Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
October 31st, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CCXIX
~~~~~~~~~~
DONATE TO HELP HURRICANE SANDY VICTIMS
Millions are grappling with the effects from one of the more devastating hurricanes to hit the United States. If you're in an unaffected area, please consider donating to help others who will spend months rebuilding their lives and their homes after Sandy whipped onshore with winds of 80 miles an hour. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS, visit redcross.org or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation today. Every little bit helps.
~~~~~~~~~~
Top News
by Brad Morgan and Staff
The Latest On Hurricane Sandy Track Damage
As Americans across the Northeast look to clean up after Superstorm Sandy, their efforts also include some of the sport's Sprint Cup tracks. Here's a quick rundown of what's gone wrong:
Pocono Raceway: Located in Northeast Pennsylvania, the 2.5-mile triangle was subject to Sandy's high winds and rain for well over 24 hours. Track President Brandon Igdalsky tweeted a picture of the track missing one of its famous steeples, a historic part of the grandstands on the front straightaway. While the power was back on as of Wednesday morning, additional problems reported included a partial roof tear on the track's Victory Tower, billboards ripped apart and some wooden fences that were snapped by the wind and in need of repair. A full estimate on the damage was not immediately available.
Watkins Glen Raceway: While nestled in upstate New York, hundreds of miles from the Atlantic Ocean wind from Sandy still tore apart one of Sprint Cup's two main road course facilities. Track President Michael Printup told the Sporting News the storm caused over $50,000 in damage, downing trees in and around the property with winds that approached 60 miles an hour. Among the portions of the facility in need of repair are Victory Lane, the grandstands themselves (where signage above was torn to pieces), plus auxiliary buildings whose exterior crumbled in the midst of Sandy's wrath.
There was no significant damage reported at Dover International Speedway and New Hampshire Motor Speedway, both tracks within the range of Sandy's destruction. The overall devastation from the storm continues Wednesday, with a blizzard in West Virginia, high winds over Lake Michigan and latest estimates on U.S. damage reaching as high as $20 billion dollars.
Martinsville Ratings Down Significantly
Jimmie Johnson's Martinsville victory, along with the championship battle surrounding it did little to encourage NASCAR viewers to tune in. The 500-lap event earned just a 2.4 Nielsen U.S. rating, with 3.617 million viewers to make it the least-watched Chase race in the track's history. The event registered just a 2.8 household coverage rating, down a startling 22 percent from a year ago although that number matched 2010 viewership totals.
At the track, attendance was down 2,000 people, to a total of 60,000 which was a modest decline of three percent. Luckily for Martinsville, and other tracks those gate receipt numbers pale in comparison to the television slump. At this point, NASCAR is averaging just 4,110,000 viewers during the Chase, a 5.4 percent from last year despite those 2011 totals including Chicagoland's rain-delayed event. That 400-miler was run on the next day, back in 2011 and had an audience of just slightly over 2 million people, far below what you'd have for a Sprint Cup race run on time.
Red Horse Racing Pairs With Arthritis Foundation at Texas
Camping World Truck Series drivers Timothy Peters, Parker Kligerman, and Todd Bodine will race in support of a special cause when they travel to Texas Motor Speedway for the WinStar World Casino 350 this weekend.
The three Red Horse Racing entries will showcase the Arthritis Foundation's logo next to the driver's window in an effort to raise awareness for the non-profit organization's fight to assist those affected by the painful joint disorder.
Roughly one in five adults and 300,000 children are affected by arthritis in the United States alone. Red Horse Racing chose to work with the Arthritis Foundation in an attempt to promote further research and support the private organization's cause.
"The Arthritis Foundation is extremely excited to partner with Red Horse Racing," said Susan Carter, CEO of the South Central Region, which includes Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. "Arthritis affects nearly 3.9 million people in Texas alone, and we hope to raise awareness about the number one cause of disability in the United States with this unique opportunity."
The Arthritis Foundation will continue its commitment to community outreach and public health programs in and around the Fort Worth area, home of the 1.5-mile track, by organizing events such as the Jingle Bell Run held on Dec. 8 to help fund research.
"This disease affects so many lives around all of us, so when Red Horse Racing was approached with the chance to join the Arthritis Foundation this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway, we were more than willing to accommodate this wonderful organization and assist in promoting the cause," Red Horse Racing Managing Partner Tom DeLoach said. "Hopefully this opportunity will help the Arthritis Foundation become more visible and broadcast their cause to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series family and fans both at the track and at home."
Green Earth Technologies Becomes Official Partner of NASCAR
NASCAR announced Tuesday that Green Earth Technologies (GET) has joined with other environmentally friendly businesses as an Official Green Partner of the racing governing and sanctioning body.
The agreement means the Florida-based company will become a member of NASCAR Green, a program that seeks to reduce the sport's environmental impact by implementing alliances with racing teams, tracks, and other official partners. GET offers consumers several environmentally friendly alternatives for use around their homes including G-CLEAN pressure washers and environment-safe cleaning products and degreasers for concrete, home siding and outdoor mold and mildew stain removal, making the move to join NASCAR Green beneficial for fans of the sport.
"NASCAR is synonymous with high performance, and partnering with them will allow us to reach millions of consumers who desire to keep their homes clean and green without giving up product performance or value," said Jeffrey Loch, President and CMO of Green Earth Technologies. "We are proud to deliver American-made environment-safe outdoor cleaning solutions and we look forward to having a growing presence in the sport."
The company will become more visible to the NASCAR fan base after becoming an Official Partner. GET signage will be present at various NASCAR Home Track racetracks throughout the United States. In addition, GET's G-CLEAN logo will be featured on all cars across the Whelen All-American Series, Whelen Modified Tour, Whelen Southern Modified Tour and K&N Pro Series.
"This is a great opportunity for Green Earth Technologies to reach our core fans," said Bob Duvall, NASCAR Director of Business Development, Weekly & Touring in a release. "We are proud to be able to incorporate NASCAR Green into every level of our sport — from grassroots races to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series."
Have news for Brad and the Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com with a promising lead or tip.
~~~~~~~~~~
WRITE FOR US!
Hey Frontstretch Readers! Are you looking for a fast-growing website that can give you an opportunity to not only share your thoughts on racing, but have FUN doing it with a group of laid-back, dedicated personnel? Well, we have the place for you. Frontstretch is actively seeking 1-3 additional writers for both our newsletter and website to add to our dedicated staff. Follow this link for more information on how you can become a weekly columnist for the site and / or newsletter!
~~~~~~~~~~
Today's Featured Commentary
Beth's Brief
Vickers at Home With MWR
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Imagine just doing your normal day-to-day job when suddenly, you're hit with the news that you've got a life-threatening medical condition that could kill you if you continue that job. Well, that's just what happened to Brian Vickers back in May of 2010 when he was hospitalized with blood clots that sidelined him for the remainder of the season. After complaining of chest pains, he headed to the hospital to find out he had several clots around his lungs and in one of his legs.
Just two months later, the then-driver of the No. 83 Red Bull Racing Toyota had heart surgery to repair a hole that was found between the right and left atrium in his heart. Despite the risks the operation posed, Vickers' only other choice would have been "not to close it and run the risk of having a stroke" he told ESPN in September, 2010.
Luckily, the surgery was just what he needed as Vickers was cleared to return to NASCAR to run the full 2011 season with a whole new outlook on his career. "I feel like I've gained some edge. Sometimes you get so busy and caught up in life that you lose appreciation for what's around you, you lose drive, a lot of things," he told ESPN of his time off. "This has given me an opportunity to step back and take a look inwards, a look at what's around me and a look inside you. Sometimes you don't find out how much you really love something until you don't have it."
But after just one season back with Team Red Bull, Vickers found himself sidelined once again when the team suspended operations after failing to find an investor to keep the organization running, selling their equipment to BK Racing. Fast forward to 2012, and the 29-year-old's best option was to share Michael Waltrip Racing's No. 55 with Mark Martin and team owner Michael Waltrip. In just eight starts, he's made the most of being a part-timer, scoring three top 5s and five top-10 results. While that may not sound like much, it's nearly what he managed in 36 starts with Red Bull the year before (three top 5s and seven top 10s).
With those results in mind, you'd think several teams would want to snatch up the young driver to add to their full-time stable. But Vickers chose not to settle for anything less than what he really wanted -- his ability to remain competitive when he's on track. Once again, he'll share the No. 55 with Waltrip and Martin next year. He'll run nine events alongside the duo that he's worked with throughout 2012: Bristol (both events), Martinsville (both events), Sonoma in June, Kentucky in June, both New Hampshire events, and Watkins Glen in August.
"For me, staying with MWR was a conscious decision to try to be in the best position to win races and be with the best team that I thought I could do that with," the driver said this weekend. "There's a lot of factors that are involved in that--from the manufacturer to the team to the owner to the sponsors to the crew chief and just blatant chemistry."
On the surface, you'd almost want to question the logic in giving up a shot at a full-time ride to run just a quarter of the season next year, but the reality is so much deeper than that. In the end, Vickers would love to win a championship, and while it's not going to happen next season unless the trio of drivers can snag the owner's trophy, perhaps someday this part-time gig will lead to something full-time with MWR.
But in the meantime, he's perfectly content right where he is.
"I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me because I've had a blast," Vickers said of his 2012 season. "I feel like I've been very blessed to race all over the world at some of the most amazing tracks in history and still come home to NASCAR and perform."
In two years, Vickers has gone from near-death to near-ascension back to the top of the Sprint Cup Series. At this point, I wouldn't doubt his ability, nor his decisions going forward.
Beth Lunkenheimer is a Managing Editor for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via email at beth.lunkenheimer@frontstretch.com. Follow her on Twitter @Beth_Frntstrtch.
~~~~~~~~~~
Got NASCAR-related questions or comments?
Send them Summer Bedgood's way at summer.bedgood@frontstretch.com; and, if you're lucky, you'll get your name in print when she does her weekly column answering back to you – the fans that keep Frontstretch afloat. It will run on Thursday with a whole new set of Fan Questions and Answers!
~~~~~~~~~~
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...
@AllWaltrip (Darrell Waltrip): today is a very tough day for my friend Rick Hendrick, he's a man that can deal with triumph and tragedy with grace and style, God Bless Rick
@bobpockrass: Contribution to sport/teams/families still felt today. RT @DGodfatherMoody: Thinking of the Hendrick and HMS families today. Not forgotten.
@joelsuggs: Thinking of everyone @TeamHendrick today. Hard to believe it has been 8yrs. pic.twitter.com/AD07CGCZ
@BrianLVickers: Many thanks for all the birthday wishes. Surrounded by great friends. Thinking of everyone at HMS today as well. Always in our hearts.
@bobpockrass: JR Motorsports announces Regan Smith will drive its No. 5 car next year. Full season in NNS. Will run Homestead this year as well. #nascar
@DeLanaHarvick: keelan is ooohhhhhhh so close to rolling over.... does it count if i push him the rest of the way over??? ;) #youcandoit
@AshleyStremme: Well that's a first @DavidStremme just got asked by our waiter if he was Smoke #hehe
@DeLanaHarvick: Working on tummy time! http://img.ly/oSZo
@bobpockrass: Dover reports that attendance of September's Cup race was equal to June, down 1% from a year ago. #nascar
@ColeWhitt: Hey @ReganSmith welcome to @JRMotorsports it will be great working together #team
@ReganSmith: Also pumped to no longer have _ in my twitter handle lol! Thanks to the guys @JRMotorsports for making that happen!
@ReganSmith: Sure wish I could thank each of you individually for all the great messages since the announcement yesterday. Thank you all! #impumped
@bobpockrass: Brad Keselowski says the 2013 car handles so differently that testing at PIR (in a Ford, no less) wouldn't help much in couple of weeks....
@gbiffle (Greg Biffle): Nothing like being on the edge of a hurricane at the boat show!!! 30 mph winds
@Ashley_Crafton: I finally talked @matt_crafton into getting his flu shot! #scaredofneedles http://instagr.am/p/RNng4MusxT/
@Matt_Crafton: Not very happy about this RT @ashley_crafton: I finally talked @matt_crafton into getting his flu (cont) http://tl.gd/jp5j89
@EddieDHondt: In Petco this AM, lady's dragging her dog down the aisle, she's got no clue what he's doing behind her. pic.twitter.com/3imWph8f
@JamieLittleESPN: Adrenaline is way underrated. It's all I have today. #SleeplessNewMommy
@ClintBowyer: Got home from an Elk hunt in Wyoming. 12 in of snow there and leaves falling here in NC. Sure is beautiful this ole country of ours!!!
@heymartysnider (Marty Snider): Thinking of my friend and colleague Bob Jenkins. His wife Pam just passed away after a long battle with cancer. Please pray for Bob.
@Ryan_Truex: Pretty sure I'm at the top of the tallest building in Martinsville #nascar http://instagr.am/p/ROYoWUpgl3/
@DeLanaHarvick: just spent the last 20 minutes dancing with keelan... there's nothing better than his sweet little hands holding me #luckiestgirlintheworld
@Mc_Driver (Michael McDowell): Twitter less Emma James has had too much excitement for today. http://instagr.am/p/ROhOx2GCes/
@JasonLeffler: Thinking about Bob Jenkins & his family. Sorry to hear about the loss of his wife Pam. #RIP
@ClaireBLang: Aric Almirola told me talks w/RPM r getting "more in depth" and they're "getting closer and closer to getting everything figured out."
@Arlene_Martin: Thanks @PhotoCLT & @katrinachilders, lucky to be married to my best friend! 28 & counting!
@SSpakeESPN (Shannon Spake): I FOUND HIM #iwin http://instagr.am/p/RSoiaem8UM/
@AllWaltrip (Darrell Waltrip): Does anybody really know what time it is ? pic.twitter.com/WjFDm8Ra
@EmmaBlaney: I love seeing my dad and brother both in firesuits at the same track! #NASCAR
@WendyVenturini: Hubby worked w/Smoke for years. I know ALL of his shenanigans!! @keselowski witnessed it, said impressed I kept my composure live
@HermieSadler: Got to officially meet @keelanharvick on pit road. Sad to tell @DeLanaHarvick that he is all Kevin.
@RB_Mrs (Nicole Briscoe): @WendyVenturini @keselowski Bad words would have come out of my mouth! I was seriously impressed!!
@WendyVenturini: It was FUNNY. Tried to startle me w/ fire & failed! "@alpinenascar: what happened btwn @WendyVenturini & Tony Stewart? Funny or serious?"
@JMorris_NP (John Morris): Where There's Smoke, There's Fire. Poor @WendyVenturini takes heat from @StewartHaasRcng @NASCARonSPEED. #NASCAR http://twitpic.com/b7xrig
@MissJFish (Jordan Fish): Thanks everyone for all the happy birthday tweets!!! Xoxo
@Writer_Amy (Amy Henderson): #nascar trucks are rolling! @MartinsvilleSwy pic.twitter.com/AptG0QXq
@TheOrangeCone: The Romney/Ryan campaign sponsored #JWT because "at some point today we expect him to make a hard turn to the right."
@nascarcasm: If I'm the Romney/Ryan campaign, I'm keeping all money in presidential race. The worst I can potentially finish THERE is second. #Townley
@bobdillner: For those who asked Tony Stewart is NOT buying Lanier Nat'l Speedway in GA. I talked to Tony today. It's a false rumor. @speed51dotcom
@RCR31JeffBurton (Jeff Burton): Sorry @55MarkMartin, I just ate a Martinsville hot dog. Can't mess with a Va. tradition.
@11mommalou (Mary Lou Hamlin): Last to first! That's my boy!
@Kris_Buescher: Awesome job @JamesBuescher! Way to never give up! Now come home and put your costume on for the Halloween party!
@MNeffShortTrack: Just another Martinsville Truck race. Over half of the field is pissed off at somebody. Only one driver is really happy. #NASCAR
@KevinHarvick: Well dang flat tire ruined our chances but that's racing!!!
@jim_utter: Hamlin said he couldn't afford to give up 15 minutes of Cup practice to go to Truck Driver's Meeting.
@MissJFish (Jordan Fish): Now that's a happy birthday! Victory Lane celebration!! pic.twitter.com/WoNz4Hl1
@MNeffShortTrack: Denny Hamlin was asked how he felt when Matt Crafton stuck his head in the window after the race. Hamlin said he was scared. #NASCAR
@SummerBedgood: Personally, as long as no one wrecks anyone on track I don't care. I don't blame Crafton for being upset but that's how it goes. #NASCAR
@SummerBedgood: Also, Piquet was racing hard at the END OF THE RACE. You're supposed to fight for position. Brian Scott should have, too. #NASCAR
@SummerBedgood: One final thought: This Truck Series points battle will more than likely come down to Homestead. The way it should be. #NASCAR
@MikeCalinoff: S/O to @bscottracing for having a wealthy family.
@bscottracing: Eat a cheeseburger bud, I'm sorry my family is successful & it bothers u RT @MikeCalinoff: S/O to @bscottracing for having a wealthy family.
@RB_Mrs: Trying to convince husband, brother, & neighbor to forego football tomorrow & watch Countdown instead. I'm not winning :-(
@AllWaltrip: you can change tires a lot quicker on a short track, the tires are much lighter because you don't have inner liners, easier to handle
@NASCAR_Wonka: Starting tomorrow, all JGR drivers will be required to take a "How Not To Speed On Pit Road" class. #DH #JL #NASCAR
@bobdillner: .@dennyhamlin championship hopes are going down the drain - gotta feel for the entire 11 team. @NASCARonSPEED #NASCAR
@mikemulhern: MARTINSVILLE: need a new battery for your street car? be glad you dont need one of these Cup batteries: $2500 each, & each car carries 2!
@DeLanaHarvick: Mother function... 29 guys had really worked their butts off all day. Dropping like a rock...
@bobpockrass: Looks like Carl got tagged and Dale Jr. spun. Light tap to wall. #nascar
@MNeffShortTrack: Legion of rednecks heading west to take over Missouri. #NASCAR
@dcaraviello (David Caraviello): BK finishes sixth, so didn't really lose anything by staying out. What we don't know, though, is how much he might have gained on new tires.
@KristineC48 (Kristine Curley): Point leader by a whisker (+2 unofficially).
@bscottracing: What a heartbreaker for @DennyHamlin. Unbelievable that he can drive to the front twice at a place like Martinsville. Sux it ended like that.
@dcaraviello: Wonder if BK would've been able to maintain sixth had race stayed green final 20 laps. In hindsight, final caution was probably a big help.
@MartinTruexJr56: Another frustrating Martinsville. We had a good car and I screwed up a restart and got a drive thru penalty.
@StewartHaasRcng: One BIG detail now: @TeamChevy clinched its 10th consecutive #NASCAR Sprint Cup Series manufacturers' championship & 36th overall. Congrats.
@bobpockrass: Carl said Newman came up to him and said for Carl not to be mad at Hornish because Newman had hit Hornish. #NASCAR
@bobpockrass: Darian said the master control switch broke and shorted out. Said not sure if bad part or if internal control issue. #NASCAR
@AllWaltrip: 2 key moments in the #Martinsville race today, #JimmieJohnson adjusted his line with about 100 to go and Chad grabbing 2 tires late.
@SummerBedgood: You can pretty much SEE the defeat in Denny's eyes. Apparently Hamlin will have to lose at least two to win one. #NASCAR
@TravisKvapil: Dang... I had a pretty good car, but we burned up a plug wire and lost a bunch of laps fixing it.
@RCR31JeffBurton: Struggled early. Got back 2 14th. Had to pit for loose lug nut. Came back for 22nd. Can't be upset with my guys, they have been good all year
@keselowski (Brad Keselowski): WE can do this! #NASCAR
@dennyhamlin: Sorry to all my fans. This is a tough one to swallow but we will move on and grow from it. Thank everyone for their support this year.
@KevinHamlin: I'll take it. Fun race! #P3
@TJmajors: Just a victim of the position we were in. Looking forward to Texas. Congrats to the 48!
@ClintBowyer: Well shit... Had a fast car, led laps, gained spot in points, and still bummed out.
@MartinTruexJr56: We will race again. More importantly I hope all the people back home stay safe with the big storm approaching.
@ivandebosch (Ingrid Vandebosch): Getting a ride! pic.twitter.com/3asBNzKP
@KevinHarvick: Yep that's about the story of the whole year....
@gbiffle (Greg Biffle): Great day for us at a tough track, the team did a great job and we probably could have gained a few more spots with just a few more laps!!!!
@dennyhamlin: Thanks for everyone's kind messages. It really means a lot to me and the team.
@MRMetcalfJr (Mike Metcalf, Jr.): Finished 5th 2day & it feels like 35th. We probably would have won if pit stops were better. I let my @MWRteam down today. Won't happen again
@KurtBusch: Man I suck at this track but @FR78Racing team was great today. Quick pit stops & good changes saved the day even w/ the constant vibration
@jeff_gluck: LOL at this guy (language NSFW). He didn't get my column. pic.twitter.com/EakHFYfn
@tireguyeighty8 (Rob Lopes): Crazy picture of Lady Liberty showing no fear in the face of #Sandy. pic.twitter.com/tCeBnv5U
@Kris_Buescher: . @JamesBuescher and @Bmcreynolds28 getting a workout in before the @NASCAR_Trucks race #nascar pic.twitter.com/ht96lI81
@bobpockrass: RCR announces that Shane Wilson will replace Blickensderfer for final 3 races then Luke Lambert to be Burton's crew chief in 2013. #nascar
@SamanthaBusch: Someone is not too happy with her Halloween costume ;) http://instagr.am/p/RYPtoZy6oZ/
@RCR31JeffBurton: @drewblick is a good man and a good crew chief. He put huge effort into the 31 and I believe he will have success as a crew chief
@scottspeed: Ha ha jewels is learning to do the dishes.. As u can see someone needs to!! Ha ha http://lockerz.com/s/257317136
@BrianLVickers: #Sandy couldn't stop us. We made it.. Couldn't go to far once we got here, but man do we have some stories. pic.twitter.com/2m78TETz
@ericmcclure: Watching it pour snow at the house. Amazed at this storm's size and power. Praying for everyone it is affecting.
@BrianLVickers: "Money never sleeps" or evacuates apparently... The only building downtown with lights on...@goldmansachs @GSElevator pic.twitter.com/8JkMYy4u
@Chris_Carrier: proud of my team and driver for 2nd place finish at mrtville Saturday cwts race, disappointed with some others post race lack of respect
@SherryPollex: Watching the images of the storm this morning...so heartbreaking. Prayers with all of those affected. So many in MT's home state of NJ :(
@jeff_gluck: RPM makes it official: @drewblick now crew chief for Marcos Ambrose, Mike Ford "no longer with the organization."
@DNewtonESPN (David Newton): Still puzzled how crew Mike Ford has gone from almost winning the title with Denny Hamlin in 2010 to out of a job again. #nascar
@AllenBestwick: Thinking about all my many friends and family in the northeast. Feels off to watch from afar.
@bobpockrass: New Hampshire Motor Speedway reports all is fine there. Never lost power. #NASCAR #sandy
@bigdalsky (Brandon Igdalsky): Well we lost one of the steeples last night. Still no power @poconoraceway. Prayers for those affected by #sandy pic.twitter.com/ym411INy
@RickAllenRacing: In line to vote! Greatest country in the world. Exercise your right. #vote pic.twitter.com/LPS0Swf5
@MikeMassaroESPN: Very thankful to have made it thru the storm safe and sound. Prayers to all those who weren't as fortunate.
@AshleyAllgaier: While having lunch w/ @J_Allgaier, we were watching the news and the damage they were showing just breaks my heart. Praying for everyone!
@MartinTruexJr56: Thanks for all the tweets about my family. Everyone is doing well, lot of damage to the area from the wind and the flooding though.
@NASCARBowles (Tom Bowles): Got lucky with #Sandy. Still have power in Philly but many friends do not... weird we made out better than NJ, NY with eye passing over us.
@NASCARBowles: My grandparents in CT have 4 trees down, one blocking driveway & another friend had half of roof blown off house. Pray for those affected!
@MartinTruexJr56: We are currently trying to organize some relief efforts to help those effected in my Hometown. I will have more on how YOU can help soon
@dcaraviello: Martin Truex, Jr. has family in NJ affected by Hurricane #Sandy. He's raising money for relief efforts in area thru http://martintruexjrfoundation.org .
@dcaraviello: Truex said he thinks his family members in Mayetta, NJ, are "huddled at my sister's house playing board games, probably by candlelight."
@DeLanaHarvick: wow.....who knew poop could get that far up one's back???? keelan is such an overachiever.
@bigdalsky: 60,000 people were/are without power here in Monroe County. Trees still down over roads. PPL and MetEd crews are out in force.
Summer Bedgood is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via email at summer.bedgood@frontstretch.com. Follow her on Twitter @SummerBedgood.
~~~~~~~~~~
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Did You Notice? ... How To Reconstruct A NASCAR Marriage, Money Mismanagement And Ageless Wonders
by Tom Bowles
Self-Destruction 101: As Taught By INDYCAR
by Toni Montgomery
Top Ten Costumes Seen At The NASCAR Halloween Party
by Tom Bowles and Amy Henderson
NASCAR Sprint Cup Power Rankings: Top 15 After Martinsville II
compiled by Summer Bedgood
Mirror Driving: Offense Or Defense, NASCAR's Win Starved Vets & Regan's Rise
by the Frontstretch Staff
And Then There Were Three: A Look At That "Other" NASCAR Title Race
by Kevin Rutherford
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: The 1998 Coca-Cola 300 at Texas Motor Speedway is best known as the race in which Dale Earnhardt, Jr. picked up his first Busch Grand National victory at the expense of Joe Nemechek. However, as seemed to be the norm at Texas the first few years, the early part of the event was marked by wrecks. First Joe Bessey and Doug Reid wrecked on the frontstretch. Shortly afterwards, Wayne Grubb got involved in his own crash. 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:
Professor Of Speed by Mark Howell
Our professor of racing history "has at it" with another column pertinent to the sport at large. This week, Mark takes a look at NASCAR's struggles when it comes to maintaining an audience come fall.
Frontstretch Fan Q&A by Summer Bedgood
Summer takes on your questions and answers them to the best of her ability. Be sure to send your questions in if there's something that's been nagging at you and you might see your name in print.
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!
Beyond The Cockpit: Jeff Agnew by Mike Neff
The Truck Series part-timer chatted with our Mike Neff at Martinsville about the challenges of running with an underfunded team, his future plans at the Truck Series level and so much more.
5th Column 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: Contribution to sport/teams/families still felt today. RT @DGodfatherMoody: Thinking of the Hendrick and HMS families today. Not forgotten.
@joelsuggs: Thinking of everyone @TeamHendrick today. Hard to believe it has been 8yrs. pic.twitter.com/AD07CGCZ
@BrianLVickers: Many thanks for all the birthday wishes. Surrounded by great friends. Thinking of everyone at HMS today as well. Always in our hearts.
@bobpockrass: JR Motorsports announces Regan Smith will drive its No. 5 car next year. Full season in NNS. Will run Homestead this year as well. #nascar
@DeLanaHarvick: keelan is ooohhhhhhh so close to rolling over.... does it count if i push him the rest of the way over??? ;) #youcandoit
@AshleyStremme: Well that's a first @DavidStremme just got asked by our waiter if he was Smoke #hehe
@DeLanaHarvick: Working on tummy time! http://img.ly/oSZo
@bobpockrass: Dover reports that attendance of September's Cup race was equal to June, down 1% from a year ago. #nascar
@ColeWhitt: Hey @ReganSmith welcome to @JRMotorsports it will be great working together #team
@ReganSmith: Also pumped to no longer have _ in my twitter handle lol! Thanks to the guys @JRMotorsports for making that happen!
@ReganSmith: Sure wish I could thank each of you individually for all the great messages since the announcement yesterday. Thank you all! #impumped
@bobpockrass: Brad Keselowski says the 2013 car handles so differently that testing at PIR (in a Ford, no less) wouldn't help much in couple of weeks....
@gbiffle (Greg Biffle): Nothing like being on the edge of a hurricane at the boat show!!! 30 mph winds
@Ashley_Crafton: I finally talked @matt_crafton into getting his flu shot! #scaredofneedles http://instagr.am/p/RNng4MusxT/
@Matt_Crafton: Not very happy about this RT @ashley_crafton: I finally talked @matt_crafton into getting his flu (cont) http://tl.gd/jp5j89
@EddieDHondt: In Petco this AM, lady's dragging her dog down the aisle, she's got no clue what he's doing behind her. pic.twitter.com/3imWph8f
@JamieLittleESPN: Adrenaline is way underrated. It's all I have today. #SleeplessNewMommy
@ClintBowyer: Got home from an Elk hunt in Wyoming. 12 in of snow there and leaves falling here in NC. Sure is beautiful this ole country of ours!!!
@heymartysnider (Marty Snider): Thinking of my friend and colleague Bob Jenkins. His wife Pam just passed away after a long battle with cancer. Please pray for Bob.
@Ryan_Truex: Pretty sure I'm at the top of the tallest building in Martinsville #nascar http://instagr.am/p/ROYoWUpgl3/
@DeLanaHarvick: just spent the last 20 minutes dancing with keelan... there's nothing better than his sweet little hands holding me #luckiestgirlintheworld
@Mc_Driver (Michael McDowell): Twitter less Emma James has had too much excitement for today. http://instagr.am/p/ROhOx2GCes/
@JasonLeffler: Thinking about Bob Jenkins & his family. Sorry to hear about the loss of his wife Pam. #RIP
@ClaireBLang: Aric Almirola told me talks w/RPM r getting "more in depth" and they're "getting closer and closer to getting everything figured out."
@Arlene_Martin: Thanks @PhotoCLT & @katrinachilders, lucky to be married to my best friend! 28 & counting!
@SSpakeESPN (Shannon Spake): I FOUND HIM #iwin http://instagr.am/p/RSoiaem8UM/
@AllWaltrip (Darrell Waltrip): Does anybody really know what time it is ? pic.twitter.com/WjFDm8Ra
@EmmaBlaney: I love seeing my dad and brother both in firesuits at the same track! #NASCAR
@WendyVenturini: Hubby worked w/Smoke for years. I know ALL of his shenanigans!! @keselowski witnessed it, said impressed I kept my composure live
@HermieSadler: Got to officially meet @keelanharvick on pit road. Sad to tell @DeLanaHarvick that he is all Kevin.
@RB_Mrs (Nicole Briscoe): @WendyVenturini @keselowski Bad words would have come out of my mouth! I was seriously impressed!!
@WendyVenturini: It was FUNNY. Tried to startle me w/ fire & failed! "@alpinenascar: what happened btwn @WendyVenturini & Tony Stewart? Funny or serious?"
@JMorris_NP (John Morris): Where There's Smoke, There's Fire. Poor @WendyVenturini takes heat from @StewartHaasRcng @NASCARonSPEED. #NASCAR http://twitpic.com/b7xrig
@MissJFish (Jordan Fish): Thanks everyone for all the happy birthday tweets!!! Xoxo
@Writer_Amy (Amy Henderson): #nascar trucks are rolling! @MartinsvilleSwy pic.twitter.com/AptG0QXq
@TheOrangeCone: The Romney/Ryan campaign sponsored #JWT because "at some point today we expect him to make a hard turn to the right."
@nascarcasm: If I'm the Romney/Ryan campaign, I'm keeping all money in presidential race. The worst I can potentially finish THERE is second. #Townley
@bobdillner: For those who asked Tony Stewart is NOT buying Lanier Nat'l Speedway in GA. I talked to Tony today. It's a false rumor. @speed51dotcom
@RCR31JeffBurton (Jeff Burton): Sorry @55MarkMartin, I just ate a Martinsville hot dog. Can't mess with a Va. tradition.
@11mommalou (Mary Lou Hamlin): Last to first! That's my boy!
@Kris_Buescher: Awesome job @JamesBuescher! Way to never give up! Now come home and put your costume on for the Halloween party!
@MNeffShortTrack: Just another Martinsville Truck race. Over half of the field is pissed off at somebody. Only one driver is really happy. #NASCAR
@KevinHarvick: Well dang flat tire ruined our chances but that's racing!!!
@jim_utter: Hamlin said he couldn't afford to give up 15 minutes of Cup practice to go to Truck Driver's Meeting.
@MissJFish (Jordan Fish): Now that's a happy birthday! Victory Lane celebration!! pic.twitter.com/WoNz4Hl1
@MNeffShortTrack: Denny Hamlin was asked how he felt when Matt Crafton stuck his head in the window after the race. Hamlin said he was scared. #NASCAR
@SummerBedgood: Personally, as long as no one wrecks anyone on track I don't care. I don't blame Crafton for being upset but that's how it goes. #NASCAR
@SummerBedgood: Also, Piquet was racing hard at the END OF THE RACE. You're supposed to fight for position. Brian Scott should have, too. #NASCAR
@SummerBedgood: One final thought: This Truck Series points battle will more than likely come down to Homestead. The way it should be. #NASCAR
@MikeCalinoff: S/O to @bscottracing for having a wealthy family.
@bscottracing: Eat a cheeseburger bud, I'm sorry my family is successful & it bothers u RT @MikeCalinoff: S/O to @bscottracing for having a wealthy family.
@RB_Mrs: Trying to convince husband, brother, & neighbor to forego football tomorrow & watch Countdown instead. I'm not winning :-(
@AllWaltrip: you can change tires a lot quicker on a short track, the tires are much lighter because you don't have inner liners, easier to handle
@NASCAR_Wonka: Starting tomorrow, all JGR drivers will be required to take a "How Not To Speed On Pit Road" class. #DH #JL #NASCAR
@bobdillner: .@dennyhamlin championship hopes are going down the drain - gotta feel for the entire 11 team. @NASCARonSPEED #NASCAR
@mikemulhern: MARTINSVILLE: need a new battery for your street car? be glad you dont need one of these Cup batteries: $2500 each, & each car carries 2!
@DeLanaHarvick: Mother function... 29 guys had really worked their butts off all day. Dropping like a rock...
@bobpockrass: Looks like Carl got tagged and Dale Jr. spun. Light tap to wall. #nascar
@MNeffShortTrack: Legion of rednecks heading west to take over Missouri. #NASCAR
@dcaraviello (David Caraviello): BK finishes sixth, so didn't really lose anything by staying out. What we don't know, though, is how much he might have gained on new tires.
@KristineC48 (Kristine Curley): Point leader by a whisker (+2 unofficially).
@bscottracing: What a heartbreaker for @DennyHamlin. Unbelievable that he can drive to the front twice at a place like Martinsville. Sux it ended like that.
@dcaraviello: Wonder if BK would've been able to maintain sixth had race stayed green final 20 laps. In hindsight, final caution was probably a big help.
@MartinTruexJr56: Another frustrating Martinsville. We had a good car and I screwed up a restart and got a drive thru penalty.
@StewartHaasRcng: One BIG detail now: @TeamChevy clinched its 10th consecutive #NASCAR Sprint Cup Series manufacturers' championship & 36th overall. Congrats.
@bobpockrass: Carl said Newman came up to him and said for Carl not to be mad at Hornish because Newman had hit Hornish. #NASCAR
@bobpockrass: Darian said the master control switch broke and shorted out. Said not sure if bad part or if internal control issue. #NASCAR
@AllWaltrip: 2 key moments in the #Martinsville race today, #JimmieJohnson adjusted his line with about 100 to go and Chad grabbing 2 tires late.
@SummerBedgood: You can pretty much SEE the defeat in Denny's eyes. Apparently Hamlin will have to lose at least two to win one. #NASCAR
@TravisKvapil: Dang... I had a pretty good car, but we burned up a plug wire and lost a bunch of laps fixing it.
@RCR31JeffBurton: Struggled early. Got back 2 14th. Had to pit for loose lug nut. Came back for 22nd. Can't be upset with my guys, they have been good all year
@keselowski (Brad Keselowski): WE can do this! #NASCAR
@dennyhamlin: Sorry to all my fans. This is a tough one to swallow but we will move on and grow from it. Thank everyone for their support this year.
@KevinHamlin: I'll take it. Fun race! #P3
@TJmajors: Just a victim of the position we were in. Looking forward to Texas. Congrats to the 48!
@ClintBowyer: Well shit... Had a fast car, led laps, gained spot in points, and still bummed out.
@MartinTruexJr56: We will race again. More importantly I hope all the people back home stay safe with the big storm approaching.
@ivandebosch (Ingrid Vandebosch): Getting a ride! pic.twitter.com/3asBNzKP
@KevinHarvick: Yep that's about the story of the whole year....
@gbiffle (Greg Biffle): Great day for us at a tough track, the team did a great job and we probably could have gained a few more spots with just a few more laps!!!!
@dennyhamlin: Thanks for everyone's kind messages. It really means a lot to me and the team.
@MRMetcalfJr (Mike Metcalf, Jr.): Finished 5th 2day & it feels like 35th. We probably would have won if pit stops were better. I let my @MWRteam down today. Won't happen again
@KurtBusch: Man I suck at this track but @FR78Racing team was great today. Quick pit stops & good changes saved the day even w/ the constant vibration
@jeff_gluck: LOL at this guy (language NSFW). He didn't get my column. pic.twitter.com/EakHFYfn
@tireguyeighty8 (Rob Lopes): Crazy picture of Lady Liberty showing no fear in the face of #Sandy. pic.twitter.com/tCeBnv5U
@Kris_Buescher: . @JamesBuescher and @Bmcreynolds28 getting a workout in before the @NASCAR_Trucks race #nascar pic.twitter.com/ht96lI81
@bobpockrass: RCR announces that Shane Wilson will replace Blickensderfer for final 3 races then Luke Lambert to be Burton's crew chief in 2013. #nascar
@SamanthaBusch: Someone is not too happy with her Halloween costume ;) http://instagr.am/p/RYPtoZy6oZ/
@RCR31JeffBurton: @drewblick is a good man and a good crew chief. He put huge effort into the 31 and I believe he will have success as a crew chief
@scottspeed: Ha ha jewels is learning to do the dishes.. As u can see someone needs to!! Ha ha http://lockerz.com/s/257317136
@BrianLVickers: #Sandy couldn't stop us. We made it.. Couldn't go to far once we got here, but man do we have some stories. pic.twitter.com/2m78TETz
@ericmcclure: Watching it pour snow at the house. Amazed at this storm's size and power. Praying for everyone it is affecting.
@BrianLVickers: "Money never sleeps" or evacuates apparently... The only building downtown with lights on...@goldmansachs @GSElevator pic.twitter.com/8JkMYy4u
@Chris_Carrier: proud of my team and driver for 2nd place finish at mrtville Saturday cwts race, disappointed with some others post race lack of respect
@SherryPollex: Watching the images of the storm this morning...so heartbreaking. Prayers with all of those affected. So many in MT's home state of NJ :(
@jeff_gluck: RPM makes it official: @drewblick now crew chief for Marcos Ambrose, Mike Ford "no longer with the organization."
@DNewtonESPN (David Newton): Still puzzled how crew Mike Ford has gone from almost winning the title with Denny Hamlin in 2010 to out of a job again. #nascar
@AllenBestwick: Thinking about all my many friends and family in the northeast. Feels off to watch from afar.
@bobpockrass: New Hampshire Motor Speedway reports all is fine there. Never lost power. #NASCAR #sandy
@bigdalsky (Brandon Igdalsky): Well we lost one of the steeples last night. Still no power @poconoraceway. Prayers for those affected by #sandy pic.twitter.com/ym411INy
@RickAllenRacing: In line to vote! Greatest country in the world. Exercise your right. #vote pic.twitter.com/LPS0Swf5
@MikeMassaroESPN: Very thankful to have made it thru the storm safe and sound. Prayers to all those who weren't as fortunate.
@AshleyAllgaier: While having lunch w/ @J_Allgaier, we were watching the news and the damage they were showing just breaks my heart. Praying for everyone!
@MartinTruexJr56: Thanks for all the tweets about my family. Everyone is doing well, lot of damage to the area from the wind and the flooding though.
@NASCARBowles (Tom Bowles): Got lucky with #Sandy. Still have power in Philly but many friends do not... weird we made out better than NJ, NY with eye passing over us.
@NASCARBowles: My grandparents in CT have 4 trees down, one blocking driveway & another friend had half of roof blown off house. Pray for those affected!
@MartinTruexJr56: We are currently trying to organize some relief efforts to help those effected in my Hometown. I will have more on how YOU can help soon
@dcaraviello: Martin Truex, Jr. has family in NJ affected by Hurricane #Sandy. He's raising money for relief efforts in area thru http://martintruexjrfoundation.org .
@dcaraviello: Truex said he thinks his family members in Mayetta, NJ, are "huddled at my sister's house playing board games, probably by candlelight."
@DeLanaHarvick: wow.....who knew poop could get that far up one's back???? keelan is such an overachiever.
@bigdalsky: 60,000 people were/are without power here in Monroe County. Trees still down over roads. PPL and MetEd crews are out in force.
Summer Bedgood is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via email at summer.bedgood@frontstretch.com. Follow her on Twitter @SummerBedgood.
~~~~~~~~~~
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Did You Notice? ... How To Reconstruct A NASCAR Marriage, Money Mismanagement And Ageless Wonders
by Tom Bowles
Self-Destruction 101: As Taught By INDYCAR
by Toni Montgomery
Top Ten Costumes Seen At The NASCAR Halloween Party
by Tom Bowles and Amy Henderson
NASCAR Sprint Cup Power Rankings: Top 15 After Martinsville II
compiled by Summer Bedgood
Mirror Driving: Offense Or Defense, NASCAR's Win Starved Vets & Regan's Rise
by the Frontstretch Staff
And Then There Were Three: A Look At That "Other" NASCAR Title Race
by Kevin Rutherford
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: The 1998 Coca-Cola 300 at Texas Motor Speedway is best known as the race in which Dale Earnhardt, Jr. picked up his first Busch Grand National victory at the expense of Joe Nemechek. However, as seemed to be the norm at Texas the first few years, the early part of the event was marked by wrecks. First Joe Bessey and Doug Reid wrecked on the frontstretch. Shortly afterwards, Wayne Grubb got involved in his own crash. What happened?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Tuesday's Answer:
Q: As you all know, the Sprint Cup Series (along with the Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series) is at Texas Motor Speedway this weekend. However, before the track opened, there was a conflict regarding this name. Had SMI not come to terms, what would the track have been named instead?
A: Texas Motor Speedway would have taken the name of Texas International Raceway due to conflict with an existing track called Texas Motor Speedway in Alvin, Texas (best known as the hometown of Nolan Ryan). SMI had already printed up merchandise featuring the Texas International Raceway name prior to the agreement being reached.
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: As you all know, the Sprint Cup Series (along with the Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series) is at Texas Motor Speedway this weekend. However, before the track opened, there was a conflict regarding this name. Had SMI not come to terms, what would the track have been named instead?
A: Texas Motor Speedway would have taken the name of Texas International Raceway due to conflict with an existing track called Texas Motor Speedway in Alvin, Texas (best known as the hometown of Nolan Ryan). SMI had already printed up merchandise featuring the Texas International Raceway name prior to the agreement being reached.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: If we mess up, you get the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
~~~~~~~~~~
Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- What's Vexing Vito by Vito Pugliese
-- Critic's Annex by Phil Allaway
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, the Line of the Week and more!
~~~~~~~~~~
Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
Professor Of Speed by Mark Howell
Our professor of racing history "has at it" with another column pertinent to the sport at large. This week, Mark takes a look at NASCAR's struggles when it comes to maintaining an audience come fall.
Frontstretch Fan Q&A by Summer Bedgood
Summer takes on your questions and answers them to the best of her ability. Be sure to send your questions in if there's something that's been nagging at you and you might see your name in print.
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!
Beyond The Cockpit: Jeff Agnew by Mike Neff
The Truck Series part-timer chatted with our Mike Neff at Martinsville about the challenges of running with an underfunded team, his future plans at the Truck Series level and so much more.
5th Column TBD
-----------------------------
Talk back to the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Got something to say about an article you've seen in the newsletter? It's as easy as replying directly to this message or sending an email to editors@frontstretch.com. We'll take the best comments and publish them here!
©2012 Frontstretch.com
Feel free to forward this newsletter if you have any friends who loves
NASCAR and great NASCAR commentary. They can subscribe to the Frontstetch by visiting http://www.frontstretch.com/notice/9557/.
If you want to stop your Frontstretch Newsletter subscription, we're sorry
to see you go. Just send an email to
TheFrontstretch+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com from the address that you
recieve the Frontstretch Newsletter.
