THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
October 19th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CCXI
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Frontstretch At the Track: Summer Bedgood will be live from Kansas Speedway this weekend to keep you updated on all of the latest breaking news from the sixth race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Tune in to Facebook and Twitter (@TheFrontstretch, @SummerBedgood) for everything you need to know.
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Top News
by Beth Lunkenheimer and Jeff Wolfe
No Prelude to the Dream at Eldora in 2013
After running for eight years at Eldora Speedway, the "Prelude to the Dream" charity race--a Dirt Late Model race featuring primarily Sprint Cup drivers--the event will not be a part of the facility's 2013 schedule. According to a release from the track, they've added more Dirt Late Model racing for Thursday and Friday nights during "The Dream" weekend and leading up to the main event.
"Eldora's commitment to the best possible experience for its loyal fans and competitors attending the Dirt Late Model Dream will result in a schedule change to Dream week," the track said in a news release. "The logistics associated with the Dream's expansion for the Dirt Late Model teams that supplied the cars for the Prelude, along with speedway officials who must transition the facility, prevents the Prelude to the Dream from being included on the 2013 calendar."
There was no word as of press time on whether Stewart will consider holding the charity event at a different facility next year.
Hamlin Crashes, Sits Out For an Hour in Day 2 of Sprint Cup testing at Kansas
NASCAR Sprint Cup Chase contender Denny Hamlin took a hard hit to the wall at Kansas Speedway Thursday morning, and it caused enough of a headache and dizziness for NASCAR officials to have him sit out an hour of practice. The Sprint Cup cars were in their second day of testing on the newly paved 1.5-mile oval. According to the Associated Press, Hamlin was going 202 when the rear of his No. 11 Toyota clipped the wall entering Turn 1. As Hamlin shot toward the apron, he then tried to correct the spin and hit the outside wall.
"It was the first time I really had some dizziness after a hit," Hamlin said. "Usually I'm sore or you jaw hurts from clenching your jaw. This is the first time I really got dizzy."
Hamlin, who sits third in the points standings, 15 behind leader Brad Keselowski, won the spring race at Kansas earlier this season. After being examined in the infield car center following the crash, Hamlin was told to wait an hour and then return to be re-evaluated. After the second examination he was ruled fit to drive. NASCAR also said its decision to have Hamlin take a one-hour break was not influenced by Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s decision to sit out last week's race, and this week's race due to a concussion.
"Obviously the severity of it, and the speeds we were running, it was a wise thing to do anyway," Hanlin said of his break. "Just bell-rung, typical hard hit, ring-your-bell type of thing. You get jarred around, you feel a little out of it at first. Everything came back OK."
The fastest speeds in the morning tests were turned in by Regan Smith, who is driving the No. 88 Chevrolet for Earnhardt, Jr. this weekend, at 186.143 and Martin Martin at 185.707. Greg Biffle, who posted the fast lap during Wednesday's test session, Joey Logano and Paul Menard rounded out the top 5.
Patrick May Not Appear in Go Daddy Super Bowl Ad
Go Daddy has long used NASCAR and former IndyCar driver Danica Patrick as one of their lead spokespersons in advertisements, including appearing in 10 Super Bowl ads, the most of any person. However, according to a report in the USAToday Go Daddy has signed Deutsch NY as its advertising agency, which has the freedom to drop Patrick from its Super Bowl ads.
Patrick, who is 30, has not appeared in any Go Daddy ads for months and the company said she is not scheduled to appear in any spots through January. Go Daddy is signed on as the primary sponsor for Patrick beginning next year in the Sprint Cup series for Stewart-Haas Racing. She is running a full Nationwide schedule and a partial Sprint Cup schedule this year.
Patrick's Q score, which tracks likability, was at 29 in 2010, but is at 19 in 2012. The average Q score for auto racing drivers is 13. She has stated that she hopes to appear in a Super Bowl ad for the Feb. 3 game.
"I've always enjoyed being part of Go Daddy's Super Bowl commercials and I hope that I'm involved again this year," she told the Associated Press. "Obviously with an outside agency producing the commercials for the first time, there's a chance that I won't be in the spots. I'd like to be in the commercials but if not, that's OK.
"The racing program is unaffected and Go Daddy is going to give me great support as they have for several years. We've got a multi-year commitment from Go Daddy for the future and I couldn't be happier about that," she contined. "The Go Daddy sponsorship program is one of the strongest primary sponsorships to come in the Sprint Cup Series and it's great for me and great for the sport."
Patrick is believed to have earned near $1 million for those ads in recent years.
"The question at hand is: Is she in the Super Bowl or not?" says Barb Rechterman, chief marketing officer at Go Daddy. "What we're trying to do is redefine sexy to be a small-business owner running a successful business. So we want to explore options of how we make our advertising new."
News Bites
- According to SPEEDTV's Tom Jensen (http://formula-one.speedtv.com/article/f1-new-jersey-grand-prix-formula-one-race-postponed/), the inaugural Grand Prix of America the was originally announced last month when officials released the 2013 calendar will now be postponed until 2014. Sources said the race was pused back a year following complications in the ongoing construction of the facility. Officials are still waiting for approval to take control of land along the Hudson River where the grandstands will be built.
- Juan Pablo Montoya's No. 42 car will still be sponsored by Target this weekend, but it will have a much different look. Country and pop music star Taylor Swift adorns the hood of the No. 42 car to promote the exclusive release of her album Red on Monday in Target stores and at target.com. In contrast to his normally red paint scheme, the No. 42 Chevrolet will be stark white for Sunday's race at Kansas with images from Swift's CD cover, including one of Swift on the hood. Montoya currently sits 22nd in the points standings and has just two top-10 finishes this season. His most noteworthy moment of the year came in the season-opening Daytona 500, where the suspension broke on his car, causing him to crash into a jet dryer, which ignited a fire that delayed the race.
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
October 19th, 2012
Volume VI, Edition CCXI
~~~~~~~~~~
Frontstretch At the Track: Summer Bedgood will be live from Kansas Speedway this weekend to keep you updated on all of the latest breaking news from the sixth race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Tune in to Facebook and Twitter (@TheFrontstretch, @SummerBedgood) for everything you need to know.
~~~~~~~~~~
Top News
by Beth Lunkenheimer and Jeff Wolfe
No Prelude to the Dream at Eldora in 2013
After running for eight years at Eldora Speedway, the "Prelude to the Dream" charity race--a Dirt Late Model race featuring primarily Sprint Cup drivers--the event will not be a part of the facility's 2013 schedule. According to a release from the track, they've added more Dirt Late Model racing for Thursday and Friday nights during "The Dream" weekend and leading up to the main event.
"Eldora's commitment to the best possible experience for its loyal fans and competitors attending the Dirt Late Model Dream will result in a schedule change to Dream week," the track said in a news release. "The logistics associated with the Dream's expansion for the Dirt Late Model teams that supplied the cars for the Prelude, along with speedway officials who must transition the facility, prevents the Prelude to the Dream from being included on the 2013 calendar."
There was no word as of press time on whether Stewart will consider holding the charity event at a different facility next year.
Hamlin Crashes, Sits Out For an Hour in Day 2 of Sprint Cup testing at Kansas
NASCAR Sprint Cup Chase contender Denny Hamlin took a hard hit to the wall at Kansas Speedway Thursday morning, and it caused enough of a headache and dizziness for NASCAR officials to have him sit out an hour of practice. The Sprint Cup cars were in their second day of testing on the newly paved 1.5-mile oval. According to the Associated Press, Hamlin was going 202 when the rear of his No. 11 Toyota clipped the wall entering Turn 1. As Hamlin shot toward the apron, he then tried to correct the spin and hit the outside wall.
"It was the first time I really had some dizziness after a hit," Hamlin said. "Usually I'm sore or you jaw hurts from clenching your jaw. This is the first time I really got dizzy."
Hamlin, who sits third in the points standings, 15 behind leader Brad Keselowski, won the spring race at Kansas earlier this season. After being examined in the infield car center following the crash, Hamlin was told to wait an hour and then return to be re-evaluated. After the second examination he was ruled fit to drive. NASCAR also said its decision to have Hamlin take a one-hour break was not influenced by Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s decision to sit out last week's race, and this week's race due to a concussion.
"Obviously the severity of it, and the speeds we were running, it was a wise thing to do anyway," Hanlin said of his break. "Just bell-rung, typical hard hit, ring-your-bell type of thing. You get jarred around, you feel a little out of it at first. Everything came back OK."
The fastest speeds in the morning tests were turned in by Regan Smith, who is driving the No. 88 Chevrolet for Earnhardt, Jr. this weekend, at 186.143 and Martin Martin at 185.707. Greg Biffle, who posted the fast lap during Wednesday's test session, Joey Logano and Paul Menard rounded out the top 5.
Patrick May Not Appear in Go Daddy Super Bowl Ad
Go Daddy has long used NASCAR and former IndyCar driver Danica Patrick as one of their lead spokespersons in advertisements, including appearing in 10 Super Bowl ads, the most of any person. However, according to a report in the USAToday Go Daddy has signed Deutsch NY as its advertising agency, which has the freedom to drop Patrick from its Super Bowl ads.
Patrick, who is 30, has not appeared in any Go Daddy ads for months and the company said she is not scheduled to appear in any spots through January. Go Daddy is signed on as the primary sponsor for Patrick beginning next year in the Sprint Cup series for Stewart-Haas Racing. She is running a full Nationwide schedule and a partial Sprint Cup schedule this year.
Patrick's Q score, which tracks likability, was at 29 in 2010, but is at 19 in 2012. The average Q score for auto racing drivers is 13. She has stated that she hopes to appear in a Super Bowl ad for the Feb. 3 game.
"I've always enjoyed being part of Go Daddy's Super Bowl commercials and I hope that I'm involved again this year," she told the Associated Press. "Obviously with an outside agency producing the commercials for the first time, there's a chance that I won't be in the spots. I'd like to be in the commercials but if not, that's OK.
"The racing program is unaffected and Go Daddy is going to give me great support as they have for several years. We've got a multi-year commitment from Go Daddy for the future and I couldn't be happier about that," she contined. "The Go Daddy sponsorship program is one of the strongest primary sponsorships to come in the Sprint Cup Series and it's great for me and great for the sport."
Patrick is believed to have earned near $1 million for those ads in recent years.
"The question at hand is: Is she in the Super Bowl or not?" says Barb Rechterman, chief marketing officer at Go Daddy. "What we're trying to do is redefine sexy to be a small-business owner running a successful business. So we want to explore options of how we make our advertising new."
News Bites
- According to SPEEDTV's Tom Jensen (http://formula-one.speedtv.com/article/f1-new-jersey-grand-prix-formula-one-race-postponed/), the inaugural Grand Prix of America the was originally announced last month when officials released the 2013 calendar will now be postponed until 2014. Sources said the race was pused back a year following complications in the ongoing construction of the facility. Officials are still waiting for approval to take control of land along the Hudson River where the grandstands will be built.
- Juan Pablo Montoya's No. 42 car will still be sponsored by Target this weekend, but it will have a much different look. Country and pop music star Taylor Swift adorns the hood of the No. 42 car to promote the exclusive release of her album Red on Monday in Target stores and at target.com. In contrast to his normally red paint scheme, the No. 42 Chevrolet will be stark white for Sunday's race at Kansas with images from Swift's CD cover, including one of Swift on the hood. Montoya currently sits 22nd in the points standings and has just two top-10 finishes this season. His most noteworthy moment of the year came in the season-opening Daytona 500, where the suspension broke on his car, causing him to crash into a jet dryer, which ignited a fire that delayed the race.
Have news for The Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com with a promising lead or tip.
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In Case You Missed It
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Childers Re-Signs With MWR No. 55 Team
Rodney Childers announced on Twitter earlier this week that he will continue to serve as crew chief for Michael Waltrip Racing's No. 55 Toyota. Childers joined the organization in 2008 and served as crew chief for David Reutimann that following year when the duo earned the company's first victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway. This season, Mark Martin, Brian Vickers and team owner Michael Waltrip have shared the duties behind the wheel. The trio has posted seven top 5s and 14 top-10 finishes, and the car currently sits 14th in owner points.
Newman to Make 400th Career Start
This weekend, Ryan Newman will become the 51st driver to celebrate his 400th career Sprint Cup Series start at Kansas Speedway. The driver of the No. 39 Code 3 Associates Chevrolet, which will feature a decal marking the milestone, joins Dave Blaney and Kevin Harvick who both celebrated the feat earlier this year. In 399 career starts, Newman has 16 wins, 85 top 5s and 164 top 10 finishes. He boasts 49 career poles, 23 of which came from 2003 to 2005, and a best finish in the standings of sixth three times (2002, 2003 and 2005).
Harvick to Honor Fallen Soldier
This weekend, Kevin Harvick and the No. 29 team will honor fallen solder, Army Specialist Chris Horton by wearing a special memorial bracelet. Horton served as a sniper in the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Oklahoma National Guard until he was killed in Afghanistan on September 9, 2011. His wife Jane shares his killed-in-action bracelet to remind people not only of her late husband but all soldiers that have lost their lives while serving in the military.
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Got NASCAR-related questions or comments?
Send them Summer Bedgood's way at summer.bedgood@frontstretch.com; and, if you're lucky, you'll get your name in print when she does her weekly column answering back to you – the fans that keep Frontstretch afloat. Frontstretch Fan Q & A will run on Thursdays with a whole new set of Fan Questions and Answers!
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Keepin' It Short: Time For the Big One
by Mike Neff
Local short track racing consists of many different kinds of vehicles. Super Late Models, go-karts, Outlaw Sprint Cars, Dirt Late Models, Legend Cars, Street Stocks, Modifieds, and Bandoleros just to name a handful of the assortment of vehicles. Each type of car draws its own kind of fans and many fans like multiple types of racers. Each kind of car has its own "Super Bowl" every season. Super Late Models have the Snowball Derby. Dirt Late Models have the World. Outlaw Sprint Cars have the Knoxville Nationals. In the world of Late Model Stock Cars, the unquestioned biggest event of the season is the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 at Martinsville Speedway, and this weekend is the one.
Racers across the country, and especially in the Southeast where Late Models are still king, have had this weekend circled since the date was announced. Some of that stemmed from the change in format this year. Qualifying is going to be completely different than it has been for any asphalt Late Model race before. Racers will be sent onto the track late on Saturday in groups of eight. They will be required to run a minimum of eight full speed laps during their timed period. If they are unable to complete eight laps, the entire group will fall to the back of their qualifying heat race. After the "qualifying" practice rounds are completed, the drivers will be slotted into four heat races based on their average times. Sunday morning, there will be four, 25-lap heat races that will place the first 32 cars into the field. Once the heat races are completed, there will be a final, 50-lap Last Chance race to complete the field of 42 cars. Heat races on race morning have long been a staple at Martinsville but never before have they decided the entire field. There is no doubt that there will almost certainly be a race favorite's day ruined in one of the heat races.
There were 85 cars that showed up for the open test at Martinsville last Wednesday. The fastest car in practice was Philip Morris. Morris tripped the watch at 20.473 seconds and a speed of 92.493 mph. The four-time National Champion is looking to win another Grandfather clock, and having won the event twice in the past, this season would be especially rewarding as Morris has been unable to compete for much of the year. Second quickest car in open practice was Kris Bowen at 20.489 seconds while Jeff Oakley logged the third fastest lap at 20.491 seconds. Mike Looney turned in the fourth quickest lap with a 20.509 second lap with Peyton Sellers rounding out the top five with the same time as Looney. Not all cars at the test had transponders so some contenders were probably among the top 5 but did not have an official time. Matt McCall, BJ Mackey and Jamie Yelton were all manually clocked at times that would have put them in the top 5.
Sunday afternoon, as the dust settles at Martinsville, someone will walk away with a $25,000 check, a Martinsville Grandfather clock and, most importantly, the title of Virginia is for Racing Lovers' 300 champion. No driver has ever won it in consecutive years, so Lee Pulliam would set a record if he is able to accomplish that feat. C.E. Falk, III and Peyton Sellers are also among the drivers who are eligible to take home an additional bonus in the Virginia Triple Crown, the three race competition that has been taking place all season. Whichever driver scores the most points in the South Boston $10,000 to win season opener, the Summer Heat at Langley Speedway and the race Sunday will score an additional $5,000.
The race is on the bucket list of not only most Late Model drivers but also fans from across the country. It is worth a trip to Martinsville, VA this weekend to watch the best drivers in Late Model Stock Car racing battle it out for the Grandfather clock.
This Weekend's Race Schedule
Fri : Oct 19th – South Alabama Speedway ; Kinston : AL – Alabama Pro 200 Pro Late Models
Fri : Oct 19th – Waycross Motor Speedway ; Waycross : GA – Topless Showdown in the Swamp – Nesmith Late Models
Fri : Oct 19th – Dodge City Raceway Park ; Dodge City : KS – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Fri : Oct 19th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Inaugural King of the Carolinas
Fri : Oct 19th – Atomic Speedway ; Alma : OH – 332nd Annual Dirt Track World Championships Lucas Oil Late Models
Fri : Oct 19th – Clayhill Motorsports ; Atwood : TN – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Fri : Oct 19th – Devil's Bowl Speedway ; Mesquite : TX – 39th Annual Devil's Bowl Winter National Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Fri : Oct 19th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : Oct 19th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : Oct 19th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Stock
Fri : Oct 19th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Street Stock
Sat : Oct 20th – South Alabama Speedway ; Kinston : AL – Alabama Pro 200 Pro Late Models
Sat : Oct 20th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – 5th Annual Pumpkin Smash Halloween Bash Championship Race Coors Light Open Late Models
Sat : Oct 20th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – 5th Annual Pumpkin Smash Halloween Bash Hobby Stock Open
Sat : Oct 20th – Auburndale Speedway ; Winter Haven : FL – Florida United Promoters Late Models
Sat : Oct 20th – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – Open Wheel Modifieds
Sat : Oct 20th – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – Sportsman
Sat : Oct 20th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Pro Late Models
Sat : Oct 20th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Modifieds
Sat : Oct 20th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Sportsman
Sat : Oct 20th – Watermelon Capital Speedway ; Cordele : GA – Super Streets
Sat : Oct 20th – Waycross Motor Speedway ; Waycross : GA – Topless Showdown in the Swamp – Nesmith Late Models
Sat : Oct 20th – Dodge City Raceway Park ; Dodge City : KS – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Sat : Oct 20th – Valley Speedway ; Grain Valley : MO – United Late Model Association Late Models
Sat : Oct 20th – Lee USA Speedway ; Lee : NH – MRS Modifieds
Sat : Oct 20th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Inaugural King of the Carolinas
Sat : Oct 20th – Atomic Speedway ; Alma : OH – 332nd Annual Dirt Track World Championships Lucas Oil Late Models
Sat : Oct 20th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – NELMA Late Model Challenge
Sat : Oct 20th – Clayhill Motorsports ; Atwood : TN – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Sat : Oct 20th – Clayhill Motorsports ; Atwood : TN – USCS Outlaw Thunder Sprint Cars
Sat : Oct 20th – Devil's Bowl Speedway ; Mesquite : TX – 39th Annual Devil's Bowl Winter National Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Sat : Oct 20th – Martinsville Speedway ; Danville : VA – Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 Late Models Qualifying
Sun : Oct 21st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – 16th Annual Carmel Sod Fall Festival Hornets
Sun : Oct 21st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – 16th Annual Carmel Sod Fall Festival Legends
Sun : Oct 21st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – 16th Annual Carmel Sod Fall Festival Stocks
Sun : Oct 21st – Lee USA Speedway ; Lee : NH – MRS Modifieds
Sun : Oct 21st – Orange County Speedway ; Middletown : NY – DIRTCar Big-Block Modifieds
Sun : Oct 21st – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Inaugural King of the Carolinas
Sun : Oct 21st – Martinsville Speedway ; Danville : VA – Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 Late Models
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com. Follow him on Twitter @MNeffShortTrack.
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Frontstretch Folio: Hollywood Casino 400
by Rick Lunkenheimer
This weekend the Sprint Cup Series make its return trip to Kansas Speedway, for the 32nd race of the season. Television coverage for the Hollywood Casino 400 will be provided by ESPN at 2:00 PM ET, and also on MRN and SiriusXM radio channel 90. If you can't catch all the action live, the race will be re-broadcast twice: Monday, October 22 at 12:00 AM ET on ESPN2; Wednesday, October 24 at 12:00 PM ET on SPEED.
Records and Facts
Matt Kenseth holds the track qualifying record with a speed of 180.856 mph (29.858 sec.) set on Oct. 8, 2005. Kenseth lead for 71 laps, but wound up finishing fifth in the race which was won by Mark Martin.
Greg Biffle holds the race record with a speed of 138.077 mph (2:54:02) in the Price Chopper 400 Presented by Kraft Foods Oct. 3, 2010. Biffle led for sixty laps to take the checkered flag. Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick, Tony Stewart, and Jeff Gordon rounded out the top 5.
Last season marked the first time the Cup Series visited Kansas Speedway twice in one year. Jimmie Johnson is the defending winner; he led 197 of 272 laps en route to victory lane. Kasey Kahne, Brad Keselowski, Matt Kenseth and Carl Edwards rounded out the top 5.
Track Facts
Track / Race Length: 1.5-mile D-shaped oval, 267 laps, 400.5 miles
Frontstretch: 2,685 feet, banked 10.4 degrees
Backstretch: 2,207 feet, banked five degrees
Banking: Turns: 15 degrees
Attendence: 81,779, 68 luxury suites
Seating: Approx 72,000 in the grandstands
Camping: Approx 2,400 spaces
Opened: 2001
Pre-race Schedule
Practices: Friday, October 19, 12:30 - 2:00 PM ET on SPEED
Saturday, October 20, 11:00 – 11:50 PM ET on ESPN2
Happy Hour: Saturday, October 20, 1:50 – 2:50 PM ET on SPEED
Qualifying: Friday, October 19 at 5:10 PM ET on ESPN2
VIPs
Grand Marshal / Command: Rob Riggle
Honorary Starter: Bob Sheldon, Vice President and General Manager of Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway
National Anthem: First Infantry Division Band from Ft. Riley, KS
Flyover: (4) A-10s; 303rd Fighter Squadron; Whiteman AFB (Turn 4 to 1)
Say What?!?
"We are coming off a strong run this past weekend at Charlotte and headed to Kansas this week, which is similar to Charlotte. We'll build on this and hopefully get that first win of the season. That would be huge. I don't know what I'd do if we won at Kansas. It's the closest track to home for me and I'll have a lot of family and friends there. We'd have some fun for sure." -Carl Edwards
"We don't really know yet what to expect with the new surface at Kansas, but I'm excited about our chances coming off how good we ran at Charlotte. I think it will be like Michigan and Charlotte, which is right up our alley. Our cars are fast at those types of tracks, we'll have to wait and see what happens this weekend." -Greg Biffle
"They did a really nice job with the repave at Kansas Speedway. They put a little bit more banking in it and the track was really smooth when we went out there for our test. It reminded me a lot of Las Vegas after they changed that track. I'm not sure if they did or not, but it seems like they narrowed up the groove a lot, especially in Turn 1. As much as they have been dragging tires and getting everyone out on the track at Kansas, I think it will be good for this weekend's racing." -Matt Kenseth
Rick Lunkenheimer is a contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at rick.lunkenheimer@frontstrech.com. Follow him on Twitter @FrntstretchRick.
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Fantasy Friday: Hollywood Casino 400
by Jeff Wolfe
It's Week six of the Chase, and, yes, the same guys who were on top going into Charlotte are on top going into Kansas. The only difference is that now, Clint Bowyer, is a legitimate contender as he is 28 points back with five to go. He's still a long shot, but at least it's possible for him to rally. And speaking of top contenders, you just might notice a theme in this week's picks. That's partially because past history at Kansas won't mean much as this is the first race on the re-paved track.
Top 5 Picks
1. Brad Keselowski. No matter what his history on these final tracks, he's pretty much a must pick here. Just for the record, he does have a win and a top 5 in five races at Kansas.
2. Jimmie Johnson. Five-timer hasn't really had a hot streak yet and he's just seven points out of the lead. That's not good for everybody else and he does have two wins at Kansas.
3. Denny Hamlin. He's right there, too, just 15 points back. Hamlin's the kind of driver that can win three or four in a row and he has a win and two top 5s in nine races at Kansas.
4. Clint Bowyer. This is considered his home track and teams get pumped up when their driver has a shot at the title and they are on their home track. He just might win two in a row, and if he does that, it should put him right in the mix with the first three.
5. Carl Edwards. True, he's never won at Kansas, he's not in the Chase, and he hasn't won since the Las Vegas race in March, 2011. He used to be a weekly contender to win, but no more of late. So why pick him here? I'd just like to see that victory back flip.
Shoulda, woulda, coulda: Tony Stewart. He's 50 points behind and is pretty much in a win at all costs mode. Plus he did win a fuel-mileage race at Kansas when he was not in the Chase. He does have another win at Kansas, too, so it's always dangerous to not pick him here.
ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP
Here's a look at how last week's picks fared in Week 5 of the Chase at Charlotte.
Kyle Busch - 5th. He seemed to be in contention for much of the race, but never actually led a lap.
Kasey Kahne - 8th. He was in the top 10 pretty much all night, but never a factor to win the race nor did he lead a lap.
Matt Kenseth - 14th. Never was close to pulling off a two wins in a row.
Kevin Harvick - 16th. A win can come at any time, but even though he's in the Chase, it would be a surprise to see him in Victory Lane these days.
Jeff Gordon - 18th. Seemed destined to get a top 10-finish but was caught speeding on pit road, and the drive-through penalty put him out of contention.
Season Stats
155 Predictions
15 Wins
49 Top 5s
70 Top 10s
Grade for the week: D. Yes, the fuel-saving game played a part in this one, but none of my picks were serious contenders to win.
One last thing: The last non-Chaser to win the Kansas fall race was Greg Biffle in 2007.
Jeff Wolfe is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at jeff.wolfe@frontstretch.com.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Four Burning Questions: Will Kansas Speedway Shake Up the Chase?
by Matt Stallknecht
NASCAR Capitulates! "No Brainer" Seen As "Good Idea"!
by Jeff Meyer
Michael Annett Driver Diary: Happy Halloween!
as told to Toni Montgomery
40 Cars to Freedom: Change is Coming for the 2013 Nationwide Series
by Bryan Davis Keith
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In Case You Missed It
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Childers Re-Signs With MWR No. 55 Team
Rodney Childers announced on Twitter earlier this week that he will continue to serve as crew chief for Michael Waltrip Racing's No. 55 Toyota. Childers joined the organization in 2008 and served as crew chief for David Reutimann that following year when the duo earned the company's first victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway. This season, Mark Martin, Brian Vickers and team owner Michael Waltrip have shared the duties behind the wheel. The trio has posted seven top 5s and 14 top-10 finishes, and the car currently sits 14th in owner points.
Newman to Make 400th Career Start
This weekend, Ryan Newman will become the 51st driver to celebrate his 400th career Sprint Cup Series start at Kansas Speedway. The driver of the No. 39 Code 3 Associates Chevrolet, which will feature a decal marking the milestone, joins Dave Blaney and Kevin Harvick who both celebrated the feat earlier this year. In 399 career starts, Newman has 16 wins, 85 top 5s and 164 top 10 finishes. He boasts 49 career poles, 23 of which came from 2003 to 2005, and a best finish in the standings of sixth three times (2002, 2003 and 2005).
Harvick to Honor Fallen Soldier
This weekend, Kevin Harvick and the No. 29 team will honor fallen solder, Army Specialist Chris Horton by wearing a special memorial bracelet. Horton served as a sniper in the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Oklahoma National Guard until he was killed in Afghanistan on September 9, 2011. His wife Jane shares his killed-in-action bracelet to remind people not only of her late husband but all soldiers that have lost their lives while serving in the military.
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Got NASCAR-related questions or comments?
Send them Summer Bedgood's way at summer.bedgood@frontstretch.com; and, if you're lucky, you'll get your name in print when she does her weekly column answering back to you – the fans that keep Frontstretch afloat. Frontstretch Fan Q & A will run on Thursdays with a whole new set of Fan Questions and Answers!
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Keepin' It Short: Time For the Big One
by Mike Neff
Local short track racing consists of many different kinds of vehicles. Super Late Models, go-karts, Outlaw Sprint Cars, Dirt Late Models, Legend Cars, Street Stocks, Modifieds, and Bandoleros just to name a handful of the assortment of vehicles. Each type of car draws its own kind of fans and many fans like multiple types of racers. Each kind of car has its own "Super Bowl" every season. Super Late Models have the Snowball Derby. Dirt Late Models have the World. Outlaw Sprint Cars have the Knoxville Nationals. In the world of Late Model Stock Cars, the unquestioned biggest event of the season is the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 at Martinsville Speedway, and this weekend is the one.
Racers across the country, and especially in the Southeast where Late Models are still king, have had this weekend circled since the date was announced. Some of that stemmed from the change in format this year. Qualifying is going to be completely different than it has been for any asphalt Late Model race before. Racers will be sent onto the track late on Saturday in groups of eight. They will be required to run a minimum of eight full speed laps during their timed period. If they are unable to complete eight laps, the entire group will fall to the back of their qualifying heat race. After the "qualifying" practice rounds are completed, the drivers will be slotted into four heat races based on their average times. Sunday morning, there will be four, 25-lap heat races that will place the first 32 cars into the field. Once the heat races are completed, there will be a final, 50-lap Last Chance race to complete the field of 42 cars. Heat races on race morning have long been a staple at Martinsville but never before have they decided the entire field. There is no doubt that there will almost certainly be a race favorite's day ruined in one of the heat races.
There were 85 cars that showed up for the open test at Martinsville last Wednesday. The fastest car in practice was Philip Morris. Morris tripped the watch at 20.473 seconds and a speed of 92.493 mph. The four-time National Champion is looking to win another Grandfather clock, and having won the event twice in the past, this season would be especially rewarding as Morris has been unable to compete for much of the year. Second quickest car in open practice was Kris Bowen at 20.489 seconds while Jeff Oakley logged the third fastest lap at 20.491 seconds. Mike Looney turned in the fourth quickest lap with a 20.509 second lap with Peyton Sellers rounding out the top five with the same time as Looney. Not all cars at the test had transponders so some contenders were probably among the top 5 but did not have an official time. Matt McCall, BJ Mackey and Jamie Yelton were all manually clocked at times that would have put them in the top 5.
Sunday afternoon, as the dust settles at Martinsville, someone will walk away with a $25,000 check, a Martinsville Grandfather clock and, most importantly, the title of Virginia is for Racing Lovers' 300 champion. No driver has ever won it in consecutive years, so Lee Pulliam would set a record if he is able to accomplish that feat. C.E. Falk, III and Peyton Sellers are also among the drivers who are eligible to take home an additional bonus in the Virginia Triple Crown, the three race competition that has been taking place all season. Whichever driver scores the most points in the South Boston $10,000 to win season opener, the Summer Heat at Langley Speedway and the race Sunday will score an additional $5,000.
The race is on the bucket list of not only most Late Model drivers but also fans from across the country. It is worth a trip to Martinsville, VA this weekend to watch the best drivers in Late Model Stock Car racing battle it out for the Grandfather clock.
This Weekend's Race Schedule
Fri : Oct 19th – South Alabama Speedway ; Kinston : AL – Alabama Pro 200 Pro Late Models
Fri : Oct 19th – Waycross Motor Speedway ; Waycross : GA – Topless Showdown in the Swamp – Nesmith Late Models
Fri : Oct 19th – Dodge City Raceway Park ; Dodge City : KS – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Fri : Oct 19th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Inaugural King of the Carolinas
Fri : Oct 19th – Atomic Speedway ; Alma : OH – 332nd Annual Dirt Track World Championships Lucas Oil Late Models
Fri : Oct 19th – Clayhill Motorsports ; Atwood : TN – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Fri : Oct 19th – Devil's Bowl Speedway ; Mesquite : TX – 39th Annual Devil's Bowl Winter National Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Fri : Oct 19th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Modifieds
Fri : Oct 19th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fri : Oct 19th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – IMCA Stock
Fri : Oct 19th – Mountain Creek Speedway ; Grand Prairie : TX – Street Stock
Sat : Oct 20th – South Alabama Speedway ; Kinston : AL – Alabama Pro 200 Pro Late Models
Sat : Oct 20th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – 5th Annual Pumpkin Smash Halloween Bash Championship Race Coors Light Open Late Models
Sat : Oct 20th – Madera Speedway ; Madera : CA – 5th Annual Pumpkin Smash Halloween Bash Hobby Stock Open
Sat : Oct 20th – Auburndale Speedway ; Winter Haven : FL – Florida United Promoters Late Models
Sat : Oct 20th – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – Open Wheel Modifieds
Sat : Oct 20th – Desoto Speedway ; Bradenton : FL – Sportsman
Sat : Oct 20th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Pro Late Models
Sat : Oct 20th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Modifieds
Sat : Oct 20th – New Smyrna Speedway ; New Smyrna Beach : FL – Sportsman
Sat : Oct 20th – Watermelon Capital Speedway ; Cordele : GA – Super Streets
Sat : Oct 20th – Waycross Motor Speedway ; Waycross : GA – Topless Showdown in the Swamp – Nesmith Late Models
Sat : Oct 20th – Dodge City Raceway Park ; Dodge City : KS – AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars
Sat : Oct 20th – Valley Speedway ; Grain Valley : MO – United Late Model Association Late Models
Sat : Oct 20th – Lee USA Speedway ; Lee : NH – MRS Modifieds
Sat : Oct 20th – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Inaugural King of the Carolinas
Sat : Oct 20th – Atomic Speedway ; Alma : OH – 332nd Annual Dirt Track World Championships Lucas Oil Late Models
Sat : Oct 20th – Mountain Speedway ; St. John's : PA – NELMA Late Model Challenge
Sat : Oct 20th – Clayhill Motorsports ; Atwood : TN – USCS 600 Sprint Cars
Sat : Oct 20th – Clayhill Motorsports ; Atwood : TN – USCS Outlaw Thunder Sprint Cars
Sat : Oct 20th – Devil's Bowl Speedway ; Mesquite : TX – 39th Annual Devil's Bowl Winter National Lucas Oil ASCS Sprints
Sat : Oct 20th – Martinsville Speedway ; Danville : VA – Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 Late Models Qualifying
Sun : Oct 21st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – 16th Annual Carmel Sod Fall Festival Hornets
Sun : Oct 21st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – 16th Annual Carmel Sod Fall Festival Legends
Sun : Oct 21st – Speedrome ; Indianapolis : IN – 16th Annual Carmel Sod Fall Festival Stocks
Sun : Oct 21st – Lee USA Speedway ; Lee : NH – MRS Modifieds
Sun : Oct 21st – Orange County Speedway ; Middletown : NY – DIRTCar Big-Block Modifieds
Sun : Oct 21st – Carolina Speedway ; Gastonia : NC – Inaugural King of the Carolinas
Sun : Oct 21st – Martinsville Speedway ; Danville : VA – Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 Late Models
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com. Follow him on Twitter @MNeffShortTrack.
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COME JOIN THE FRONTSTRETCH FAMILY!
Hey Frontstretch Readers,
We are looking for someone who shares our enthusiasm for NASCAR and has an experienced background in web design. Specifically, we are looking for someone who can help maintain and enhance our website, increase our SEO, and upgrade our publishing platform while producing a limited amount of content throughout the season. This job presents a perfect opportunity for someone with a technical background, a person who wants their work to gain national exposure.
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Frontstretch Folio: Hollywood Casino 400
by Rick Lunkenheimer
This weekend the Sprint Cup Series make its return trip to Kansas Speedway, for the 32nd race of the season. Television coverage for the Hollywood Casino 400 will be provided by ESPN at 2:00 PM ET, and also on MRN and SiriusXM radio channel 90. If you can't catch all the action live, the race will be re-broadcast twice: Monday, October 22 at 12:00 AM ET on ESPN2; Wednesday, October 24 at 12:00 PM ET on SPEED.
Records and Facts
Matt Kenseth holds the track qualifying record with a speed of 180.856 mph (29.858 sec.) set on Oct. 8, 2005. Kenseth lead for 71 laps, but wound up finishing fifth in the race which was won by Mark Martin.
Greg Biffle holds the race record with a speed of 138.077 mph (2:54:02) in the Price Chopper 400 Presented by Kraft Foods Oct. 3, 2010. Biffle led for sixty laps to take the checkered flag. Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick, Tony Stewart, and Jeff Gordon rounded out the top 5.
Last season marked the first time the Cup Series visited Kansas Speedway twice in one year. Jimmie Johnson is the defending winner; he led 197 of 272 laps en route to victory lane. Kasey Kahne, Brad Keselowski, Matt Kenseth and Carl Edwards rounded out the top 5.
Track Facts
Track / Race Length: 1.5-mile D-shaped oval, 267 laps, 400.5 miles
Frontstretch: 2,685 feet, banked 10.4 degrees
Backstretch: 2,207 feet, banked five degrees
Banking: Turns: 15 degrees
Attendence: 81,779, 68 luxury suites
Seating: Approx 72,000 in the grandstands
Camping: Approx 2,400 spaces
Opened: 2001
Pre-race Schedule
Practices: Friday, October 19, 12:30 - 2:00 PM ET on SPEED
Saturday, October 20, 11:00 – 11:50 PM ET on ESPN2
Happy Hour: Saturday, October 20, 1:50 – 2:50 PM ET on SPEED
Qualifying: Friday, October 19 at 5:10 PM ET on ESPN2
VIPs
Grand Marshal / Command: Rob Riggle
Honorary Starter: Bob Sheldon, Vice President and General Manager of Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway
National Anthem: First Infantry Division Band from Ft. Riley, KS
Flyover: (4) A-10s; 303rd Fighter Squadron; Whiteman AFB (Turn 4 to 1)
Say What?!?
"We are coming off a strong run this past weekend at Charlotte and headed to Kansas this week, which is similar to Charlotte. We'll build on this and hopefully get that first win of the season. That would be huge. I don't know what I'd do if we won at Kansas. It's the closest track to home for me and I'll have a lot of family and friends there. We'd have some fun for sure." -Carl Edwards
"We don't really know yet what to expect with the new surface at Kansas, but I'm excited about our chances coming off how good we ran at Charlotte. I think it will be like Michigan and Charlotte, which is right up our alley. Our cars are fast at those types of tracks, we'll have to wait and see what happens this weekend." -Greg Biffle
"They did a really nice job with the repave at Kansas Speedway. They put a little bit more banking in it and the track was really smooth when we went out there for our test. It reminded me a lot of Las Vegas after they changed that track. I'm not sure if they did or not, but it seems like they narrowed up the groove a lot, especially in Turn 1. As much as they have been dragging tires and getting everyone out on the track at Kansas, I think it will be good for this weekend's racing." -Matt Kenseth
Rick Lunkenheimer is a contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at rick.lunkenheimer@frontstrech.com. Follow him on Twitter @FrntstretchRick.
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COME JOIN THE FRONTSTRETCH FAMILY!
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Fantasy Friday: Hollywood Casino 400
by Jeff Wolfe
It's Week six of the Chase, and, yes, the same guys who were on top going into Charlotte are on top going into Kansas. The only difference is that now, Clint Bowyer, is a legitimate contender as he is 28 points back with five to go. He's still a long shot, but at least it's possible for him to rally. And speaking of top contenders, you just might notice a theme in this week's picks. That's partially because past history at Kansas won't mean much as this is the first race on the re-paved track.
Top 5 Picks
1. Brad Keselowski. No matter what his history on these final tracks, he's pretty much a must pick here. Just for the record, he does have a win and a top 5 in five races at Kansas.
2. Jimmie Johnson. Five-timer hasn't really had a hot streak yet and he's just seven points out of the lead. That's not good for everybody else and he does have two wins at Kansas.
3. Denny Hamlin. He's right there, too, just 15 points back. Hamlin's the kind of driver that can win three or four in a row and he has a win and two top 5s in nine races at Kansas.
4. Clint Bowyer. This is considered his home track and teams get pumped up when their driver has a shot at the title and they are on their home track. He just might win two in a row, and if he does that, it should put him right in the mix with the first three.
5. Carl Edwards. True, he's never won at Kansas, he's not in the Chase, and he hasn't won since the Las Vegas race in March, 2011. He used to be a weekly contender to win, but no more of late. So why pick him here? I'd just like to see that victory back flip.
Shoulda, woulda, coulda: Tony Stewart. He's 50 points behind and is pretty much in a win at all costs mode. Plus he did win a fuel-mileage race at Kansas when he was not in the Chase. He does have another win at Kansas, too, so it's always dangerous to not pick him here.
ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP
Here's a look at how last week's picks fared in Week 5 of the Chase at Charlotte.
Kyle Busch - 5th. He seemed to be in contention for much of the race, but never actually led a lap.
Kasey Kahne - 8th. He was in the top 10 pretty much all night, but never a factor to win the race nor did he lead a lap.
Matt Kenseth - 14th. Never was close to pulling off a two wins in a row.
Kevin Harvick - 16th. A win can come at any time, but even though he's in the Chase, it would be a surprise to see him in Victory Lane these days.
Jeff Gordon - 18th. Seemed destined to get a top 10-finish but was caught speeding on pit road, and the drive-through penalty put him out of contention.
Season Stats
155 Predictions
15 Wins
49 Top 5s
70 Top 10s
Grade for the week: D. Yes, the fuel-saving game played a part in this one, but none of my picks were serious contenders to win.
One last thing: The last non-Chaser to win the Kansas fall race was Greg Biffle in 2007.
Jeff Wolfe is a Contributor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at jeff.wolfe@frontstretch.com.
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ADVERTISEMENT
Are you looking to advertise your website, product or brand? A good way to get your name out there is via direct advertising here in the Frontstretch Newsletter! Interested parties can contact us at tony.lumbis@frontstretch.com for details.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Four Burning Questions: Will Kansas Speedway Shake Up the Chase?
by Matt Stallknecht
NASCAR Capitulates! "No Brainer" Seen As "Good Idea"!
by Jeff Meyer
Michael Annett Driver Diary: Happy Halloween!
as told to Toni Montgomery
40 Cars to Freedom: Change is Coming for the 2013 Nationwide Series
by Bryan Davis Keith
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: 2003 was the height of pack racing at intermediate ovals in the now-Izod IndyCar Series. The Kansas Indy 300 was not different. Yes, there were only ten lead changes, but the races were still exciting. Unfortunately for Dan Wheldon and Felipe Giaffone, they didn't quite make it to the finish on this day, but they would return to fight again. What happened to put them out of the race?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: The 2002 Protection One 400 at Kansas Speedway appeared to get off to a somewhat quiet start. According to Benny Parsons, drivers were being quite courteous to each other in the first few laps. Of course, that didn't last long as a big wreck broke out shortly afterward. What happened to cause this wreck?
A: Tony Raines was having problems with his Staff America Chevrolet from the minute the green flag dropped. Faced with an undrivable car, Raines was a rolling chicane for the first five laps. At that point, it appeared that the left rear tire blew on Raines' car, resulting in his car hooking a left in the middle of the tri-oval and hitting Ken Schrader. Schrader's car popped a wheelie and the wreck was on. The crash can be seen at the 3:10 mark of this clip.
In addition to Raines and Schrader, Casey Atwood, Jeff Green, Bobby Labonte, Elliott Sadler, Ward Burton, Jerry Nadeau and Stuart Kirby were also involved in the crash. Raines, Burton and Atwood were out of the race on the spot. Schrader continued on after repairs behind the wall, while the others continued after repairs on pit road.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: Take the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
~~~~~~~~~~
Coming Monday in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Hollywood Casino 400 Race Recap by Jeff Wolfe
-- Secret Star and Stat of the Race by Tom Bowles
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
Monday on the Frontstretch:
Thinkin' Out Loud: Bank of America 500 by TBA
Overall thoughts about the action from Sunday afternoon's race from Kansas.
Bowles' Eye View by Tom Bowles
Tom is back with a commentary about one of the biggest stories leaving the sixth Chase race from Kansas.
Full Throttle by Mike Neff
A commentary about the hottest topic leaving Kansas.
Big Six: Hollywood Casino 400 by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving the sixth Chase race at Kansas? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing.
Pace Laps: Kansas Weekend by the Frontstretch Staff
In our newest column this season, we'll take a look at the biggest stories to keep an eye on in each series after the races at Kansas.
Nationwide Series Breakdown: Kansas Lottery 300 by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan has all the post-race analysis you need following Saturday afternoon's Nationwide Series race from Kansas.
-----------------------------
Talk back to the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Got something to say about an article you've seen in the newsletter? It's as easy as replying directly to this message or sending an email to editors@frontstretch.com. We'll take the best comments and publish them here!
©2012 Frontstretch.com
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: 2003 was the height of pack racing at intermediate ovals in the now-Izod IndyCar Series. The Kansas Indy 300 was not different. Yes, there were only ten lead changes, but the races were still exciting. Unfortunately for Dan Wheldon and Felipe Giaffone, they didn't quite make it to the finish on this day, but they would return to fight again. What happened to put them out of the race?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Q: The 2002 Protection One 400 at Kansas Speedway appeared to get off to a somewhat quiet start. According to Benny Parsons, drivers were being quite courteous to each other in the first few laps. Of course, that didn't last long as a big wreck broke out shortly afterward. What happened to cause this wreck?
A: Tony Raines was having problems with his Staff America Chevrolet from the minute the green flag dropped. Faced with an undrivable car, Raines was a rolling chicane for the first five laps. At that point, it appeared that the left rear tire blew on Raines' car, resulting in his car hooking a left in the middle of the tri-oval and hitting Ken Schrader. Schrader's car popped a wheelie and the wreck was on. The crash can be seen at the 3:10 mark of this clip.
In addition to Raines and Schrader, Casey Atwood, Jeff Green, Bobby Labonte, Elliott Sadler, Ward Burton, Jerry Nadeau and Stuart Kirby were also involved in the crash. Raines, Burton and Atwood were out of the race on the spot. Schrader continued on after repairs behind the wall, while the others continued after repairs on pit road.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: Take the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
~~~~~~~~~~
Coming Monday in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Hollywood Casino 400 Race Recap by Jeff Wolfe
-- Secret Star and Stat of the Race by Tom Bowles
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
Monday on the Frontstretch:
Thinkin' Out Loud: Bank of America 500 by TBA
Overall thoughts about the action from Sunday afternoon's race from Kansas.
Bowles' Eye View by Tom Bowles
Tom is back with a commentary about one of the biggest stories leaving the sixth Chase race from Kansas.
Full Throttle by Mike Neff
A commentary about the hottest topic leaving Kansas.
Big Six: Hollywood Casino 400 by Amy Henderson
Looking for all you need to know leaving the sixth Chase race at Kansas? Amy has your who, what, when, where, why and how from a weekend of racing.
Pace Laps: Kansas Weekend by the Frontstretch Staff
In our newest column this season, we'll take a look at the biggest stories to keep an eye on in each series after the races at Kansas.
Nationwide Series Breakdown: Kansas Lottery 300 by Bryan Davis Keith
Bryan has all the post-race analysis you need following Saturday afternoon's Nationwide Series race from Kansas.
-----------------------------
Talk back to the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Got something to say about an article you've seen in the newsletter? It's as easy as replying directly to this message or sending an email to editors@frontstretch.com. We'll take the best comments and publish them here!
©2012 Frontstretch.com
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