Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
September 5th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CLXXVII
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Top News
by Tom Bowles
It's Official: Kenseth To Gibbs
The worst kept secret in NASCAR isn't such a secret anymore. Matt Kenseth was officially introduced as the driver of the No. 20 Toyota for 2013, ending months of speculation after announcing he'd part ways with Roush Fenway Racing following the conclusion of the 2012 season.
"I'm really excited to be sitting here today," said Kenseth, at a press conference announcing the move. "It's a big honor to come race for Joe Gibbs Racing. I'm really looking forward to working with Denny (Hamlin) and Kyle (Busch) both. They're both at the top of their game, they're both winners and that puts a lot of pressure on you to be able to go run like those guys do."
Owner Joe Gibbs wouldn't get into much detail about how the organization was able to land the 40-year-old. But he said Kenseth's wealth of experience and success immediately gives their program a competitive edge.
"When you kind of realized there might be a possibility to get Matt (Kenseth), we felt like we'd be foolish not to pursue that and kind of go after that," he said. "I think he's done great things and to win a championship — we all know how hard that is. We're thrilled and I am excited to think that we have Denny, Kyle and Matt all sitting in a meeting talking things over — I would have to think it would be hard for us to miss something with those three guys on the feedback."
Kenseth, the 2003 Cup Series titlist will come to Gibbs after 15 years at RFR. Having qualified for eight of the last nine Chases, he's earned 22 wins and 161 top-5 finishes in 461 Cup starts to date. Certainly, the type of resume he's built at his soon-to-be-former employer makes it tough to leave; but Kenseth, repeatedly stressed his desire to simply try something new.
"We've won some races and done some great things there," he said of RFR. "Really looking forward to this opportunity [with JGR] — the next chapter of my career and going and trying to win more races and try to win a championship. This is a championship team and I'm really excited to be part of it."
Both Kenseth and Joey Logano - the driver he's replacing - will stay in their current rides for the rest of 2012.
It's Official #2: Logano To Penske
Penske Racing has itself a new, permanent driver for the No. 22 Dodge in 2013. 22-year-old Joey Logano will move over from Joe Gibbs Racing, a move that was announced in a statement yesterday and followed up by a Penske Racing phone presser this morning. Logano comes to the team after four years of driving the No. 20 Home Depot Toyota, where he's secured two wins and 16 top-5 finishes in his Sprint Cup career to date.
"I am very excited to join Penske Racing and begin the next phase of my career," said Logano in a press release. "I am looking forward to the opportunity as it will be an honor to drive for Roger Penske and race for wins and championships. I am also proud to represent Shell-Pennzoil as they are a respected global brand that does a great job of activating in the sport on and off the track."
For Shell/Pennzoil, it will mark their first winning driver in the Cup Series since Kurt Busch left the team in November, 2011. While Sam Hornish, Jr. has done an admirable job, posting a 19.0 average finish in a substitute role neither he or suspended, then released driver AJ Allmendinger have ever won in anything greater than the Nationwide Series. The release does not mention Hornish, who is expected to run a third Cup car at least part-time in 2013.
"Joey Logano is a very talented driver who has already achieved a lot of success at a young age," said Tim Cindric, President of Penske Racing. "Joey is a great fit for our organization and we look forward to building on his success as he takes his place behind the wheel of the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford."
Logano, who has 15 career Nationwide Series victories is expected to get some seat time there with Penske's established programs. He's had a tough year on the Cup side, sitting 18th in the standings heading to Richmond this weekend and those struggles led to his release from the No. 20 car. All JGR was able to offer, after signing Matt Kenseth was a part-time Cup schedule combined with a full-time Nationwide Series ride in 2013.
News Bites
- David Gilliland's gasman, Aaron Pierrat appears to be OK after suffering a fall lifting the car back onto the hauler after Atlanta. Initial hospital X-Rays, taken on his back and hip came back negative and the crewman is back in North Carolina for further testing this week.
- Lowe's, Jimmie Johnson's primary sponsor is donating $133,000 to the Red Cross to help in the cleanup process after Hurricane Isaac. Isaac, which took a similar path as Katrina in 2005 caused flooding, tornadoes, and wind damage all over Louisiana and the southern Mississippi River area.
- SS Motorsports, a new Cup team will be making their debut at Richmond with Mark Green. The small organization has been building for their first Cup race for well over a year and a half; sponsorship will come from Blue Ox.
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Today's Featured Commentary
Beth's Brief
Kenseth and Logano: Right Move or Big Mistake?
by Beth Lunkenheimer
The worst kept secret in NASCAR is now official: Matt Kenseth is headed to Joe Gibbs Racing beginning in 2013. Back in late June, the 2012 Daytona 500 winner announced he would be leaving Roush Fenway Racing, the team he'd raced with since his rookie season back in 2000, at the end of the year. With 461 races under his belt, the 2003 champion boasts 22 victories, 122 top 5s and 224 top 10s behind the wheel of the No. 17 Ford. He has just one start--his Cup Series debut--behind the wheel of the No. 94 Bill Elliott-owned Ford at Dover where he started 16th and finished sixth.
Of course, the immediate question that comes to mind is why leave a team where you're sitting third in the points, safely into the Chase for the third consecutive season and seven overall since its inception in 2004?
"I had never got to my last year of my contract. I really felt like winning the Daytona 500, I felt really good about everything we had going on over there," Kenseth said during the announcement earlier Tuesday. "I really felt like that was going to be the time--we were going to get the thing re-signed and get a sponsor signed and we had a lot of momentum."
"For whatever reason, that didn't happen. I probably felt like my future was somewhat cloudy over there and (it was) weighing on my mind a little bit."
For a driver who's struggled to secure sponsorship, that's really not surprising. Sure he's a past champion with two Dayotna 500 victories to his name, but that won't do him a whole lot of good if he doesn't have the financial backing needed to continue. Simply put, without solid sponsorship, competing in NASCAR is nearly impossible in a sustainable model.
With Kenseth headed to the No. 20 Toyota and full-time sponsorship from Home Depot and Dollar General, that left Joey Logano as the big question mark, and as much as JGR wanted to keep "Sliced Bread" in their stable, their best efforts weren't enough.
"What we were angling toward was to keep Joey and add Matt. After we added Matt, then we started working real hard on trying to work out things for Joey," JGR Owner Joe Gibbs said. "There were several different ways we tried to get things done. Joey had other opportunities he felt like would be a better deal for him."
Not long after Kenseth's official announcement, Penske Racing came out to confirm rumors that had circled the No. 22 team for several weeks. Logano is set to join the organization next year to fill the seat left vacant when AJ Allmendinger was released following a failed drug test.
"Joey Logano is a very talented driver who has already achieved a lot of success at a young age," Penske Racing president Tim Cindric said. "Joey is a great fit for our organization and we look forward to building on his success as he takes his place behind the wheel of the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford."
Now the question that remains is whether those moves were the right ones. While I'm not convinced Kenseth will go out and win the Daytona 500 next year in his first race behind the wheel of the No. 20, the wealth of knowledge--12 years and a championship's worth--Kenseth brings along is invaluable for JGR. And what's even better is that with any positive change, there's a sense of renewal and re-energizing that follows, and that alone could be enough to light a spark under Kenseth.
As for Logano, he has had plenty of time to prove he can race competitively week after week and has come up short with just two victories and 37 top-10 results in 136 starts. And while Joe Gibbs expects him to "blossom into one of the best" I'm not yet convinced. Sure, Logano has shown some flashes of brilliance, but he has yet to live up to the hype that followed him into the series in 2009.
However, his move to Penske Racing could be just what the 22-year-old needs. For a driver that has been overshadowed by teammates Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano, working alongside Brad Keselowski, who has found success with Penske, will likely help him to gain confidence he lost.
The bottom line is that no one really knows whether the changes are the right ones though both teams wouldn't have moved forward if they felt it weren't. One thing is for sure: 2013 is a season for proving both drivers knew what they were doing when they made the decision to leave their respective teams.
Beth Lunkenheimer is a Co-Managing Editor for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via email at beth.lunkenheimer@frontstretch.com. Follow her on Twitter @Beth_Frntstrtch.
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Tweet 'N' Greet
by Summer Bedgood
Editor's Note: With the NASCAR Twitter community expanding by leaps and bounds, it remains a place for instantaneous news, reactions, and a whole lot of inside jokes. We understand if you don't want to join the Twitter community - but as a fan, it's important to know the news and info you're missing out on! That's why, every week, Summer Bedgood will sort through the thousands of messages and give us a little taste of what's going on each Wednesday.
So, without further ado, here's a look at what those in NASCAR were thinking over the past seven days...
@bobpockrass: Tightrope walker Nick Wallenda, dude who walked across Niagara Falls, to be part of Charlotte Cup prerace show. #NASCAR
@bobpockrass: Wallenda will start from top of grandstands to victory lane. 750 feet is how far he will walk. 5/8ths inch cable. About hundred feet high.
@keselowski: Just got to Atlanta where it's raining. "what drought?" said the #nascar community
@MissJFish (Jordan Fish): Woahhhh! Just felt the biggest kick! This girl is definitely a dancer!!
@ClaireBLang: "Driving the NAPA ..Toyota means the world to me" Truex. "Its my job 2 do everything u can 2 make sure we r together the rest of my career"
@nateryan: Mike Helton says #nascar doesn't normally get involved in team sponsor news, but significant b/c NAPA is "a highly visible retail partner."
@MartySmithESPN: Kenseth says he hasn't spoken with Smoke. He tried this morning and plans to. He liked the helmet toss, "just wish it wasn't at me."
@jeff_gluck: JJ on why fans loved Kenseth vs. Tony: "Why do people watch reality TV? People like to watch trainwrecks, people like to watch controversy."
@jeff_gluck: Dale Jr says fans like fights because they "live vicariously through that emotion" and pretend it's a co-worker they want to punch (really!)
@bobpockrass: Kyle Busch said he never asked JGR for permission to race truck. He said a few weeks ago JGR officials came to him and said he could run.
@MartySmithESPN: Carl Edwards: "If the Lord took me from this Earth right now, there'd be a place in Heaven that looks like this racetrack. It's so awesome."
@bobpockrass: After qualifying lap, I asked Joey Logano if Penske deal was done. He said "I've got nothing to tell you yet." #nascar
@bobpockrass: I then asked Logano if he would be at JGR on Tue, which is expected date of Kenseth presser. Logano said: "We'll see, won't we?" #nascar
@MonteDutton: With 4 laps to go, having bounced off wall twice, trailing by 400 yards, Phil Parsons breaks story that Kyle Busch may not win. #nascar
@DeLanaHarvick: Woooohoooo @tydillon!!!! Congrats on your first @NASCAR_Trucks win!!!
@SummerBedgood: Ty, I think God would be ok if you waited to bow your head until AFTER the truck came to a complete stop. You're welcome... #NASCAR
@Kenny_Wallace: NO doubt @kylelarson is the neXt @JimmieJohnson with his "Neutral Slideways" driving ability, #godgivingtalent
@jim_utter: Another top 5 for @pkligerman ... 3 in a row since joining Red Horse Racing #NASCAR
@austindillon3: So cool for @tydillon the first one is the hardest way more to come
@twoninereyes (Billy O): That's pretty cool to be spotting for @tydillon truck win tonight He will win many more races. #nascar
@DavidStremme: The back stretch @Amsupdates is a great place to watch. https://twitter.com/DavidStremme/status/241731241399943168/photo/1
@pkligerman (Parker Kligerman): Had a solid top 3 truck and just missed the adjustment at the end...relegating us to 4th. Proud of this team. We r in it to win it #NASCAR
@mw55 (Michael Waltrip): Sweet 2013 @napaknowhow ride. https://twitter.com/mw55/status/241762986602160129/photo/1
@KyleLarsonRacing: Finished 6th tonight in the truck race. Had a blast and learned a bunch. Can't wait for the next one!
@joeylogano: So I got some kinda stomach virus or food poisoning, I'm hoping to be good enough to practice later. #nofun
@JMorris_NP (John Morris): Fun begins. 1st @RutledgeWood plays kickball w/ @jeff_gluck then #Trackside w/ @CJMearsGang & @TravisPastrana. #NASCAR http://twitpic.com/apzvtf
@jeff_gluck: Had a blast playing kickball. #TeamNate earned a hard-fought win when @JeffGordonWeb hit a walk-off, two-run double. But all the kids won.
@jeff_gluck: People like @RutledgeWood and @SamanthaBusch have an amazing gift for making kids feel comfortable. Whole team did, really. Great to see.
MNeffShortTrack (Mike Neff): It's pink!!! https://twitter.com/MNeffShortTrack/status/241928680891363329/photo/1
@SamanthaBusch: Thx @jeffgordon4cure 4 puttin on such a great event here @amsupdates! Awesome spending the afternoon w great kids! http://twitpic.com/aq0sgj
@DanicaPatrick: My Charlotte car. Thanks @godaddy! Let's kick breast cancers ass! http://img.ly/mMH7
@TheOrangeCone: Love the look of @DanicaPatrick's breast cancer awareness car. I just wish it was brighter so we could all see it better.
@DeLanaHarvick: lunch run with keelan, gg and bebe... nobody got pissed off or pissed on!!! #success
@bobpockrass: Apparently a fan in stands who uses same frequ as Brad at his home track just keyed into Brad's in-car radio. 22 team now on alt channel.
@pkligerman: No news here but I've come to the realization that in just driving a race car at ATL. @KyleBusch is a boss #NASCAR
@MNeffShortTrack: Leader just lapped the ninth-place car. For those of you who miss the good ol' days, this is what it looked like. #NASCAR
@SummerBedgood: Rumors circulating that #NASCAR will award the lucky dog to about 25 cars or so.... cannot confirm. #NASCAR
@MNeffShortTrack: Timing and scoring using a sun dial to measure gap from 33 to 6. #NASCAR
@SummerBedgood: Think about this for a second.... Channel surfing and seeing "Leader: Pastrana" in the #NASCAR race. No more channel surfing. Ratings.
@jeff_gluck: Whoa boy. ESPN shows Brad Keselowski threw his water bottle out the window...and then there was a caution.
@MonteDutton: They did tell Kez about the in-car cam, right? #NASCAR
@jeff_gluck: Harvick and his team are obviously upset about the Keselowski thing. They think that's not fair. BK will now have four fresh tires.
@Kenny_Wallace: It's about time @DanicaPatrick wrecked Someone, Because "they" ALWAYS wreck her! GO Danica!!
@DeLanaHarvick: Unmotherfunction believable...
@jim_utter: ESPN: "NASCAR says it was not the water bottle." Harvick: "Then why did you guys keep showing it then?" NICE !
@jeff_gluck: Harvick and Keselowski now sitting next to each other in media center. They're sniping at each other....seriously.
@JaritJohnson: Water bottles usually get thrown out on the back stretch coming to the green. Not during green. Just saying.
@jeff_gluck: #ThatAwkwardMomentWhen https://twitter.com/jeff_gluck/status/242082889813094401/photo/1
@jeff_gluck: This is uncomfortable. Harvick turned to Keselowski, told him to sleep well tonight. He's sure BK did it on purpose and it was the caution.
@jeff_gluck: On his way out, Harvick gently smacked Keselowski on the neck twice. BK says he threw the water bottle out 15-20 laps before caution.
@StacyStenhouse: There is no feeling like going to Victory Lane! I'm one proud sister! Way to go @StenhouseJr https://twitter.com/StacyStenhouse/status/242086666913857537/photo/1
@Mother_Function: You Win Some, You Lose Some And Some Get "Thrown" Out.........
@DeLanaHarvick: Say whatcha mean and mean whatcha say...
@MikeCalinoff: Wow! It doesn't get much better than that. Great job by @StenhouseJr, @CrewChief6NNS and team. That boys gonna win a lot of races. #NASCAR
@NASCAR_Realtime: It just seems like waaay too many of these races have ended under shady circumstances. Fans are confused & it's not good for #Nascar
@KevinHarvick: Felt like we did everything right tonight just got beat by 2 cars hooked up into turn 1...That's racing & par 4 the year. #waterbottle
@MikeCalinoff: Jack said I can come back again tomorrow for the Cup race. #NASCAR http://yfrog.com/obd6saikj
@AshleyAllgaier: How bout that 5th place finish for @J_Allgaier @jelledge81 & the @BrandtRacing crew?!? Way to go guys!!
@SluggerLabbe: When tires wear out it makes for great racing We need more of it to make #NASCAR racing better, the drivers are wheeling their cars here
@keselowski: Resting my case on #waterbottle Thank u supporters, Move on trolls & hope I explained it well enough for everyone in between
@bobpockrass: Danica: "I just respected my outside lane, I had the momentum and unfortunately some cars got crashed." #nascar
@bscottracing (Brian Scott): NASCAR unfortunately isn't like our government. They don't have checks and balances. They are the judge, jury and EXECUTIONER in racing.
@jeff_gluck: NASCAR brought in video of worker picking up the debris in question. Here's a photo. https://twitter.com/jeff_gluck/status/242102408816230400/photo/1
@93spotter (Toby Whealdon): Car hits the fence no caution, water bottle on track and they throw the caution WTF it only cost a couple of teams a car. Favoritism !!!!!!
@DeLanaHarvick: Trying to get everything together for Keelan's first plane ride & trip to the track!!! Kids need a lot of s&#t to travel!
@jeff_gluck: Post-race discussion from last night. @ Atlanta Motor Speedway http://instagram.com/p/PE5JH5NXly/
@StenhouseJr: Love wakin up to this... Great job to our whole team last night!! Didn't have the best car but we got the win!! #GWC https://twitter.com/StenhouseJr/status/242274122871222272/photo/1
@keselowski: After watching race on tv last night I can understand every1's confusion. Really holding back on a full off rant on the inaccurate coverage
@keselowski: A lot of people asking y I let Kevin go off last night w/o standing up2 him. Easy answer- knew he was misinformed, now I know how & feel bad
@KrisJohnson_NI: Ouch. RT @bobpockrass: Office Depot won't return as 14 team sponsor for Stewart next year, SHR has confirmed. #NASCAR
@bobpockrass: While not primary sponsor, Office Depot "very hopeful that we'll be able to continue to work together" with Stewart. #nascar
@nateryan: Office Depot says it's pleased with Stewart but "changing business landscape warrants a realignment of priorities and resources." #nascar
@NASCAR_Wonka: Elliott Sadler on leaving RCR: They wanted me to start wearing a cowboy hat and I refused. #NASCAR
@DeLanaHarvick: Keelan's first race!! http://img.ly/mQir
@KevinHarvick: MOTIVATION! "@DeLanaHarvick: Keelan's first race!! http://img.ly/mQir"
@PPistone (Pete Pistone): Joe Gibbs told us on #TMD last week he was extremely excited about what he thought was JGR's strongest NWS program yet in 2013 - interesting
@MikeDavis88: Classic moment at car. Letarte, Junior, & team members exchange high-fives after Star Spangled Banner went beyond 1 min, 24 sec. #JRM360
@Patricia_AFF (Patricia Driscoll): The pit crew doesn't belong to us & they don't work on the car all wk. I feel horrible for.the crew guys who put this car together each wk
@Patricia_AFF: I love our @Phoenixracing51 crew guys. I hate to see the race get thrown away from them by the pit crew. I shot a video but it won't load up
@Patricia_AFF: Finch not happy. He was down there w/his red solo cup & stop watch. I've never seen that before
@Writer_Amy (Amy Henderson): Irony: fans complain about fake cautions for mystery debris also complain about not enough cautions...& swear they don't want wrecks #NASCAR
@Beth_Frntstrtch (Beth Lunkenheimer): Sorry, but the debris doesn't exist unless you show it. I'm not asking all that much... @NASCARESPN #NASCAR #TDP1
@Mc_Driver (Michael McDowell): Well @joeylogano has a lot of heart. He is sticking it out. Serious effort for how sick he is. @JoeGibbsRacing @HomeDepotRacing
@MNeffShortTrack: Mosquito issues on pit road eliminated after Edwards' engine failure. #NASCAR
@DNewtonESPN: I will say one thing, Carl Edwards handles disappointment better than any driver in the garage. #nascar
@jeff_gluck: Carl is one bummed dude. https://twitter.com/jeff_gluck/status/242453030132408320/photo/1
@DeLanaHarvick: Haha! Best moment of the night RC asks me what the hell I wanna do!!!
@pkligerman: Should at least be a 10 point bonus for winning the "regular" season. That would put more emphasis on these late locked in races.. #NASCAR
@nascarcasm: One thing you'll never hear - "Carl stormed off to and declined comment." #respect #nascar
@MrsDGilly: Finally got a text from my dad who's at the track and he said "master switch burnt up"
@jaywpennell: Edwards: "I've been trying to live right & do the right things, so I hope there's a reason for all of this, but... it's just so frustrating."
@jaywpennell: Terrible break for @MartinTruexJr56 as this caution changes entire race. @JeffGordonWeb now in catbird seat. #NASCAR
@StewartHaasRcng: In case you don't know already, TV and radio reports of @RyanNewman39 leaving the track without talking to anybody were greatly exaggerated!
@Ryan_Truex: Who has the voodoo doll of Martin??? Can you please take the needles out of it
@ESPNMcGee: Hamlin clinches at least a tie for Chase points lead. #NASCAR
@ChadH58 (Chad Hackenbracht): Been a LONG time since I've seen Gordon drive that hard, I think everyone would agree #hungry
@DNewtonESPN: #NASCAR @JeffGordonWeb wanted a win, but he put himself within striking range of making it on points with one win.
@nascarcasm: Upon seeing Darian lead Denny to his fourth win of the season, Smoke hurls a helmet at himself. #NASCAR
@jim_utter: Jeff Gordon: "I should have got into his back bumper. I'm disappointed in myself" #NASCAR
@jim_utter: Jeff Gordon: "15 years ago, I would have moved him up the race track." #NASCAR
@jamiemcmurray: That was a massive hit. Hate it that it cost Martin the win.
@bobpockrass: On Kahne. He's in as long as Gordon doesn't win & gains 17 pts on Kahne PLUS Busch gains 20 pts on Tony Stewart. #notlikely #nascar
@Regan_Smith_: Wow, looks like Richmond could get crazy for the wild card
@rchilders55: You would think we would get enough racing… But the 55 team has a kart race this morning for fun, and I better get over there. #undefeated
@DGodfatherMoody: VH1 Planning NASCAR-Themed Reality Show http://motorsports-soapbox.blogspot.com/2012/09/vh1-planning-nascar-themed-reality-show.html #NASCAR
@dennyhamlin: What a awesome weekend. Once again.. Still smiling. Thank u for all the congrats tweet.
@dennyhamlin: "@billam24: @dennyhamlin If you were @JeffGordonWeb would you have put the bumper to you?" No. Not if I've raced him clean in past
@KevinHarvick: At the beach house trying to get everything situated for @KeelanHarvick who knew it took so much to keep this little guy going!
@mattkenseth: Great job by the 17 guys last night. We struggled with the car but made good adjustments and had exceptional pit stops. Thanks guys! #chase
@MissJFish: Thanks guys for all the congrats! So proud of @dennyhamlin @dariangrubb n 11 team! Pit crew was smoking last night!https://twitter.com/MissJFish/status/242677524625256448/photo/1
@DanielleTrotta: Move over @LarryMac28 right now Jeff Gordon is talking weather on the weather channel! How weather impacts stock car racing. #interesting
@dennyhamlin: I hate losing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aTMZs6gjKw&feature=youtube_gdata_player
@paulieharraka: Stoked about our announcement. Richmond here we come!
@MissJFish: A few of you have asked if I would start a blog to keep you up to date with my pregnancy.. So here it is! Week 17-19: http://jordanlaurenfish.wordpress.com/
@KimBurton31: "@harvick29fan: @KimBurton31 Is it hard being a drivers wife?" Yes. worst is hearing people say nasty things when they don't know whole deal
@SummerBedgood: Elliott Sadler says on Race Hub that RCR never offered him an opportunity to stay with them. I think that says a lot. #NASCAR
@summerBedgood: I've seen a ton of comments saying the team has focused more on the Dillon boys. Sadler's comments didn't help that sentiment. #NASCAR
@ClintBowyer: @RCR31JeffBurton...Damn bud, I can't even go to the movie theater without seeing ur ugly mug!!! https://twitter.com/ClintBowyer/status/242761576812257280/photo/1
@bobpockrass: Aaron Pierrat, gasman of the No. 38 Front Row team, was released from the hospital Monday morning after falling while loading the car .
@bobpockrass: .... Pierrat had x-rays taken on his back and hip, and neither were broken. #nascar
@31n2Spotter: My new side kick http://pic.twitter.com/5P6UgAQa
@jeff_gluck: Joe Gibbs Racing announces Matt Kenseth as its new driver. Denny Hamlin gives him a standing ovation.
@bobpockrass: Matt Kenseth has just walked into a room with a JGR shirt. He yells "surprise" .. Joe Gibbs: "He does have a sense of humor." #nascar
@jeff_gluck: Matt Kenseth in a JGR shirt. https://twitter.com/jeff_gluck/status/243031709052989440/photo/1
@jim_utter: Matt Kenseth will drive No. 20 Toyota with Home Depot and Dollar General. Jason Ratcliff will be cc. #NASCAR
@MartySmithESPN: Matt on why announcement took so long: "A lot to take care of. Things with Joey and things with me."
@MissJFish: Welcome Matt n Katie!! "@JoeGibbsRacing: Welcome to the team @mattkenseth! #NASCAR http://pic.twitter.com/bwlRo35g"
@31n2Spotter: Thanks for all the nice tweets guys. I read em all! Pretty cool to send a birth announcement to 12,000 people! #Holla
@DNewtonESPN: #NASCAR @KyleBusch says if @JeffGordonWeb is first and he is second on last lap at Richmond it could get hairy.
@bobpockrass: Penske Racing makes it official - Joey Logano in the No. 22 car with sponsorship from Shell/Pennzoil. #nascar
@jeff_gluck: Joey Logano will have the Shell-Pennzoil sponsorship on his No. 22 car for Penske Racing. No mention of Hornish in Penske's release.
@aric_almirola: Best day of my life! Better than any trophy or accomplishment. Today I became Alex Almirola's Dad. Baby and Momma are good
@joeylogano: Looking forward to next year with @penskeracing Shell Pennzoil and @keselowski I still have a lot of work to do in 2012.
@MikeCalinoff: When I'm at liberty to disclose my future plans, I will be happy to do so.
@bscottracing: Seriously I am sad to see @joeylogano leaving @JoeGibbsRacing, but excited to have a champ like @mattkenseth joining us! @toyotaracing
@JamieLittleESPN: I'm looking forward to rejoining my #ESPN family next week in Chicago! Ready for the #NASCAR Chase!!
Summer Bedgood is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via email at summer.bedgood@frontstretch.com.
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~~~~~~~~~~
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Did You Notice? ... Sponsors Make Things Silly
by Tom Bowles
A Tale of Two Title Contenders: The Winding Road to the Championship
by Matt Stallknecht
Top Ten Things Wild Card Hopefuls Have Up Their Sleeves for Richmond
by the Frontstretch Staff
NASCAR Sprint Cup Power Rankings: Top 15 After Atlanta II
compiled by Summer Bedgood
Mirror Driving: Kenseth's Big Move, Wild Racing Ahead And Who's Got A Title Edge
by the Frontstretch Staff
The Greatest Street Course Racing Has Never Seen
by Danny Peters
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: The 1999 Exide NASCAR Select Batteries 400 at Richmond International Raceway is best known as the race in which then-rookie Tony Stewart picked up his first career Cup victory. However, for Terry Labonte, the race barely even got going for him before he was done for the night. What happened?
~~~~~~~~~~
Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- What's Vexing Vito by Vito Pugliese
-- Critic's Annex by Phil Allaway
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, the Line of the Week and more!
~~~~~~~~~~
Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
Potts' Shots by John Potts
Fanning the Flames has become Potts' Shots, and John Potts is here to answer your questions in our weekly Fan Q & A. Do you have something you'd like to ask John? Don't sit on the sidelines! Send it to john.potts@frontstretch.com and you just may see your question in print next week!
Professor Of Speed by Mark Howell
Our professor of racing history "has at it" with another column pertinent to the sport at large. This week, Mark remembers his mother, an avid NASCAR fan who passed away around Labor Day back in 1988.
Beyond the Cockpit: Doug Yates by Mike Neff
Mike Neff caught up with Doug Yates at Atlanta Motor Speedway to talk about a variety of topics.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth is back this year on a new night, but it's the same great commentary you've come to enjoy on NASCAR's Truck Series!
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
-- @bobpockrass: Wallenda will start from top of grandstands to victory lane. 750 feet is how far he will walk. 5/8ths inch cable. About hundred feet high.
@keselowski: Just got to Atlanta where it's raining. "what drought?" said the #nascar community
@MissJFish (Jordan Fish): Woahhhh! Just felt the biggest kick! This girl is definitely a dancer!!
@ClaireBLang: "Driving the NAPA ..Toyota means the world to me" Truex. "Its my job 2 do everything u can 2 make sure we r together the rest of my career"
@nateryan: Mike Helton says #nascar doesn't normally get involved in team sponsor news, but significant b/c NAPA is "a highly visible retail partner."
@MartySmithESPN: Kenseth says he hasn't spoken with Smoke. He tried this morning and plans to. He liked the helmet toss, "just wish it wasn't at me."
@jeff_gluck: JJ on why fans loved Kenseth vs. Tony: "Why do people watch reality TV? People like to watch trainwrecks, people like to watch controversy."
@jeff_gluck: Dale Jr says fans like fights because they "live vicariously through that emotion" and pretend it's a co-worker they want to punch (really!)
@bobpockrass: Kyle Busch said he never asked JGR for permission to race truck. He said a few weeks ago JGR officials came to him and said he could run.
@MartySmithESPN: Carl Edwards: "If the Lord took me from this Earth right now, there'd be a place in Heaven that looks like this racetrack. It's so awesome."
@bobpockrass: After qualifying lap, I asked Joey Logano if Penske deal was done. He said "I've got nothing to tell you yet." #nascar
@bobpockrass: I then asked Logano if he would be at JGR on Tue, which is expected date of Kenseth presser. Logano said: "We'll see, won't we?" #nascar
@MonteDutton: With 4 laps to go, having bounced off wall twice, trailing by 400 yards, Phil Parsons breaks story that Kyle Busch may not win. #nascar
@DeLanaHarvick: Woooohoooo @tydillon!!!! Congrats on your first @NASCAR_Trucks win!!!
@SummerBedgood: Ty, I think God would be ok if you waited to bow your head until AFTER the truck came to a complete stop. You're welcome... #NASCAR
@Kenny_Wallace: NO doubt @kylelarson is the neXt @JimmieJohnson with his "Neutral Slideways" driving ability, #godgivingtalent
@jim_utter: Another top 5 for @pkligerman ... 3 in a row since joining Red Horse Racing #NASCAR
@austindillon3: So cool for @tydillon the first one is the hardest way more to come
@twoninereyes (Billy O): That's pretty cool to be spotting for @tydillon truck win tonight He will win many more races. #nascar
@DavidStremme: The back stretch @Amsupdates is a great place to watch. https://twitter.com/DavidStremme/status/241731241399943168/photo/1
@pkligerman (Parker Kligerman): Had a solid top 3 truck and just missed the adjustment at the end...relegating us to 4th. Proud of this team. We r in it to win it #NASCAR
@mw55 (Michael Waltrip): Sweet 2013 @napaknowhow ride. https://twitter.com/mw55/status/241762986602160129/photo/1
@KyleLarsonRacing: Finished 6th tonight in the truck race. Had a blast and learned a bunch. Can't wait for the next one!
@joeylogano: So I got some kinda stomach virus or food poisoning, I'm hoping to be good enough to practice later. #nofun
@JMorris_NP (John Morris): Fun begins. 1st @RutledgeWood plays kickball w/ @jeff_gluck then #Trackside w/ @CJMearsGang & @TravisPastrana. #NASCAR http://twitpic.com/apzvtf
@jeff_gluck: Had a blast playing kickball. #TeamNate earned a hard-fought win when @JeffGordonWeb hit a walk-off, two-run double. But all the kids won.
@jeff_gluck: People like @RutledgeWood and @SamanthaBusch have an amazing gift for making kids feel comfortable. Whole team did, really. Great to see.
MNeffShortTrack (Mike Neff): It's pink!!! https://twitter.com/MNeffShortTrack/status/241928680891363329/photo/1
@SamanthaBusch: Thx @jeffgordon4cure 4 puttin on such a great event here @amsupdates! Awesome spending the afternoon w great kids! http://twitpic.com/aq0sgj
@DanicaPatrick: My Charlotte car. Thanks @godaddy! Let's kick breast cancers ass! http://img.ly/mMH7
@TheOrangeCone: Love the look of @DanicaPatrick's breast cancer awareness car. I just wish it was brighter so we could all see it better.
@DeLanaHarvick: lunch run with keelan, gg and bebe... nobody got pissed off or pissed on!!! #success
@bobpockrass: Apparently a fan in stands who uses same frequ as Brad at his home track just keyed into Brad's in-car radio. 22 team now on alt channel.
@pkligerman: No news here but I've come to the realization that in just driving a race car at ATL. @KyleBusch is a boss #NASCAR
@MNeffShortTrack: Leader just lapped the ninth-place car. For those of you who miss the good ol' days, this is what it looked like. #NASCAR
@SummerBedgood: Rumors circulating that #NASCAR will award the lucky dog to about 25 cars or so.... cannot confirm. #NASCAR
@MNeffShortTrack: Timing and scoring using a sun dial to measure gap from 33 to 6. #NASCAR
@SummerBedgood: Think about this for a second.... Channel surfing and seeing "Leader: Pastrana" in the #NASCAR race. No more channel surfing. Ratings.
@jeff_gluck: Whoa boy. ESPN shows Brad Keselowski threw his water bottle out the window...and then there was a caution.
@MonteDutton: They did tell Kez about the in-car cam, right? #NASCAR
@jeff_gluck: Harvick and his team are obviously upset about the Keselowski thing. They think that's not fair. BK will now have four fresh tires.
@Kenny_Wallace: It's about time @DanicaPatrick wrecked Someone, Because "they" ALWAYS wreck her! GO Danica!!
@DeLanaHarvick: Unmotherfunction believable...
@jim_utter: ESPN: "NASCAR says it was not the water bottle." Harvick: "Then why did you guys keep showing it then?" NICE !
@jeff_gluck: Harvick and Keselowski now sitting next to each other in media center. They're sniping at each other....seriously.
@JaritJohnson: Water bottles usually get thrown out on the back stretch coming to the green. Not during green. Just saying.
@jeff_gluck: #ThatAwkwardMomentWhen https://twitter.com/jeff_gluck/status/242082889813094401/photo/1
@jeff_gluck: This is uncomfortable. Harvick turned to Keselowski, told him to sleep well tonight. He's sure BK did it on purpose and it was the caution.
@jeff_gluck: On his way out, Harvick gently smacked Keselowski on the neck twice. BK says he threw the water bottle out 15-20 laps before caution.
@StacyStenhouse: There is no feeling like going to Victory Lane! I'm one proud sister! Way to go @StenhouseJr https://twitter.com/StacyStenhouse/status/242086666913857537/photo/1
@Mother_Function: You Win Some, You Lose Some And Some Get "Thrown" Out.........
@DeLanaHarvick: Say whatcha mean and mean whatcha say...
@MikeCalinoff: Wow! It doesn't get much better than that. Great job by @StenhouseJr, @CrewChief6NNS and team. That boys gonna win a lot of races. #NASCAR
@NASCAR_Realtime: It just seems like waaay too many of these races have ended under shady circumstances. Fans are confused & it's not good for #Nascar
@KevinHarvick: Felt like we did everything right tonight just got beat by 2 cars hooked up into turn 1...That's racing & par 4 the year. #waterbottle
@MikeCalinoff: Jack said I can come back again tomorrow for the Cup race. #NASCAR http://yfrog.com/obd6saikj
@AshleyAllgaier: How bout that 5th place finish for @J_Allgaier @jelledge81 & the @BrandtRacing crew?!? Way to go guys!!
@SluggerLabbe: When tires wear out it makes for great racing We need more of it to make #NASCAR racing better, the drivers are wheeling their cars here
@keselowski: Resting my case on #waterbottle Thank u supporters, Move on trolls & hope I explained it well enough for everyone in between
@bobpockrass: Danica: "I just respected my outside lane, I had the momentum and unfortunately some cars got crashed." #nascar
@bscottracing (Brian Scott): NASCAR unfortunately isn't like our government. They don't have checks and balances. They are the judge, jury and EXECUTIONER in racing.
@jeff_gluck: NASCAR brought in video of worker picking up the debris in question. Here's a photo. https://twitter.com/jeff_gluck/status/242102408816230400/photo/1
@93spotter (Toby Whealdon): Car hits the fence no caution, water bottle on track and they throw the caution WTF it only cost a couple of teams a car. Favoritism !!!!!!
@DeLanaHarvick: Trying to get everything together for Keelan's first plane ride & trip to the track!!! Kids need a lot of s&#t to travel!
@jeff_gluck: Post-race discussion from last night. @ Atlanta Motor Speedway http://instagram.com/p/PE5JH5NXly/
@StenhouseJr: Love wakin up to this... Great job to our whole team last night!! Didn't have the best car but we got the win!! #GWC https://twitter.com/StenhouseJr/status/242274122871222272/photo/1
@keselowski: After watching race on tv last night I can understand every1's confusion. Really holding back on a full off rant on the inaccurate coverage
@keselowski: A lot of people asking y I let Kevin go off last night w/o standing up2 him. Easy answer- knew he was misinformed, now I know how & feel bad
@KrisJohnson_NI: Ouch. RT @bobpockrass: Office Depot won't return as 14 team sponsor for Stewart next year, SHR has confirmed. #NASCAR
@bobpockrass: While not primary sponsor, Office Depot "very hopeful that we'll be able to continue to work together" with Stewart. #nascar
@nateryan: Office Depot says it's pleased with Stewart but "changing business landscape warrants a realignment of priorities and resources." #nascar
@NASCAR_Wonka: Elliott Sadler on leaving RCR: They wanted me to start wearing a cowboy hat and I refused. #NASCAR
@DeLanaHarvick: Keelan's first race!! http://img.ly/mQir
@KevinHarvick: MOTIVATION! "@DeLanaHarvick: Keelan's first race!! http://img.ly/mQir"
@PPistone (Pete Pistone): Joe Gibbs told us on #TMD last week he was extremely excited about what he thought was JGR's strongest NWS program yet in 2013 - interesting
@MikeDavis88: Classic moment at car. Letarte, Junior, & team members exchange high-fives after Star Spangled Banner went beyond 1 min, 24 sec. #JRM360
@Patricia_AFF (Patricia Driscoll): The pit crew doesn't belong to us & they don't work on the car all wk. I feel horrible for.the crew guys who put this car together each wk
@Patricia_AFF: I love our @Phoenixracing51 crew guys. I hate to see the race get thrown away from them by the pit crew. I shot a video but it won't load up
@Patricia_AFF: Finch not happy. He was down there w/his red solo cup & stop watch. I've never seen that before
@Writer_Amy (Amy Henderson): Irony: fans complain about fake cautions for mystery debris also complain about not enough cautions...& swear they don't want wrecks #NASCAR
@Beth_Frntstrtch (Beth Lunkenheimer): Sorry, but the debris doesn't exist unless you show it. I'm not asking all that much... @NASCARESPN #NASCAR #TDP1
@Mc_Driver (Michael McDowell): Well @joeylogano has a lot of heart. He is sticking it out. Serious effort for how sick he is. @JoeGibbsRacing @HomeDepotRacing
@MNeffShortTrack: Mosquito issues on pit road eliminated after Edwards' engine failure. #NASCAR
@DNewtonESPN: I will say one thing, Carl Edwards handles disappointment better than any driver in the garage. #nascar
@jeff_gluck: Carl is one bummed dude. https://twitter.com/jeff_gluck/status/242453030132408320/photo/1
@DeLanaHarvick: Haha! Best moment of the night RC asks me what the hell I wanna do!!!
@pkligerman: Should at least be a 10 point bonus for winning the "regular" season. That would put more emphasis on these late locked in races.. #NASCAR
@nascarcasm: One thing you'll never hear - "Carl stormed off to and declined comment." #respect #nascar
@MrsDGilly: Finally got a text from my dad who's at the track and he said "master switch burnt up"
@jaywpennell: Edwards: "I've been trying to live right & do the right things, so I hope there's a reason for all of this, but... it's just so frustrating."
@jaywpennell: Terrible break for @MartinTruexJr56 as this caution changes entire race. @JeffGordonWeb now in catbird seat. #NASCAR
@StewartHaasRcng: In case you don't know already, TV and radio reports of @RyanNewman39 leaving the track without talking to anybody were greatly exaggerated!
@Ryan_Truex: Who has the voodoo doll of Martin??? Can you please take the needles out of it
@ESPNMcGee: Hamlin clinches at least a tie for Chase points lead. #NASCAR
@ChadH58 (Chad Hackenbracht): Been a LONG time since I've seen Gordon drive that hard, I think everyone would agree #hungry
@DNewtonESPN: #NASCAR @JeffGordonWeb wanted a win, but he put himself within striking range of making it on points with one win.
@nascarcasm: Upon seeing Darian lead Denny to his fourth win of the season, Smoke hurls a helmet at himself. #NASCAR
@jim_utter: Jeff Gordon: "I should have got into his back bumper. I'm disappointed in myself" #NASCAR
@jim_utter: Jeff Gordon: "15 years ago, I would have moved him up the race track." #NASCAR
@jamiemcmurray: That was a massive hit. Hate it that it cost Martin the win.
@bobpockrass: On Kahne. He's in as long as Gordon doesn't win & gains 17 pts on Kahne PLUS Busch gains 20 pts on Tony Stewart. #notlikely #nascar
@Regan_Smith_: Wow, looks like Richmond could get crazy for the wild card
@rchilders55: You would think we would get enough racing… But the 55 team has a kart race this morning for fun, and I better get over there. #undefeated
@DGodfatherMoody: VH1 Planning NASCAR-Themed Reality Show http://motorsports-soapbox.blogspot.com/2012/09/vh1-planning-nascar-themed-reality-show.html #NASCAR
@dennyhamlin: What a awesome weekend. Once again.. Still smiling. Thank u for all the congrats tweet.
@dennyhamlin: "@billam24: @dennyhamlin If you were @JeffGordonWeb would you have put the bumper to you?" No. Not if I've raced him clean in past
@KevinHarvick: At the beach house trying to get everything situated for @KeelanHarvick who knew it took so much to keep this little guy going!
@mattkenseth: Great job by the 17 guys last night. We struggled with the car but made good adjustments and had exceptional pit stops. Thanks guys! #chase
@MissJFish: Thanks guys for all the congrats! So proud of @dennyhamlin @dariangrubb n 11 team! Pit crew was smoking last night!https://twitter.com/MissJFish/status/242677524625256448/photo/1
@DanielleTrotta: Move over @LarryMac28 right now Jeff Gordon is talking weather on the weather channel! How weather impacts stock car racing. #interesting
@dennyhamlin: I hate losing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aTMZs6gjKw&feature=youtube_gdata_player
@paulieharraka: Stoked about our announcement. Richmond here we come!
@MissJFish: A few of you have asked if I would start a blog to keep you up to date with my pregnancy.. So here it is! Week 17-19: http://jordanlaurenfish.wordpress.com/
@KimBurton31: "@harvick29fan: @KimBurton31 Is it hard being a drivers wife?" Yes. worst is hearing people say nasty things when they don't know whole deal
@SummerBedgood: Elliott Sadler says on Race Hub that RCR never offered him an opportunity to stay with them. I think that says a lot. #NASCAR
@summerBedgood: I've seen a ton of comments saying the team has focused more on the Dillon boys. Sadler's comments didn't help that sentiment. #NASCAR
@ClintBowyer: @RCR31JeffBurton...Damn bud, I can't even go to the movie theater without seeing ur ugly mug!!! https://twitter.com/ClintBowyer/status/242761576812257280/photo/1
@bobpockrass: Aaron Pierrat, gasman of the No. 38 Front Row team, was released from the hospital Monday morning after falling while loading the car .
@bobpockrass: .... Pierrat had x-rays taken on his back and hip, and neither were broken. #nascar
@31n2Spotter: My new side kick http://pic.twitter.com/5P6UgAQa
@jeff_gluck: Joe Gibbs Racing announces Matt Kenseth as its new driver. Denny Hamlin gives him a standing ovation.
@bobpockrass: Matt Kenseth has just walked into a room with a JGR shirt. He yells "surprise" .. Joe Gibbs: "He does have a sense of humor." #nascar
@jeff_gluck: Matt Kenseth in a JGR shirt. https://twitter.com/jeff_gluck/status/243031709052989440/photo/1
@jim_utter: Matt Kenseth will drive No. 20 Toyota with Home Depot and Dollar General. Jason Ratcliff will be cc. #NASCAR
@MartySmithESPN: Matt on why announcement took so long: "A lot to take care of. Things with Joey and things with me."
@MissJFish: Welcome Matt n Katie!! "@JoeGibbsRacing: Welcome to the team @mattkenseth! #NASCAR http://pic.twitter.com/bwlRo35g"
@31n2Spotter: Thanks for all the nice tweets guys. I read em all! Pretty cool to send a birth announcement to 12,000 people! #Holla
@DNewtonESPN: #NASCAR @KyleBusch says if @JeffGordonWeb is first and he is second on last lap at Richmond it could get hairy.
@bobpockrass: Penske Racing makes it official - Joey Logano in the No. 22 car with sponsorship from Shell/Pennzoil. #nascar
@jeff_gluck: Joey Logano will have the Shell-Pennzoil sponsorship on his No. 22 car for Penske Racing. No mention of Hornish in Penske's release.
@aric_almirola: Best day of my life! Better than any trophy or accomplishment. Today I became Alex Almirola's Dad. Baby and Momma are good
@joeylogano: Looking forward to next year with @penskeracing Shell Pennzoil and @keselowski I still have a lot of work to do in 2012.
@MikeCalinoff: When I'm at liberty to disclose my future plans, I will be happy to do so.
@bscottracing: Seriously I am sad to see @joeylogano leaving @JoeGibbsRacing, but excited to have a champ like @mattkenseth joining us! @toyotaracing
@JamieLittleESPN: I'm looking forward to rejoining my #ESPN family next week in Chicago! Ready for the #NASCAR Chase!!
Summer Bedgood is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via email at summer.bedgood@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:
Did You Notice? ... Sponsors Make Things Silly
by Tom Bowles
A Tale of Two Title Contenders: The Winding Road to the Championship
by Matt Stallknecht
Top Ten Things Wild Card Hopefuls Have Up Their Sleeves for Richmond
by the Frontstretch Staff
NASCAR Sprint Cup Power Rankings: Top 15 After Atlanta II
compiled by Summer Bedgood
Mirror Driving: Kenseth's Big Move, Wild Racing Ahead And Who's Got A Title Edge
by the Frontstretch Staff
The Greatest Street Course Racing Has Never Seen
by Danny Peters
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: The 1999 Exide NASCAR Select Batteries 400 at Richmond International Raceway is best known as the race in which then-rookie Tony Stewart picked up his first career Cup victory. However, for Terry Labonte, the race barely even got going for him before he was done for the night. What happened?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Tuesday's Answer:
Q: In 2001, Ricky Rudd won the Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400 at Richmond International Raceway. However, it wasn't exactly the cleanest victory. What happened late in the race?
A: First, Ricky Rudd booted Rusty Wallace exiting Turn 2 on Lap 377 to take the lead. On Lap 383, Kevin Harvick nearly spun Rudd out in the same spot to take the top spot. Rudd was none too pleased with that move and appeared to take a swipe at Harvick's bumper with ten to go. With six to go, Rudd put the bumper to Harvick and took the lead for good. Of course, we've got you covered with a clip. This covers the final 25 laps of the race. Note what appears to be a fist from Harvick being raised towards Rudd on the cool-down lap.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: If we mess up, you get the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
Tuesday's Answer:
Q: In 2001, Ricky Rudd won the Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400 at Richmond International Raceway. However, it wasn't exactly the cleanest victory. What happened late in the race?
A: First, Ricky Rudd booted Rusty Wallace exiting Turn 2 on Lap 377 to take the lead. On Lap 383, Kevin Harvick nearly spun Rudd out in the same spot to take the top spot. Rudd was none too pleased with that move and appeared to take a swipe at Harvick's bumper with ten to go. With six to go, Rudd put the bumper to Harvick and took the lead for good. Of course, we've got you covered with a clip. This covers the final 25 laps of the race. Note what appears to be a fist from Harvick being raised towards Rudd on the cool-down lap.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: If we mess up, you get the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
~~~~~~~~~~
Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- What's Vexing Vito by Vito Pugliese
-- Critic's Annex by Phil Allaway
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, the Line of the Week and more!
~~~~~~~~~~
Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
Potts' Shots by John Potts
Fanning the Flames has become Potts' Shots, and John Potts is here to answer your questions in our weekly Fan Q & A. Do you have something you'd like to ask John? Don't sit on the sidelines! Send it to john.potts@frontstretch.com and you just may see your question in print next week!
Professor Of Speed by Mark Howell
Our professor of racing history "has at it" with another column pertinent to the sport at large. This week, Mark remembers his mother, an avid NASCAR fan who passed away around Labor Day back in 1988.
Beyond the Cockpit: Doug Yates by Mike Neff
Mike Neff caught up with Doug Yates at Atlanta Motor Speedway to talk about a variety of topics.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth is back this year on a new night, but it's the same great commentary you've come to enjoy on NASCAR's Truck Series!
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
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