THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
January 15th, 2013
Volume VII, Edition III
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 more Sprint Cup testing this week. On Thursday, the intermediate Gen 6 cars will get another workout at Charlotte Motor Speedway. This test will last for two days and is open to the public. Like the last test session in December, fans can enter through Gate 5a for free both days. However, the test will not be televised.
- In addition, Saturday night is the NMPA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, scheduled to be held at the Hilton Charlotte University Place in Charlotte. Ken Squier, Jim Hunter and Dr. Joe Mattioli will be inducted into the NMPA Hall of Fame, which is located on the grounds of Darlington Raceway in South Carolina.
Top News From The Past Week
by Phil Allaway
NASCAR Holds Preseason Thunder at Daytona
Last week, NASCAR held their annual winter open test at Daytona International Speedway. 35 teams descended on the 2.5 mile tri-oval for three days of single-car and multi-car runs in an attempt to prepare for Speedweeks in February. In addition, the teams were testing out guidelines for restrictor-plate cars as laid down by NASCAR. These rules included a four inch tall rear spoiler that is 53 inches wide at a 70 degree angle, the same plate as last year (29/32nd's of an inch), a small air opening that is a little wider, but not as tall, and a maximum pressure on the release valve of 32 psi.
Drivers found significant differences in how the Gen6 cars drove as compared to the previous Generation 5 COT's, especially in the draft. Tandem drafting appears to be a thing of the past due to bumpers that no longer line up perfectly, plus front bumpers that are not flat. Having said that, some drivers did attempt to tandem draft on Thursday, but found that they didn't pick up much speed at all over running in a pack.
The lack of pack racing experience over the past couple of years led to trouble on Friday. By that point, a large pack of roughly 19 drivers were running together on-track. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. ran up on the back of Marcos Ambrose and accidently turned the Stanley Ford into the outside wall on the backstretch. The resulting pile-up involved Ambrose, Brad Keselowski, Kyle Busch, Jeff Gordon, Regan Smith, Aric Almirola, Jamie McMurray, Kasey Kahne, Joey Logano and Carl Edwards. Only Edwards' team had a backup car in Daytona to go to. Busch' team chose to repair their M&M's Toyota. The other drivers involved were done for the test. Earlier that day, Dave Blaney hit the wall and was forced to withdraw from the test.
In the single-car runs, there were three drivers that were the clear cut fastest in town. Late on Saturday afternoon, Greg Biffle turned the fastest single-car lap of the test at 194.935 mph. This is faster than last year's pole speed for the Daytona 500. Jeff Burton turned in the second fastest speed at 194.835 mph on Friday morning. Matt Kenseth in his new Dollar General/Home Depot Toyota was third fastest with a lap at 194.717 mph turned on Saturday.
In the draft, the fastest times were set on Friday afternoon prior to the big crash. With the large draft in play, many drivers turned laps at over 199 mph. Trevor Bayne was the fastest of these drivers with a lap at 199.650 mph.
Michael Waltrip to Drive for Swan Racing in Daytona 500
Swan Racing announced on Thursday that two-time Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip will drive the team's No. 30 Swan Energy Toyota in the Daytona 500 as part of a one-race deal. David Stremme will remain as the team's regular driver and will debut with the team in Phoenix. The move will allow Waltrip to make his 28th attempt to qualify for the Great American Race.
Waltrip is very excited about this new opportunity.
"I am thrilled to drive the No. 30 Toyota for Swan Racing and the chance to win a third Daytona 500," Waltrip said. "Reuniting with Tony Jr. and Steve Hmiel brings back a lot of good memories and is going to create new ones."
Team owner Brandon Davis is amped about Waltrip joining up for Daytona.
"Swan Racing is here to compete and to build a championship contender," Davis said. "This one-race partnership with Michael puts a two-time champion behind the wheel and the No. 30 in the mix at the Daytona 500."
For Swan Racing, getting into the Daytona 500 is not a guarantee. The team ended 2012 38th in owners points. If the top-35 rule were carried over to the upcoming season, they would have to either qualify on speed, or race into the event. With a return to the top-36 and provisionals format, the team may have a slightly easier time getting into the race.
Guy Roofing to Sponsor Regan Smith, Phoenix Racing at Daytona
On Wednesday, Phoenix Racing (via Breaking Limits) announced that they have reached a deal with Guy Roofing to sponsor the team at Daytona during Speedweeks. The Spartanburg, SC-based roof contracting company will serve as the primary sponsor of the No. 51 Chevrolet SS for Regan Smith in the Sprint Cup Series, and the No. 1 Chevrolet Camaro for Kurt Busch in the Nationwide Series. The Guy Roofing decals were already proudly displayed on Phoenix Racing's No. 51 during the recently completed Preseason Thunder test.
Phoenix Racing owner James Finch, himself based out of Spartanburg, is proud to have Guy Roofing onboard for Daytona.
"Phoenix Racing is thrilled to have Guy Roofing partner with us for the races in Daytona," Finch said. "There's not a better way for them to enter the NASCAR arena than to be part of those events. We're excited for NASCAR fans to learn about their company and find out about the tremendous services that they offer."
Guy Roofing is very happy to announce their first involvement in NASCAR.
"NASCAR started as a small organization, and has grown into a long established national sport," said Jeff Guy, Vice President of Guy Roofing. "With NASCAR series tracks in virtually all of the market areas where Guy Roofing provides our services, it made perfect sense for us to partner with Phoenix Racing. Stock car racing is an American tradition, in many cases passed down from generation to generation. As a third-generation family operated business, Guy Roofing values the commitment to excellence and quality that enable operations like NASCAR to withstand the test of time and continue to grow. It is that dedication that truly illustrates the American spirit."
Phoenix Racing plans on running Smith in a limited schedule in the No. 51 that doesn't conflict with Smith's full-time Nationwide schedule. Austin Dillon is scheduled to drive the No. 51 at Las Vegas, bringing Tag Heuer Eyewear back to the team in a one-race deal. AJ Allmendinger is also in line to drive up to 20 races.
Brad Keselowski Racing Announces Two Truck Full-Time CWTS Assault
On Tuesday morning, Brad Keselowski Racing (BKR) officially announced their package for the 2013 Camping World Truck Series season. Since BKR is essentially a satellite operation of Penske Racing, they will mirror Penske Racing and switch from RAM to Ford for the 2013 season. Ryan Blaney will return to the No. 29 for the full season with sponsorship from Cooper Standard for the full season. Previously, Cooper Standard split sponsorship with the Cequent Group.
Cooper Standard is very happy about stepping up to a full-time primary sponsor of BKR.
"We are excited to partner with Brad Keselowski and the BKR team again for the 2013 season," said Keith Stephenson, COO of Cooper Standard. "Racing has proven to be a useful business tool for our company with both customers and employees and continues to help build the Cooper Standard Brand."
The No. 19 truck, which has previously been a part-time truck that team owner Brad Keselowski has driven in multiple races, will now be a full-time truck. The team plans to employ a number of drivers in an attempt to win the owner's championship. The primary driver will be Sophomore racer Ross Chastain, previously of SS-Green Light Racing. Chastain will be in the truck for 15 of the 22 races, the first of which being the season opener in Daytona on February 22nd. Personal sponsor Melon 1 will be on the truck for five of those races.
Meanwhile, Cequent Group's sponsorship (via their brands Draw-Tite, Reese Towpower, Bulldog and Harper) will be the primary sponsor for 15 of the remaining 17 races. Keselowski will drive in some of those races, as his Sprint Cup teammate Joey Logano. In addition, the team announced that they have signed Dave Blaney to drive the No. 19 at the Mudsummer Classic, Eldora Speedway's first-ever Camping World Truck Series race in July. Finally, the team named Chad Kendrick as the team's full-time crew chief.
Team owner Brad Keselowski is very excited for the upcoming season.
"I couldn't be more pleased with the way 2013 is shaping up for BKR," Keselowski said. "With enhanced support from our long time returning partners, Cooper Standard and Cequent Group, we are poised for a successful season. We have been able to retain and attract top notch personnel. The crew chiefs, drivers, and team members all put their hearts into this organization. Hard work equals results, and I am proud of each and every teammate's passion for excellence. Last season was a huge stepping stone for the organization as we claimed our first victory. We are looking forward to building on last year's success this season."
Blaney was signed to the No. 29 in August after BKR parted ways with Parker Kligerman. In the nine races that Blaney drove for the team (Blaney missed Las Vegas due to a conflict), Blaney won at Iowa in only his third career start, earned one other top-5 finish, and five top-10's.
Chastain ran all 22 races last season and finished 17th in points. However, that finish is not necessarily a true indicator of how well he ran during the season. The early part of the year was highlighted by engine failures in three of the first eight races. Also, SS-Green Light Racing's finances caught up with Chastain towards the end of the season, forcing him to start-and-park four times. In between those, Chastain had a career-best third-place finish at Bristol in August and four top-10 finishes.
Arrowhead to Sponsor Jeb Burton
Turner Scott Motorsports announced on Wednesday that Arrowhead, a new brand of disposable electronic cigarette, will serve as the primary sponsor of Jeb Burton's No. 4 Chevrolet Silverado for the whole 2013 Camping World Truck Series season.
Burton is very pleased to have Arrowhead behind him during his campaign.
Arrowhead is a new product from Sequoyah Brands, based out of South Boston, VA. Sequoyah Brands' President is very pleased to have Burton in the fold for 2103.
"We look forward to the Arrowhead brand shooting straight to the top of the leaderboard, not only on the racetrack, but in the marketplace as well," said Kathy Farley, President of Sequoyah Brands. "We are confident in Turner Scott Motorsports and in Jeb's ability on the track. We know that Jeb will represent Arrowhead with class and continue the Burton family tradition of excellence in racing."
"I am so thankful to have the opportunity to represent Arrowhead in 2013," Burton said in a press release. "We all have high expectations for the 2013 season, including capturing the Rookie of the Year title and competing for wins in NCWTS. I feel like we have a very solid foundation here at Turner Scott Motorsports and this partnership will solidify it even more. It's clear that Turner Scott Motorsports is a growing organization that believes in young talent, perfect for Arrowhead and me to continue the Burton family racing legacy."
Last year, Burton joined Hillman Racing in what was originally going to be an assault on the Rookie of the Year Award. However, the team began the season with backing from State Water Heaters for only six races. Burton's father, Ward, drove at Daytona since Jeb was not approved to race on the 2.5 mile tri-oval. Afterwards, Jeb drove five races in the No. 27 Chevrolet, finishing a career-best eighth at Charlotte and earning three top-15 finishes. Burton will join defending champion James Buescher and Miguel Paludo in Turner Scott Motorsports' Truck Series stable.
News Bites:
- Apex Times is reporting that Canadian racer Dexter Stacey is planning to start his own Nationwide team for the 2013 season. That team will run Fords using the No. 92 and David Ingram would serve as Stacey's crew chief. Most recently, Ingram has served as Morgan Shepherd's crew chief. The team plans on running the full schedule and will not start-and-park. Having said that, the team is still searching for sponsorship.
Stacey made seven Nationwide starts in 2012. The first of those races came at Watkins Glen with R3 Motorsports. Later, Stacey drove in six races in Go Green Racing's No. 39 Ford Mustang. Stacey's best finish was a 24th at Chicagoland Speedway in September.
- SPEED.com's Robin Miller is reporting that both Kevin Swindell and Kyle Larson are likely to move up to the Nationwide Series on a full-time basis in 2013. Swindell's ride would be with Biagi-DenBeste Racing, a team that the four-time winner of the Chili Bowl drove for in two races towards the end of 2012. Swindell finished a career-best ninth at Texas in November, which was the best finish for the team since they returned to the series after a nearly six year absence. As for Larson, Miller reports that Larson will find out this week what his NASCAR plans for 2013 will be from Chip Ganassi (Larson is a Ganassi development driver). There is a decent chance that Larson could be full-time in the Nationwide Series in 2013 in a Target-sponsored Chevrolet with the opportunity to run a couple of Sprint Cup races in a third Earnhardt Ganassi Racing Chevrolet.
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's Featured Commentary
The 2013 NASCAR Season: It's Just Bound to Be
Sitting In The Stands: A Fan's View
by S.D. Grady
Some things in life are simply unavoidable: clocks strike twelve daily, there's always somebody at the traffic light who forgot what the accelerator is for, breakfast foods are somehow the most boring and exciting menu items at the same time. And while NASCAR may take a winter hiatus, our favorite sport always returns before we have a real opportunity to forget all that we love about it.
With the arrival of the new Gen6 cars at Daytona International Speedway and the familiar sounds of DW and Larry Mac filling my living room during testing, I pondered what other inevitable sights and sounds we're looking forward to this season.
1.) Cars that look like...cars.
Yes, even with all the primer black, bright green ethanol stickers and undeniable stock car appearance of the latest iteration of the NASCAR Sprint car, the new Gen6 looks like..Chevys, Fords and Camrys. They do! The rear end is chopped off, just like so many other vehicles parked in show rooms. It's refreshing to see the R&D center got something right!
2.) Pack racing at the plate tracks.
Well, the waltzing is over. With the new aero packages and bumper shapes, the prom will not make a return trip to Daytona or Talladega this year in the Cup Series. Instead, the drivers have car control--or a lack of it, in some cases--and that means three-wide, crazy ass pack racing is back.
I'm sure the Big One will still play a major role in these events, but it'll be riveting to watch them arrive at that moment.
3.) Hours and hours of references to everybody's favorite GoDaddy girl.
Well, there's no denying Danica is a pretty woman. The camera likes her, and the relationship seems to be mutual. For no other reason, I'm sure the production truck will make sure to capture her attempting every mundane task imaginable as she works her way through her "rookie" season. Already we got to see her climb under her No. 10 to inspect a part.
Imagine that. A driver checking out their ride. Clearly award winning coverage.
4.) Brad Keselowski putting it out there that everybody else is just a wuss.
5.) Jimmie Johnson "playing it safe" and still ending up in the mix come November.
I'll just comment on the two of these together. For years now Johnson and Knaus have been masters of the head game. They will "try out new stuff" early in the season while logging one or two wins to ensure entry into the Chase. They don't ever act too worried. The No. 48 will definitely be in the Chase come September.
Meanwhile, last year it was clear that our current champion Brad Keselowski liked to utilize the more obvious frontal attack in the "messing with the competition" world. Bad Brad enjoys sounding bold, boastful and cocky. This week he was already teasing JJ and Co. for hanging out back during the drafting test, they said they were just avoiding conflict for the Lowes Chevy.
Yeah, maybe it is an overly conservative approach to testing out the new car. But look who has their brand spanking new Gen6 car still in one piece.
It seems like Chad and Jimmie ain't so stupid after all.
6.) More jet dryer jokes than you can hit at Daytona
It's been an entire year, and yet we still can't seem to drop the subject. I've already seen more highlight reels of the most impossible NASCAR moment this year than of Brad and Jimmie fighting for the Cup. Don't hold your breath; nobody is going to fail to mention the infamous explosion given any kind of opportunity.
7.) Pre-season, pre-race and in-race segments that attempt to explain our sport to us.
Even though sometimes I bemoan the existence of some of the more simplistic tire segments, when the cars arrive in February to start qualifying for the Great American Race, I need these back-to-school bits. I shall never be able to explain to somebody else how the 500 grid is set. I don't know if I want to give up that many brain cells in the attempt.
Now with the Top 35 rule in the bin, all sorts of new safety equipment and the usual musical chairs of drivers, I feel like these basics are required more than usual. Rolling out the chalkboard isn't such a bad idea, after all.
8.) The hope that we will see great racing at some point this year.
I know not every Sunday will bring an instant classic; there are more trips to the track I remember for the BBQ than the action on the track. However, there are enough edge-of-my-seat memories that I continue to tune into SPEED, FOX, ESPN and TNT as the NASCAR schedule requires.
Last year I made the trek down the Bristol. The weekend where Danica admonished Regan Smith and Kenseth actually ticked off Smoke enough to get the ex-Champ to throw his helmet. I have pics of mods on the high banks, the rubber from burnouts on the track surface and a blizzard of confetti floating down in the August night. There are memories of the sounds, smells and lights.
That one magic weekend was enough to get me all revved up for another year of racing and to look forward to...
9.) A green flag on Feb. 24th.
Yes, it's going to happen. First there's going to be the Rolex 24, some short track action on the Superstretch, loads of aimless on-air chatter by the SPEED crew, a batch of new TV ads, some last minute driver and crew chief shuffles and a week of TV coverage all building up to the moment when we gather together at the track, in our living rooms, garages and now even on Twitter--the time when we all raise up our voices and give the command, "Drivers! Start your engines!"
It's going to be a great season!
S.D. Grady is a Senior Editor for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via e-mail at sonya.grady@frontstretch.com. Follow her on Twitter at @laregna.
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: Parker Kligerman
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Preseason Thunder Testing Provides a Glimpse of the Season Ahead
by Matt Stallknecht
Pace Laps: NASCAR Can Build On This, Open-Wheel Offseason Antics And As The Busch Turns
by the Frontstretch Staff
NASCAR Holds Preseason Thunder at Daytona
Last week, NASCAR held their annual winter open test at Daytona International Speedway. 35 teams descended on the 2.5 mile tri-oval for three days of single-car and multi-car runs in an attempt to prepare for Speedweeks in February. In addition, the teams were testing out guidelines for restrictor-plate cars as laid down by NASCAR. These rules included a four inch tall rear spoiler that is 53 inches wide at a 70 degree angle, the same plate as last year (29/32nd's of an inch), a small air opening that is a little wider, but not as tall, and a maximum pressure on the release valve of 32 psi.
Drivers found significant differences in how the Gen6 cars drove as compared to the previous Generation 5 COT's, especially in the draft. Tandem drafting appears to be a thing of the past due to bumpers that no longer line up perfectly, plus front bumpers that are not flat. Having said that, some drivers did attempt to tandem draft on Thursday, but found that they didn't pick up much speed at all over running in a pack.
The lack of pack racing experience over the past couple of years led to trouble on Friday. By that point, a large pack of roughly 19 drivers were running together on-track. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. ran up on the back of Marcos Ambrose and accidently turned the Stanley Ford into the outside wall on the backstretch. The resulting pile-up involved Ambrose, Brad Keselowski, Kyle Busch, Jeff Gordon, Regan Smith, Aric Almirola, Jamie McMurray, Kasey Kahne, Joey Logano and Carl Edwards. Only Edwards' team had a backup car in Daytona to go to. Busch' team chose to repair their M&M's Toyota. The other drivers involved were done for the test. Earlier that day, Dave Blaney hit the wall and was forced to withdraw from the test.
In the single-car runs, there were three drivers that were the clear cut fastest in town. Late on Saturday afternoon, Greg Biffle turned the fastest single-car lap of the test at 194.935 mph. This is faster than last year's pole speed for the Daytona 500. Jeff Burton turned in the second fastest speed at 194.835 mph on Friday morning. Matt Kenseth in his new Dollar General/Home Depot Toyota was third fastest with a lap at 194.717 mph turned on Saturday.
In the draft, the fastest times were set on Friday afternoon prior to the big crash. With the large draft in play, many drivers turned laps at over 199 mph. Trevor Bayne was the fastest of these drivers with a lap at 199.650 mph.
Michael Waltrip to Drive for Swan Racing in Daytona 500
Swan Racing announced on Thursday that two-time Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip will drive the team's No. 30 Swan Energy Toyota in the Daytona 500 as part of a one-race deal. David Stremme will remain as the team's regular driver and will debut with the team in Phoenix. The move will allow Waltrip to make his 28th attempt to qualify for the Great American Race.
Waltrip is very excited about this new opportunity.
"I am thrilled to drive the No. 30 Toyota for Swan Racing and the chance to win a third Daytona 500," Waltrip said. "Reuniting with Tony Jr. and Steve Hmiel brings back a lot of good memories and is going to create new ones."
Team owner Brandon Davis is amped about Waltrip joining up for Daytona.
"Swan Racing is here to compete and to build a championship contender," Davis said. "This one-race partnership with Michael puts a two-time champion behind the wheel and the No. 30 in the mix at the Daytona 500."
For Swan Racing, getting into the Daytona 500 is not a guarantee. The team ended 2012 38th in owners points. If the top-35 rule were carried over to the upcoming season, they would have to either qualify on speed, or race into the event. With a return to the top-36 and provisionals format, the team may have a slightly easier time getting into the race.
Guy Roofing to Sponsor Regan Smith, Phoenix Racing at Daytona
On Wednesday, Phoenix Racing (via Breaking Limits) announced that they have reached a deal with Guy Roofing to sponsor the team at Daytona during Speedweeks. The Spartanburg, SC-based roof contracting company will serve as the primary sponsor of the No. 51 Chevrolet SS for Regan Smith in the Sprint Cup Series, and the No. 1 Chevrolet Camaro for Kurt Busch in the Nationwide Series. The Guy Roofing decals were already proudly displayed on Phoenix Racing's No. 51 during the recently completed Preseason Thunder test.
Phoenix Racing owner James Finch, himself based out of Spartanburg, is proud to have Guy Roofing onboard for Daytona.
"Phoenix Racing is thrilled to have Guy Roofing partner with us for the races in Daytona," Finch said. "There's not a better way for them to enter the NASCAR arena than to be part of those events. We're excited for NASCAR fans to learn about their company and find out about the tremendous services that they offer."
Guy Roofing is very happy to announce their first involvement in NASCAR.
"NASCAR started as a small organization, and has grown into a long established national sport," said Jeff Guy, Vice President of Guy Roofing. "With NASCAR series tracks in virtually all of the market areas where Guy Roofing provides our services, it made perfect sense for us to partner with Phoenix Racing. Stock car racing is an American tradition, in many cases passed down from generation to generation. As a third-generation family operated business, Guy Roofing values the commitment to excellence and quality that enable operations like NASCAR to withstand the test of time and continue to grow. It is that dedication that truly illustrates the American spirit."
Phoenix Racing plans on running Smith in a limited schedule in the No. 51 that doesn't conflict with Smith's full-time Nationwide schedule. Austin Dillon is scheduled to drive the No. 51 at Las Vegas, bringing Tag Heuer Eyewear back to the team in a one-race deal. AJ Allmendinger is also in line to drive up to 20 races.
Brad Keselowski Racing Announces Two Truck Full-Time CWTS Assault
On Tuesday morning, Brad Keselowski Racing (BKR) officially announced their package for the 2013 Camping World Truck Series season. Since BKR is essentially a satellite operation of Penske Racing, they will mirror Penske Racing and switch from RAM to Ford for the 2013 season. Ryan Blaney will return to the No. 29 for the full season with sponsorship from Cooper Standard for the full season. Previously, Cooper Standard split sponsorship with the Cequent Group.
Cooper Standard is very happy about stepping up to a full-time primary sponsor of BKR.
"We are excited to partner with Brad Keselowski and the BKR team again for the 2013 season," said Keith Stephenson, COO of Cooper Standard. "Racing has proven to be a useful business tool for our company with both customers and employees and continues to help build the Cooper Standard Brand."
The No. 19 truck, which has previously been a part-time truck that team owner Brad Keselowski has driven in multiple races, will now be a full-time truck. The team plans to employ a number of drivers in an attempt to win the owner's championship. The primary driver will be Sophomore racer Ross Chastain, previously of SS-Green Light Racing. Chastain will be in the truck for 15 of the 22 races, the first of which being the season opener in Daytona on February 22nd. Personal sponsor Melon 1 will be on the truck for five of those races.
Meanwhile, Cequent Group's sponsorship (via their brands Draw-Tite, Reese Towpower, Bulldog and Harper) will be the primary sponsor for 15 of the remaining 17 races. Keselowski will drive in some of those races, as his Sprint Cup teammate Joey Logano. In addition, the team announced that they have signed Dave Blaney to drive the No. 19 at the Mudsummer Classic, Eldora Speedway's first-ever Camping World Truck Series race in July. Finally, the team named Chad Kendrick as the team's full-time crew chief.
Team owner Brad Keselowski is very excited for the upcoming season.
"I couldn't be more pleased with the way 2013 is shaping up for BKR," Keselowski said. "With enhanced support from our long time returning partners, Cooper Standard and Cequent Group, we are poised for a successful season. We have been able to retain and attract top notch personnel. The crew chiefs, drivers, and team members all put their hearts into this organization. Hard work equals results, and I am proud of each and every teammate's passion for excellence. Last season was a huge stepping stone for the organization as we claimed our first victory. We are looking forward to building on last year's success this season."
Blaney was signed to the No. 29 in August after BKR parted ways with Parker Kligerman. In the nine races that Blaney drove for the team (Blaney missed Las Vegas due to a conflict), Blaney won at Iowa in only his third career start, earned one other top-5 finish, and five top-10's.
Chastain ran all 22 races last season and finished 17th in points. However, that finish is not necessarily a true indicator of how well he ran during the season. The early part of the year was highlighted by engine failures in three of the first eight races. Also, SS-Green Light Racing's finances caught up with Chastain towards the end of the season, forcing him to start-and-park four times. In between those, Chastain had a career-best third-place finish at Bristol in August and four top-10 finishes.
Arrowhead to Sponsor Jeb Burton
Turner Scott Motorsports announced on Wednesday that Arrowhead, a new brand of disposable electronic cigarette, will serve as the primary sponsor of Jeb Burton's No. 4 Chevrolet Silverado for the whole 2013 Camping World Truck Series season.
Burton is very pleased to have Arrowhead behind him during his campaign.
Arrowhead is a new product from Sequoyah Brands, based out of South Boston, VA. Sequoyah Brands' President is very pleased to have Burton in the fold for 2103.
"We look forward to the Arrowhead brand shooting straight to the top of the leaderboard, not only on the racetrack, but in the marketplace as well," said Kathy Farley, President of Sequoyah Brands. "We are confident in Turner Scott Motorsports and in Jeb's ability on the track. We know that Jeb will represent Arrowhead with class and continue the Burton family tradition of excellence in racing."
"I am so thankful to have the opportunity to represent Arrowhead in 2013," Burton said in a press release. "We all have high expectations for the 2013 season, including capturing the Rookie of the Year title and competing for wins in NCWTS. I feel like we have a very solid foundation here at Turner Scott Motorsports and this partnership will solidify it even more. It's clear that Turner Scott Motorsports is a growing organization that believes in young talent, perfect for Arrowhead and me to continue the Burton family racing legacy."
Last year, Burton joined Hillman Racing in what was originally going to be an assault on the Rookie of the Year Award. However, the team began the season with backing from State Water Heaters for only six races. Burton's father, Ward, drove at Daytona since Jeb was not approved to race on the 2.5 mile tri-oval. Afterwards, Jeb drove five races in the No. 27 Chevrolet, finishing a career-best eighth at Charlotte and earning three top-15 finishes. Burton will join defending champion James Buescher and Miguel Paludo in Turner Scott Motorsports' Truck Series stable.
News Bites:
- Apex Times is reporting that Canadian racer Dexter Stacey is planning to start his own Nationwide team for the 2013 season. That team will run Fords using the No. 92 and David Ingram would serve as Stacey's crew chief. Most recently, Ingram has served as Morgan Shepherd's crew chief. The team plans on running the full schedule and will not start-and-park. Having said that, the team is still searching for sponsorship.
Stacey made seven Nationwide starts in 2012. The first of those races came at Watkins Glen with R3 Motorsports. Later, Stacey drove in six races in Go Green Racing's No. 39 Ford Mustang. Stacey's best finish was a 24th at Chicagoland Speedway in September.
- SPEED.com's Robin Miller is reporting that both Kevin Swindell and Kyle Larson are likely to move up to the Nationwide Series on a full-time basis in 2013. Swindell's ride would be with Biagi-DenBeste Racing, a team that the four-time winner of the Chili Bowl drove for in two races towards the end of 2012. Swindell finished a career-best ninth at Texas in November, which was the best finish for the team since they returned to the series after a nearly six year absence. As for Larson, Miller reports that Larson will find out this week what his NASCAR plans for 2013 will be from Chip Ganassi (Larson is a Ganassi development driver). There is a decent chance that Larson could be full-time in the Nationwide Series in 2013 in a Target-sponsored Chevrolet with the opportunity to run a couple of Sprint Cup races in a third Earnhardt Ganassi Racing Chevrolet.
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's Featured Commentary
The 2013 NASCAR Season: It's Just Bound to Be
Sitting In The Stands: A Fan's View
by S.D. Grady
Some things in life are simply unavoidable: clocks strike twelve daily, there's always somebody at the traffic light who forgot what the accelerator is for, breakfast foods are somehow the most boring and exciting menu items at the same time. And while NASCAR may take a winter hiatus, our favorite sport always returns before we have a real opportunity to forget all that we love about it.
With the arrival of the new Gen6 cars at Daytona International Speedway and the familiar sounds of DW and Larry Mac filling my living room during testing, I pondered what other inevitable sights and sounds we're looking forward to this season.
1.) Cars that look like...cars.
Yes, even with all the primer black, bright green ethanol stickers and undeniable stock car appearance of the latest iteration of the NASCAR Sprint car, the new Gen6 looks like..Chevys, Fords and Camrys. They do! The rear end is chopped off, just like so many other vehicles parked in show rooms. It's refreshing to see the R&D center got something right!
2.) Pack racing at the plate tracks.
Well, the waltzing is over. With the new aero packages and bumper shapes, the prom will not make a return trip to Daytona or Talladega this year in the Cup Series. Instead, the drivers have car control--or a lack of it, in some cases--and that means three-wide, crazy ass pack racing is back.
I'm sure the Big One will still play a major role in these events, but it'll be riveting to watch them arrive at that moment.
3.) Hours and hours of references to everybody's favorite GoDaddy girl.
Well, there's no denying Danica is a pretty woman. The camera likes her, and the relationship seems to be mutual. For no other reason, I'm sure the production truck will make sure to capture her attempting every mundane task imaginable as she works her way through her "rookie" season. Already we got to see her climb under her No. 10 to inspect a part.
Imagine that. A driver checking out their ride. Clearly award winning coverage.
4.) Brad Keselowski putting it out there that everybody else is just a wuss.
5.) Jimmie Johnson "playing it safe" and still ending up in the mix come November.
I'll just comment on the two of these together. For years now Johnson and Knaus have been masters of the head game. They will "try out new stuff" early in the season while logging one or two wins to ensure entry into the Chase. They don't ever act too worried. The No. 48 will definitely be in the Chase come September.
Meanwhile, last year it was clear that our current champion Brad Keselowski liked to utilize the more obvious frontal attack in the "messing with the competition" world. Bad Brad enjoys sounding bold, boastful and cocky. This week he was already teasing JJ and Co. for hanging out back during the drafting test, they said they were just avoiding conflict for the Lowes Chevy.
Yeah, maybe it is an overly conservative approach to testing out the new car. But look who has their brand spanking new Gen6 car still in one piece.
It seems like Chad and Jimmie ain't so stupid after all.
6.) More jet dryer jokes than you can hit at Daytona
It's been an entire year, and yet we still can't seem to drop the subject. I've already seen more highlight reels of the most impossible NASCAR moment this year than of Brad and Jimmie fighting for the Cup. Don't hold your breath; nobody is going to fail to mention the infamous explosion given any kind of opportunity.
7.) Pre-season, pre-race and in-race segments that attempt to explain our sport to us.
Even though sometimes I bemoan the existence of some of the more simplistic tire segments, when the cars arrive in February to start qualifying for the Great American Race, I need these back-to-school bits. I shall never be able to explain to somebody else how the 500 grid is set. I don't know if I want to give up that many brain cells in the attempt.
Now with the Top 35 rule in the bin, all sorts of new safety equipment and the usual musical chairs of drivers, I feel like these basics are required more than usual. Rolling out the chalkboard isn't such a bad idea, after all.
8.) The hope that we will see great racing at some point this year.
I know not every Sunday will bring an instant classic; there are more trips to the track I remember for the BBQ than the action on the track. However, there are enough edge-of-my-seat memories that I continue to tune into SPEED, FOX, ESPN and TNT as the NASCAR schedule requires.
Last year I made the trek down the Bristol. The weekend where Danica admonished Regan Smith and Kenseth actually ticked off Smoke enough to get the ex-Champ to throw his helmet. I have pics of mods on the high banks, the rubber from burnouts on the track surface and a blizzard of confetti floating down in the August night. There are memories of the sounds, smells and lights.
That one magic weekend was enough to get me all revved up for another year of racing and to look forward to...
9.) A green flag on Feb. 24th.
Yes, it's going to happen. First there's going to be the Rolex 24, some short track action on the Superstretch, loads of aimless on-air chatter by the SPEED crew, a batch of new TV ads, some last minute driver and crew chief shuffles and a week of TV coverage all building up to the moment when we gather together at the track, in our living rooms, garages and now even on Twitter--the time when we all raise up our voices and give the command, "Drivers! Start your engines!"
It's going to be a great season!
S.D. Grady is a Senior Editor for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via e-mail at sonya.grady@frontstretch.com. Follow her on Twitter at @laregna.
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: Parker Kligerman
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Preseason Thunder Testing Provides a Glimpse of the Season Ahead
by Matt Stallknecht
Pace Laps: NASCAR Can Build On This, Open-Wheel Offseason Antics And As The Busch Turns
by the Frontstretch Staff
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: In 1993, Michael Andretti's short tenure in Formula One came to an end with his best career finish, a third, at the Grand Prix of Italy in Monza. However, there was a spectacular crash coming to the finish. What happened?
Check back next Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Last Monday's Answer:
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?
A. The day after the fall race at Dover, Ingram decided to go to Asheville, NC to race in a 200-lap late model race at then-New Asheville Speedway. With 29 laps to go, Ingram collided with Ronnie Pressley (Robert's cousin) and spun out exiting Turn 4. Ingram was also hit by Larry Ogle. Ingram claims that he tried to dump the clutch so that he could spin around and resume, but the car wouldn't spin. The result of this was that Ingram drove straight head-on into Pressley. Heck broke loose after that. In "Second to None," Ingram claims that off-duty cops moonlighting as security guards at the track handcuffed him, then beat him, breaking ribs in the process before they finally released him, allowing him to leave. NASCAR determined that Ingram's actions were intentional, fined him $5,000 and suspended him indefinitely from competition. Ultimately, he missed two Busch races, but it was enough to swallow up his 246 point lead. This clip from USA Network's coverage of the 1986 Sandhills 200 from Rockingham includes footage of the Asheville crash and quotes from Ingram.
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 21st in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more ... including our 2012 Driver Reviews!
Coming this week 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 21th at Frontstretch:
Rolex 24 Preview by Phil Allaway
Yes, it's already almost time for the 24-hour classic. We'll be on-site with coverage, but to quench your thirst, another mega-preview is being prepared. It will run in multiple parts all week.
------------------------------
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!
©2013 Frontstretch.com
-- 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!
©2013 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.
No comments:
Post a Comment