 15th – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : OH – USAC Mopar D1 Stars
Sat : Sept 15th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Modifieds
Sat : Sept 15th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Street Stocks
Sat : Sept 15th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – Lawrence Chevrolet Sportsman 100 Super Sportsman
Sat : Sept 15th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 358 Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Texas Motor Speedway ; Fort Worth : TX – Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Sat : Sept 15th – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – Sportsman
Sat : Sept 15th – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – Virginia Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 15th – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – 4c Super Modifieds
Sat : Sept 15th – Virginia Motor Speedway ; Saluda : VA – USA 100 Lucas Oil Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – 6th Annual Legendary 100 Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – 6th Annual Legendary 100 Modifieds
Sat : Sept 15th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – 6th Annual Legendary 100 Midwest Modifieds
Sat : Sept 15th – Wilmot Raceway ; Wilmot : WI – Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Wilmot Raceway ; Wilmot : WI – Modifieds
Sat : Sept 15th – Wilmot Raceway ; Wilmot : WI – Street Stocks
Sun : Sept 16th – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Outlaw Late Models
Sun : Sept 16th – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Modifieds
Sun : Sept 16th – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Sportsman
Sun : Sept 16th – Montgomery Motor Speedway ; Montgomery : AL – Alabama 200 Show Me The Money Pro Late Models
Sun : Sept 16th – Beech Ridge Motor Speedway ; Scarborough : ME – PASS North Super Late Models PASS 400 Weekend
Sun : Sept 16th – Dunn Tire Raceway ; Lancaster : NY – Race of Champions Modifieds
Sun : Sept 16th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Modifieds
Sun : Sept 16th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Street Stocks
Sun : Sept 16th – Autodrome Saint Eustache ; Saint Eustache : Quebec – ACT Castrol Late Models
Thu : Sept 20th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – USMTS Hunt for the Casey's Cup Modifieds
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
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Fantasy Friday: GEICO 400
by Jeff Wolfe
We're off to the Chase, the first of 10 races for the playoffs. We learned last year that anything can happen and the magic started for Tony Stewart when he won his first race of the year here. Will same happen this season? Who knows?
Top 5 Picks
1) Tony Stewart - He has three wins in 11 races at Chicagoland. The victory there last year started his impressive run to the championship, so he's got to be feeling good about that again.
2) Denny Hamlin - It's true he doesn't have a win at Chicago and has only one top 5, but he's been on such a roll lately it's hard not to pick him, especially since he could have easily had three consecutive wins.
3) Jeff Gordon - He's feeling good about himself after the rally to make the Chase. He's also got a solid record at Chicagoland with a win and six top 5s.
4) Jimmie Johnson - He doesn't have a win at Chicagoland, but he has led 365 laps in 10 races there, easily the most of any active driver without a win.
5) Kevin Harvick - If there is someone who could do what Stewart did last year (enter the Chase ninth in points and not have a win on the season and then win the title), it's Harvick. He has two wins at Chicagoland and six top 5s in 11 races there.
Shoulda, woulda, coulda - Kyle Busch. He would not be a bad pick here. He's got a win and two top 5s in seven races and he certainly would like to make a statement that he's still good, even though he didn't make the Chase.
ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP
Here's a look at how last week's picks fared at Richmond.
Kyle Busch - 16th. He had won four of the last seven at Richmond, but was never a factor for the win.
Denny Hamlin - 18th. He dominated while leading 202 of the first 275 laps. The decision to stay out when a short shower came probably cost him the win.
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. - 14th. He was in contention for much of the night, but the rain caution also messed up his chances after leading 67 laps.
Jimmie Johnson - 13th. He was another victim of old tires when deciding not to come in on that rain caution, or he may have been in the top 5.
Tony Stewart - 4th. The defending champion broke out of a serious slump, helped by the fact that he pitted immediately when the final rain caution came.
Season Stats
130 Predictions
14 Wins
42 Top 5s
58 Top 10s
Grade for the week: C. It was clear that Hamlin had the best car on the track, but he and crew chief Darian Grubb made the wrong choice, as it turned out, when the final rain caution came. Earnhardt, Jr. and Stewart also led at times. That final rain caution changed the complexion of the race.
One last thing: Tony Stewart is the only one of the 12 Chase drivers to win at each of the 10 tracks in the Chase for the Championship.
Jeff Wolfe is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at jeff.wolfe@frontstretch.com.
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Keepin' It Short: Racing to Help Farmers
by Mike Neff
Race seasons are winding down across the country as the leaves begin to turn, fairs are in full swing and farmers across the country are beginning to harvest what crops they have managed to grow during this year's drought conditions. Economic conditions are tough across the country and racing has definitely been hit by the downturn, but racers are still some of the most giving and sharing individuals you'll meet anywhere. The racers at Madera Speedway in California are jumping in with all four wheels this weekend during the 6th Annual Harvest Classic to help out the farmers in their state who are struggling. _Protect the Harvest_ and _Families Protecting the Valley_ are two organizations that assist the agricultural community in the Central California area and are going to share in the bounty that walks through the gates at Madera for the Harvest Classic.
Protect the Harvest is an organization that is dedicated to preserving the agricultural way of life. They focus on protecting the rights of farmers, animal owners and hunters. They attempt to inform consumers about the actions of groups that attempt to limit the rights and freedoms of people in the name of animals. They also attempt to respond to actions from radical groups in order to prevent them from enacting laws and regulations that restrict the rights of farmers, animal owners and hunters.
Families Protecting the Valley is focused on preserving the agricultural heritage of the San Joaquin Valley. The organization focuses on fighting for the resources and policies that will allow the valley to flourish as the unique agricultural economy that it has been for decades. The organization sprang forth from an effort by farmers in the valley to prevent their ground water from being contaminated and exported away from the valley in order to protect the rich farming heritage of the area.
Madera Speedway is going to donate a portion of all of their ticket sales to the two organizations to give back to the community that helps support local short track racing in the Fresno/Modesto area. Last year, as part of the Harvest Classic, Madera added tractor pulling to the weekend's events. In 2012 the tractor pull portion of the weekend is being expanded to include modified pulling tractors and trucks. The Super Farm Diesel class will highlight the show again this year along with the biggest hit of last year's weekend, The Blown Injected Modified Pulling Tractors Race.
The weekends schedule of racing at Madera includes: 410/360 Super Modifieds, USAC Sprint Cars, NCMA Sprint Cars, BCRA/USAC Midgets, Vintage Super Modifieds / Valley Sportman, plus the Blown, Injected multi-engine Pulling Tractors! If you're in the Madera area this weekend, come out and check out the racing action and support the local farming economy that is not only important to the area, but to the country as a whole.
Whelen All-American National Points Championship
It is all over but the shouting. Lee Pulliam is set to win the Whelen All-American National Championship, just 10 months after being suspended from NASCAR action for completely losing his cool on the track after a race. He wondered if he was ever going to race again and, once he was reinstated, has not looked back. With this weekend being the last point scoring weekend of the season, Pulliam is all but guaranteed he'll win the title that he missed by two positions in 2011.
The season isn't going to end in the magical perfect total of 810 points, but Pulliam is still going to have at least 20 trophies in his case from this year and will be the big winner during the Whelen All-American awards banquet in Charlotte the first week in December. Pulliam has grown up quite a bit in the last 10 months and is poised to be an outstanding champion for the NASCAR local short track arm. His perspective and attitude changed dramatically after that fateful night last Fall and he is very grateful for the opportunity he has been presented this season.
Keith Rocco is once again looking like he'll be the bridesmaid rather than the bride. The 2010 National Champion was making a run at Pulliam when his wrist was injured a little over a month ago which knocked him out of the car for a few races and basically ended his run at the title. Nate Monteith will end up in the top 5 for sure and probably the top 3. He is riding the wave of the resurgence of Kingsport Speedway and could be a force to be reckoned with in 2013. Duane Howard is another driver who will probably end up in the top 5 who had a chance at a national title but simply didn't race enough. He had 19 starts and 16 top-5 finishes, but the other competition just ran more races and ended up with more points.
We'll visit the final point standings next week after all of this weekend's races are tallied.
Position Name Races Wins Top 5s Top 10s Total Points
1. Lee Pulliam 34 20 28 30 783
2. Keith Rocco 40 13 24 29 731
3. Nate Monteith 29 10 21 24 726
4. Ryan Preece 46 14 31 38 722
5. Duane Howard 19 9 16 19 713
6. Ted Christopher 47 7 39 42 712
7. CE Falk, III 28 14 23 25 705
8. Deac McCaskill 26 18 24 26 703
9. Tim Brown 24 8 13 18 672
10. Jason O'Brien 29 5 18 25 661
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 Point Battle
Mark Eswein put the State Park Speedway track championship trophy on his mantel this past weekend and became the third driver eligible to win the ASA National Championship. Shelby Stroebel and Lance Gatlin had already secured their titles last weekend so the number of eligible drivers is now three. I-44 Speedway, Newport Speedway and Rocky Mountain Raceways will all crown champions this weekend to bring the pool of eligible drivers to six.
The ASA title chase runs through the end of the month and the track that was the home of last year's champion, Ace Speedway, could still play a role this year. Dustin Rumley is leading the points race at Ace over last year's National Champion Barry Beggarly. With two races to go for Rumley, if he can put together two convincing wins with plenty of passing points he just might sneak in and win this title. We'll see over the next two weeks.
ASA Point Standings
East Region
Position Name Average
1. Lance Gatlin 4.6725
2. Dustin Rumley 4.2593
3. Ryan Stiltner 4.1531
4. Dennis Queen 9.9873
5. Barry Beggarly 3.9513
West Region
Position Name Average
1. Shelby Stroebel 5.0763
2. Matt Wallace 4.1862
3. Mike Slone 4.0874
4. Roger Wilson 4.0036
5. Mark Ith Jr. 3.8689
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 Racing Schedule
Fri : Sept 14th – Beebe Speedway ; Beebe : AR – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Fri : Sept 14th – Beebe Speedway ; Beebe : AR – USCS Outlaw Thunder Sprint Cars
Fri : Sept 14th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Harvest Classic Night #1 Late Models
Fri : Sept 14th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Harvest Classic Night #1 Sport Modifieds
Fri : Sept 14th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Harvest Classic Night #1 Hobby Stocks
Fri : Sept 14th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 5 Star Series Closing Act Late Models
Fri : Sept 14th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 5 Star Series Closing Act Limited Late Models
Fri : Sept 14th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 5 Star Series Closing Act SK Lights
Fri : Sept 14th – Stafford Speedway ; Stafford Springs : CT – 5 Star Series Closing Act SK Modifieds
Fri : Sept 14th – Clay County Fair Speedway ; Spencer : IA – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Fri : Sept 14th – Farley Speedway ; Farley : IA – Deery Brothers Summer Series IMCA Late Models
Fri : Sept 14th – Iowa Speedway ; Newton : IA – ASA Midwest Tour Iowa 150
Fri : Sept 14th – Farmer City Speedway ; Farmer City : IL – World of Outlaws Late Models
Fri : Sept 14th – Beech Ridge Motor Speedway ; Scarborough : ME – PASS North Super Late Models PASS 400 Weekend
Fri : Sept 14th – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – 6th Annual Small Car Nationals Late Model Sportsman Qualifying
Fri : Sept 14th – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – 6th Annual Small Car Nationals Pure Stocks Qualifying
Fri : Sept 14th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – USRA Modifieds
Fri : Sept 14th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – IMCA Stock Cars
Fri : Sept 14th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds
Fri : Sept 14th – Chateau Raceway ; Lansing : MN – WISSOTA Street Stocks
Fri : Sept 14th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – NDRA Dirt Wars
Fri : Sept 14th – Kingsport Speedway ; Kingsport : TN – UARA Stars Late Models
Fri : Sept 14th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : Sept 14th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : Sept 14th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Stock
Fri : Sept 14th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Street Stock
Fri : Sept 14th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – SST Series
Fri : Sept 14th – Virginia Motor Speedway ; Saluda : VA – USA 100 Lucas Oil Late Models
Fri : Sept 14th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – 6th Annual Legendary 100 Late Models
Fri : Sept 14th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – 6th Annual Legendary 100 Modifieds
Fri : Sept 14th – Langlade Speedway ; Antigo : WI – Late Models
Fri : Sept 14th – Langlade Speedway ; Antigo : WI – Modifieds
Sat : Sept 15th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – 305 Winged Sprints
Sat : Sept 15th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – 600 Mini Sprints
Sat : Sept 15th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Riverside International Speedway ; West Memphis : AR – Modifieds
Sat : Sept 15th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Harvest Classic Super Saturday USAC Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 15th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Harvest Classic Super Saturday 410/360 Super Modifieds
Sat : Sept 15th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Harvest Classic Super Saturday BCRA/USAC Midgets
Sat : Sept 15th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Harvest Classic Super Saturday NCMA Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 15th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – Harvest Classic Super Saturday Vintage Super Modifieds
Sat : Sept 15th – Perris Auto Speedway ; Perris : CA – USAC/CRA Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 15th – Petaluma Speedway ; Petaluma : CA – Civil War California Civil War Series Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 15th – Citrus County Speedway ; Inverness : FL – Florida United Promoters Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – DS Trucks
Sat : Sept 15th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – E-Modifieds
Sat : Sept 15th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Sportsman
Sat : Sept 15th – Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA – CRA Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA – Outlaws
Sat : Sept 15th – Gresham Motorsports Park ; Jefferson : GA – Trucks
Sat : Sept 15th – New Senoia Raceway ; Senoia : GA – Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Magic Valley Speedway ; Twin Falls : ID – Rocky Mountain Challenge Series Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Limited Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Peoria Speedway ; Peoria : IL – Modifieds
Sat : Sept 15th – Salem Speedway ; Salem : IN – ARCA Racing Series
Sat : Sept 15th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – World Figure 8 Tour
Sat : Sept 15th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Hornets Figure 8
Sat : Sept 15th – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – Roadsters
Sat : Sept 15th – Tri-State Speedway ; Haubstadt : IN – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 15th – Farley Speedway ; Farley : IA – Deery Brothers Summer Series IMCA Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Beech Ridge Motor Speedway ; Scarborough : ME – PASS North Super Late Models PASS 400 Weekend
Sat : Sept 15th – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – 6th Annual Small Car Nationals Late Model Sportsman
Sat : Sept 15th – Hagerstown Speedway ; Hagerstown : MD – 6th Annual Small Car Nationals Pure Stocks
Sat : Sept 15th – Kalamazoo Speedway ; Kalamazoo : MI – Call of the Wild Outlaw Super Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 15th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – ASA Championship Night ASA Late Models Twin 30s
Sat : Sept 15th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – ASA Championship Night Modifieds
Sat : Sept 15th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – ASA Championship Night Sportsman
Sat : Sept 15th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – ASA Championship Night Road Warriors
Sat : Sept 15th – I-44 Speedway ; Lebanon : MO – ASA Championship Night Chargers
Sat : Sept 15th – I-55 Speedway ; Peavely : MO – World of Outlaws Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 15th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – USCS Outlaw Thunder Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 15th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Modifieds
Sat : Sept 15th – Malden Speedway ; Malden : MO – Street Stocks
Sat : Sept 15th – Springfield Raceway ; Springfield : MO – MARS Dirtcar Series Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Mohawk International ; Akwesasne : NY – DIRTCar Big-Block Modifieds
Sat : Sept 15th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Late Models x2
Sat : Sept 15th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Madhouse Scramble Modifieds
Sat : Sept 15th – Caraway Speedway ; Asheboro : NC – Street Stocks
Sat : Sept 15th – Concord Motorsports Park ; Concord : NC – Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Limited Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Hickory Motor Speedway ; Newton : NC – Street Stock
Sat : Sept 15th – Riverside International Speedway ; Antigonish : Nova Scotia – NASCAR Canadian Tire Series
Sat : Sept 15th – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : OH – USAC Midwest Focus Midgets
Sat : Sept 15th – Columbus Speedway ; Columbus : OH – USAC Mopar D1 Stars
Sat : Sept 15th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Modifieds
Sat : Sept 15th – Jackson County Speedway ; Jackson : OH – Street Stocks
Sat : Sept 15th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – Lawrence Chevrolet Sportsman 100 Super Sportsman
Sat : Sept 15th – Lincoln Speedway ; Abbottstown : PA – 358 Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Texas Motor Speedway ; Fort Worth : TX – Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Sat : Sept 15th – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – Sportsman
Sat : Sept 15th – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – Virginia Sprint Cars
Sat : Sept 15th – Shenandoah Speedway ; Shenandoah : VA – 4c Super Modifieds
Sat : Sept 15th – Virginia Motor Speedway ; Saluda : VA – USA 100 Lucas Oil Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – 6th Annual Legendary 100 Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – 6th Annual Legendary 100 Modifieds
Sat : Sept 15th – Cedar Lake Speedway ; New Richmond : WI – 6th Annual Legendary 100 Midwest Modifieds
Sat : Sept 15th – Wilmot Raceway ; Wilmot : WI – Wisconsin Dirt Late Models
Sat : Sept 15th – Wilmot Raceway ; Wilmot : WI – Modifieds
Sat : Sept 15th – Wilmot Raceway ; Wilmot : WI – Street Stocks
Sun : Sept 16th – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Outlaw Late Models
Sun : Sept 16th – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Modifieds
Sun : Sept 16th – Huntsville Speedway ; Huntsville : AL – Sportsman
Sun : Sept 16th – Montgomery Motor Speedway ; Montgomery : AL – Alabama 200 Show Me The Money Pro Late Models
Sun : Sept 16th – Beech Ridge Motor Speedway ; Scarborough : ME – PASS North Super Late Models PASS 400 Weekend
Sun : Sept 16th – Dunn Tire Raceway ; Lancaster : NY – Race of Champions Modifieds
Sun : Sept 16th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Modifieds
Sun : Sept 16th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – Street Stocks
Sun : Sept 16th – Autodrome Saint Eustache ; Saint Eustache : Quebec – ACT Castrol Late Models
Thu : Sept 20th – Deer Creek Speedway ; Spring Valley : MN – USMTS Hunt for the Casey's Cup Modifieds
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~
Fantasy Friday: GEICO 400
by Jeff Wolfe
We're off to the Chase, the first of 10 races for the playoffs. We learned last year that anything can happen and the magic started for Tony Stewart when he won his first race of the year here. Will same happen this season? Who knows?
Top 5 Picks
1) Tony Stewart - He has three wins in 11 races at Chicagoland. The victory there last year started his impressive run to the championship, so he's got to be feeling good about that again.
2) Denny Hamlin - It's true he doesn't have a win at Chicago and has only one top 5, but he's been on such a roll lately it's hard not to pick him, especially since he could have easily had three consecutive wins.
3) Jeff Gordon - He's feeling good about himself after the rally to make the Chase. He's also got a solid record at Chicagoland with a win and six top 5s.
4) Jimmie Johnson - He doesn't have a win at Chicagoland, but he has led 365 laps in 10 races there, easily the most of any active driver without a win.
5) Kevin Harvick - If there is someone who could do what Stewart did last year (enter the Chase ninth in points and not have a win on the season and then win the title), it's Harvick. He has two wins at Chicagoland and six top 5s in 11 races there.
Shoulda, woulda, coulda - Kyle Busch. He would not be a bad pick here. He's got a win and two top 5s in seven races and he certainly would like to make a statement that he's still good, even though he didn't make the Chase.
ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP
Here's a look at how last week's picks fared at Richmond.
Kyle Busch - 16th. He had won four of the last seven at Richmond, but was never a factor for the win.
Denny Hamlin - 18th. He dominated while leading 202 of the first 275 laps. The decision to stay out when a short shower came probably cost him the win.
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. - 14th. He was in contention for much of the night, but the rain caution also messed up his chances after leading 67 laps.
Jimmie Johnson - 13th. He was another victim of old tires when deciding not to come in on that rain caution, or he may have been in the top 5.
Tony Stewart - 4th. The defending champion broke out of a serious slump, helped by the fact that he pitted immediately when the final rain caution came.
Season Stats
130 Predictions
14 Wins
42 Top 5s
58 Top 10s
Grade for the week: C. It was clear that Hamlin had the best car on the track, but he and crew chief Darian Grubb made the wrong choice, as it turned out, when the final rain caution came. Earnhardt, Jr. and Stewart also led at times. That final rain caution changed the complexion of the race.
One last thing: Tony Stewart is the only one of the 12 Chase drivers to win at each of the 10 tracks in the Chase for the Championship.
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.
~~~~~~~~~~
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
by Huston Ladner
Formula 1 Friday: The Madness of King Lewis/Tribute to a Legend
by Andy Hollis
8 Reasons NASCAR Fans Should Also Be Watching IndyCar this Weekend
by Amy Henderson
Michael Annett Driver Diary: Knocking on the Door, Politics, and Football
as told to Toni Montgomery
Four Burning Questions: Hamlin's Survivor Weekend As All Eyes Turn Towards Chicago
by Tom Bowles
~~~~~~~~~~
This Weekend on the Frontstretch:
Tracking the Trucks: American Ethanol 200 by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth has all the post-race analysis you need following Saturday night's Camping World Truck Series event from Iowa Speedway.
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: Kevin Harvick may have won the first two Tropicana 400's run at Chicagoland Speedway, but repeating turned out to be a very difficult task. What happened to put Harvick way back in the pack?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: Right now, Ryan Briscoe is worrying about where he'll be racing in 2013. In 2005 at Chicagoland Speedway, Briscoe (and everyone in attendance at the Peak Antifreeze Indy 300) was worried about far more than that. What happened to Briscoe?
A: On Lap 20, Briscoe, who had started at the rear of the field due to a technical infraction, was trying to get to the inside of Alex Barron entering Turn 3. Briscoe had contact with Barron's left rear tire, putting Barron into a slide. However, Briscoe then ran over Barron's left-front wheel, launching himself into the air. The car then impacted the catchfence and ripped into pieces. The rear end of the car came to rest at one point, while the survival cell containing Briscoe was 800 feet away. Kosuke Matsuura was also involved as well. The crash can be seen in this clip. Todd Harris and Scott Goodyear have the call for ABC Sports.
All three drivers were done for the day. However, despite the scariness of the crash, Briscoe came out of it with just a broken collarbone. The car was in a million pieces. Barron and Matsuura walked away from their wrecks.
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:
-- GEICO 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: GEICO 400 by Mike Neff
Mike is here with his overall thoughts about the action from Sunday afternoon's race from Chicagoland.
Bowles' Eye View by Tom Bowles
Tom is back with a commentary about one of the biggest stories leaving the first Chase race from Chicagoland.
Commentary by TBA
Another post-race commentary about one of the most important events from the weekend of racing at Chicagoland.
Big Six: GEICO 400 by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving the first Chase race at Chicagoland? 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.
Nationwide Series Breakdown: Dollar General 300 powered by Coca-Cola by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan has all the post-race analysis you need following Saturday afternoon's Nationwide Series race from Chicagoland.
IndyCar Breakdown: MAVTV 500 by Toni Montgomery
Toni has all the post-race analysis you need following the IZOD IndyCar Series season finale from Auto Club Speedway in California.
-----------------------------
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
This Weekend on the Frontstretch:
Tracking the Trucks: American Ethanol 200 by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth has all the post-race analysis you need following Saturday night's Camping World Truck Series event from Iowa Speedway.
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: Kevin Harvick may have won the first two Tropicana 400's run at Chicagoland Speedway, but repeating turned out to be a very difficult task. What happened to put Harvick way back in the pack?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: Right now, Ryan Briscoe is worrying about where he'll be racing in 2013. In 2005 at Chicagoland Speedway, Briscoe (and everyone in attendance at the Peak Antifreeze Indy 300) was worried about far more than that. What happened to Briscoe?
A: On Lap 20, Briscoe, who had started at the rear of the field due to a technical infraction, was trying to get to the inside of Alex Barron entering Turn 3. Briscoe had contact with Barron's left rear tire, putting Barron into a slide. However, Briscoe then ran over Barron's left-front wheel, launching himself into the air. The car then impacted the catchfence and ripped into pieces. The rear end of the car came to rest at one point, while the survival cell containing Briscoe was 800 feet away. Kosuke Matsuura was also involved as well. The crash can be seen in this clip. Todd Harris and Scott Goodyear have the call for ABC Sports.
All three drivers were done for the day. However, despite the scariness of the crash, Briscoe came out of it with just a broken collarbone. The car was in a million pieces. Barron and Matsuura walked away from their wrecks.
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:
-- GEICO 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: GEICO 400 by Mike Neff
Mike is here with his overall thoughts about the action from Sunday afternoon's race from Chicagoland.
Bowles' Eye View by Tom Bowles
Tom is back with a commentary about one of the biggest stories leaving the first Chase race from Chicagoland.
Commentary by TBA
Another post-race commentary about one of the most important events from the weekend of racing at Chicagoland.
Big Six: GEICO 400 by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving the first Chase race at Chicagoland? 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.
Nationwide Series Breakdown: Dollar General 300 powered by Coca-Cola by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan has all the post-race analysis you need following Saturday afternoon's Nationwide Series race from Chicagoland.
IndyCar Breakdown: MAVTV 500 by Toni Montgomery
Toni has all the post-race analysis you need following the IZOD IndyCar Series season finale from Auto Club Speedway in California.
-----------------------------
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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