Tuesday, January 08, 2013

The Frontstretch Newsletter: January 8th, 2013

THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
January 8th, 2013
Volume VII, Edition II

LEND YOUR SUPPORT TO VICTIMS IN THE WAKE OF THE SANDY HOOK TRAGEDY
After the senseless mass shooting last month, Frontstretch sends its love and support to all of Newtown, CT as they grieve over the tragic December 14th massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School. That horror, the second-deadliest school incident in U.S. history claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians -- including 20 first-grade children. No matter what you think we should do from here, there's one fact we can all agree on: these victims' families need us to come together and help. There's plenty of ways you can do it, and here at Frontstretch we've found a great charity to recommend: a fund set up by indie rock band OneRepublic. Click here and find out how, with a few simple clicks of the mouse you can send money to help rebuild the lives of so many that were unfairly torn apart. And together, let's make a commitment this holiday season to find a way to stop the violence -- whatever your solution, don't hesitate to speak up and make your voice heard.

What to Watch This Week:

- We've got Sprint Cup action coming up.  NASCAR Preseason Thunder is set for this week at Daytona International Speedway.  Three days of testing on the high banks will mark the second large scale test for the new "Gen 6" Sprint Cup cars.  On-track action is set to begin Thursday morning and go through Saturday.  SPEED will provide live coverage from Daytona on all three days from 1-5pm EST.  In addition, NASCAR RaceHub will also provide wrap-up coverage on Thursday and Friday at 6pm EST. 

- Also of note, Jeff Gordon will appear on a new special on CBS called "I Get That A Lot."  On the show, Gordon will portray a worker at an auto parts store.  The goal is that regular customers try to determine whether Gordon is himself, or a lookalike.  The show is scheduled to air at 8:00pm EST Wednesday, however, the time might be different based on your time zone.  Check your local listings.

Top News From The Past Week
by Phil Allaway

Budweiser Shootout Re-Branded as Sprint Unlimited

On Monday morning, Daytona International Speedway announced that they have reached a deal with Sprint to take over sponsorship of the Budweiser Shootout.  The race has been renamed the Sprint Unlimited.  In addition, the race is being dedicated to the fans.  Fans that attend the race on Saturday, February 16th will be eligible to receive "special upgraded race experiences."  These experiences include the roles of Honorary Starter, Grand Marshal, and Trophy Presenter in Victory Lane.  Other fans will get the opportunity to participate in pre-race driver introductions, or help escort the Sprint Unlimited winner's trophy to Victory Lane.

Sprint appears to be fully on board with the fan elements to the preliminary event.

"Sprint is entering its 10th season as title sponsor of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.  From the outset, we promised unprecedented access for race fans, and each year we challenge ourselves to honor that commitment in innovative ways," said Steve Gaffney, Sprint's Vice President of Marketing.  "Thanks to the strength of our partnership with NASCAR and Daytona International Speedway, we have designed The Sprint Unlimited so that fans play a major role in all aspects of the event. It is the ideal way to start this milestone season, and we look forward to sharing all of the details later this month."

Track President Joie Chitwood III is very excited about the new partnership with Sprint.

"Now more than ever, through our growing partnership with Sprint, The Sprint Unlimited will be the fans' race," Chitwood said.  "Sprint has been a great partner with Daytona and NASCAR, and they continue to raise the bar by engaging race fans in new and innovative ways.  We look forward to hearing about additional unique elements for this race in the coming weeks."

Last year, it was announced that the Sprint Unlimited would once again be a race for 2012 pole winners and past winners of the Busch Clash/Bud Shootout/Budweiser Shootout.  There are 22 drivers that are eligible to run in the race.  The race is scheduled to air live on FOX February 16th at 8:00pm EST.

Turner Motorsports Re-Brands

On Friday, Turner Motorsports announced that Harry Scott, Jr., an existing minority owner of the team, will expand his involvement with the organization to a full partnership with Steve Turner.  As a result, the team has been renamed Turner Scott Motorsports.

Scott has been a part of Turner Motorsports since 2009, when he joined up as a minority owner and sponsor of the team.  As of last season, Scott was listed as the official owner of record for Turner Motorsports' No. 30 Chevrolet in the Nationwide Series.

Scott is very happy to increase his role in race team.

"I am very excited to be taking on this new role within the organization," Scott said.  "As a Carolina native, NASCAR racing is something that has always been in my blood, and my passion for the sport has only grown since I began my involvement with Steve Turner a few years ago. He has built a very strong organization with incredibly talented people in place, and I can't thank him enough for the opportunity to be a co-owner of this team. This race team has already experienced so much early success at many different levels, and a lot of that has to do with the fact that everyone here is committed to working together toward a common goal. We are fortunate to have some of the best sponsors, partners and team members in the sport, and I look forward to continuing those relationships, as well as building new ones. I foresee a very bright future for Turner Scott Motorsports."

Turner is very happy to have Scott aboard as a full partner for 2013.

"Harry [Scott Jr.] becoming a co-owner is very positive for this organization as a whole," Turner said.  "This team has grown and accomplished so much in the last few years, and it is still continuing to grow. Harry has been committed to our racing program, its drivers and our sponsors for several years, and he is a vital part of our organization. He is passionate about our sport and our employees, and has proven himself as a very successful businessman, so putting him in charge of our marketing and business efforts is a natural and perfect fit. We have always considered him to be an integral part of the Turner Motorsports family, and this is an opportunity for him to formally take over some of the reins as we continue to build this organization into one of the most successful teams in NASCAR. I am very optimistic that Turner Scott Motorsports will build upon our solid base and achieve continued success."

Turner Scott Motorsports has committed to running three full-time teams in the Camping World Truck Series for Jeb Burton, defending champion James Buescher and Miguel Paludo.  In addition, the team will also field entries in the Nationwide Series, however, the team has not made their complete Nationwide plans public yet.  It is known that Buescher will once again race on a part-time basis in the series once again.  Another driver for the revolving door that has been the No. 30 in recent years could be Danica Patrick.  ESPN.com's Brant James reported on Wednesday that Patrick would drive a ten-race schedule for the team in 2013, bringing sponsorship from GoDaddy.com with her.

Allgaier and BRANDT Return to Turner Scott Motorsports for 2013

On Monday, Turner Scott Motorsports announced that Justin Allgaier will be back behind the wheel of the No. 31 Chevrolet for the entire 2013 Nationwide Series season.  BRANDT will be back to sponsor the team for the third consecutive year, committing themselves to primary sponsorship in 26 races.

Allgaier is excited to have BRANDT back in the fold for another year.

"I am so excited to come back with BRANDT on my car," Allgaier said.  "I've known the people at BRANDT for years and I could not be more proud of representing them on and off the track. They are a family-owned business with literal roots in my home community. I think that championship trophy will look incredible in their headquarters lobby!"

For BRANDT, 2013 is the company's 60th anniversary of it's founding.  As a result, it is a big deal.

"
2013 is a big milestone for our family-owned company," said Rick C. Brandt, BRANDT's President and CEO.  "What better way to celebrate than to run for the NASCAR Nationwide Series championship with Justin Allgaier and Turner Scott Motorsports? Returning as the primary sponsor with Justin shows our commitment and dedication to our motorsports marketing program, the same commitment and dedication we have shown to our customers, employees and the agriculture industry over the past 60 years. This is a year to celebrate our past 60 years, but also set the foundation for our future."

The "Ag Car" concept that BRANDT introduced at the beginning of 2012 will return for 2013.  This concept allows BRANDT, an Indiana-based company specializing in seeds and high quality fertilizers, to showcase the agriculture industry.

"
Unless you're in the business, you don't know how crucial the agriculture industry is to America and to the world," Brandt said.  "By promoting the Ag Car, we're shining a spotlight on the industry and educating millions of end consumers about the important role that the hard-working farmers, growers and other industry professionals play in modern day life."

Last season, Allgaier won one race (Montreal), had six top-5 and 19 top-10 finishes, finishing sixth in points.

Travis Pastrana to Roush Fenway Racing in 2013


On Thursday, Roush Fenway Racing officially announced that multiple-time Rally America Champion, AMA 125cc Champion and action sports legend Travis Pastrana will drive the team's No. 60 Ford Mustang full-time in the Nationwide Series.  Chad Norris, who served as Carl Edwards' crew chief in the Sprint Cup Series last year following Bob Osborne's health-induced departure, will serve as Pastrana's crew chief.

Pastrana is very excited about his opportunity to race full-time in the Nationwide Series.

"I am extremely excited about making the move into full-time NASCAR competition in 2013 and equally thrilled to have the opportunity to make that move with Jack Roush and the team at Roush Fenway Racing," Pastrana said in the team's press release.  "I am very serious about making this move, running competitively and ultimately winning races in NASCAR.  No team can claim the success in the Nationwide Series that Roush Fenway has, and I know driving an RFR Ford will provide me with the maximum opportunity to develop my skills behind the wheel of a stock car."

Last season, Pastrana drove in nine Nationwide races, eight for RAB Racing with Brack Maggard in their No. 99 Toyota, and one for Roush Fenway Racing in their No. 60 Ford.  Pastrana's best finish was a 13th at Indianapolis.  Pastrana's best qualifying effort was a fifth at Richmond in September, the lone start that he made in Roush Fenway Racing's No. 60.

The team did not announce any primary sponsorship in their press release.  However, it was stated that Pastrana "...will be partnered with a variety of sponsors during the season."

Grand-Am and ALMS Announce Combined Class Structure for 2014

On Friday, officials from Grand-Am Road Racing and the American Le Mans Series held a press conference at Daytona International Speedway where the much-anticipated class structure was finally clarified for the unified 2014 season.  Since new rules from the ACO are scheduled to take effect at the beginning of 2014, teams need to know the structure well ahead of time so that they can determine which classes to enter, or whether or not they need to acquire new equipment. 

For the most part, the new structure will be a combination of the existing classes in the two series.  The headlining class will be a combination of P2 and the Daytona Prototypes, with rules designed to equalize the two radically different types of cars.  Also of note, the radical Deltawing will be eligible for the new combined class, in addition to the other Lola, ORECA, Dallara, Coyote and Riley-built chassis.  Such a process might be a little easier said than done.  Daytona Prototypes and P2 cars have roughly equal power, but the performance is radically different.  P2 cars have a lot more downforce and corner much better.  Meanwhile, Daytona Prototypes are much faster in the straight line.

The LMPC, or Le Mans Prototype Challenge class, will continue completely intact, as will the ALMS' GTE class.  Both are considered to be the best in the world at the present time.  Grand-Am's GT class and ALMS' GTC (Grand Touring Challenge) class will be merged together into one class.  On paper, that shouldn't be too difficult to accomplish since only Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars race in ALMS' GTC class, but there are significant differences between the Porsches in Grand-Am and in GTC.  Grand-Am's GX class, which will debut at the Rolex 24 at Daytona in a couple of weeks, is up in the air.  It could either be merged into the combined Grand-Am GT and GTC class, or press on as a standalone class.

Officials are quite happy with the class structure.

"This is a 'best of both worlds' approach that reflects the fact we have a true merger evolving on a daily basis," said Richard Buck, Grand-AM's Managing Director of Competition.  "This announcement is only a first step in solidifying our class structure.  Our organizations' respective competition departments are working diligently on balance of performance for the top prototype class, plus overall class specifications across the board."

The only class that will not return for 2014 is the ALMS' headlining P1 class.  Car count in P1 has been fairly abysmal for years.  Last season, only two teams fielded teams for the entire season (Muscle Milk Pickett Racing and Dyson Racing).  However, that does not necessarily mean that P1 entries will not be allowed to race.  With the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring on the 2014 schedule, P1 teams will likely be allowed to enter certain races.

The combined series still does not have an official name as of yet.  A "name the series" contest closed entries on December 31st, with a name being announced at a later date.  Also, the announcement on Friday did not include any official class titles.  Those will be decided at some point in the future.

Kvapil and Cassill to Retain BK Racing Seats?

According to Sporting News' Bob Pockrass, it appears very likely that Landon Cassill and Travis Kvapil will retain their seats with BK Racing for the 2013 season.  A team spokesman has stated that the duo will be in Daytona later this week in order to test BK Racing's Toyotas ahead of Speedweeks.  An official announcement has not yet been made as of yet.

Have news for Phil and the Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at ashland10@mail.com with a promising lead or tip.

TODAY AT THE FRONTSTRETCH:

DRIVER REVIEWS -- A FULL SCHEDULE IS UP! FIND THE ONES YOU MISSED AND GIVE US YOUR TAKE ON YOUR DRIVER'S FAVORITE SEASON.
OUT TODAY:

2012 NASCAR Driver Review: David Reutimann
by Mike Neff

2012 NASCAR Driver Review: David Ragan
by Vito Pugliese

2012 NASCAR Driver Review: Regan Smith
by Summer Bedgood

 
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q:
  In 1986, Jack Ingram appeared to be well on his way to his third Busch Grand National Championship.  However, an off-track incident saw the veteran suspended late in the season, which allowed Larry Pearson to win his first title.  What happened to cause NASCAR to suspend Ingram?
 
Check back next Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
 
Last Monday's Answer:
Q.
The half-mile Portland Speedway was on the schedule for the now-Camping World Truck Series in each of the series' first four seasons as part of a Northwest swing along with Monroe, Washington's Evergreen Speedway.  However, 1999 saw the race shift to Portland International Raceway, the city-owned 1.95-mile road course.  Why did this adjustment happen?
 
A. After the 1998 race, NASCAR came to Portland Speedway and demanded that they repave the half-mile oval.  Unfortunately, the track's leaseholders couldn't afford to do it.  The actual property owners were not willing to help, and due to having a year-to-year lease, it was impossible to get a loan to pay for the work.  As a result, NASCAR chose to dump Portland Speedway from the schedule and moved the race to the road course, located roughly one mile west of Portland Speedway.  Presently, the track is an abandoned field directly behind the Portland Meadows horse racing track.
 
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 Monday, January 14th, 2013 in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more ... including our 2012 Driver Reviews!
 
Coming tomorrow at Frontstretch:
Mirror Driving by the Frontstretch Staff
Every Wednesday throughout the offseason your favorite experts will convene to discuss some major NASCAR issues of 2012 -- and what the series faces heading into 2013.

Throwback Thursdays by the Frontstretch Staff
New Year, old favorites. During the offseason, take a look at some of our columnists' best stories from 2012 -- and earlier in their careers -- as they share what features are near and dear to their heart. A guaranteed set of great reads that'll whet your appetite for racing to return in February.

Coming Monday, January 14th at Frontstretch:
2012 Driver Reviews
by the Frontstretch Staff
Our driver reviews will continue.  The schedule can be found here.
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