THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
January 2nd, 2013
Volume VII, Edition I
HAPPY NEW YEAR! THE NEXT EDITION OF THE NEWSLETTER WILL COME OUT ON MONDAY, JANUARY 7th. We will be returning to a Monday morning posting (even with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) for every week going forward until the start of the 2013 NASCAR season. - FS Staff
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:
- In Sports Cars, the Roar Before the 24 starts on Friday at Daytona International Speedway. It is the last chance for teams to test on the 3.56-mile road course prior to the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Huge news will be announced regarding the class structure of the combined ALMS/Grand-Am Series (as of now, still without a name) for 2014 on Friday afternoon. Driver lineups for the Rolex 24 at Daytona will also be announced throughout the weekend.
Top News From The Past Week
by Phil Allaway and Tom Bowles
JR Motorsports Adds Kahne, Great Clips
JR Motorsports continued its 2013 restructuring Wednesday with the announcement of a new sponsor and driver lineup for its No. 5 team. Cup veteran Kasey Kahne and Brad Sweet, paired together in the Nationwide Series last season for Turner Motorsports will move to JRM along with their backer, Great Clips. The haircut company, a longtime NASCAR supporter will back the duo for a total of 27 races, along with Dale Earnhardt, Jr. for an additional event in the owner's No. 88.
"Great Clips has been a long-time sponsor of mine for 10 years," Kahne said in a release announcing the move. "They support everything that I do, from the Kasey Kahne Foundation to my sprint car team and they continue to grow their program in NASCAR. We all look forward to joining JR Motorsports and continuing to build on the success that they have had."
Kahne's split with Sweet has yet to be determined, along with sponsorship and drivers for the other six races in the No. 5 car. Regan Smith, who will compete for the season championship will now race full-time in the No. 7 while Dale Earnhardt, Jr. runs a part-time schedule in the No. 88. The move almost certainly means the end of Cole Whitt's tenure with the organization; Whitt, who drove the No. 88 last season was unable to secure sponsorship for 2013.
The team's other former driver, Danica Patrick, is expected to race part-time in the Nationwide Series with either Turner Motorsports or Richard Childress Racing while making the full-time transition to Sprint Cup.
Documents from Brian France's Legal Battles Against Ex-Wife Unsealed
Over the past couple of years, NASCAR CEO Brian France has been fighting a battle to keep his divorce proceedings completely private and out of the public eye. However, in the State of North Carolina, divorce proceedings are generally considered to be of public record. The only exceptions to the rule include instances where medical records play a crucial role.
However, back in 2008, attorneys for Brian France successfully argued to former Mecklenburg County District Judge Todd Owens that the documents in his divorce settlement from ex-wife Megan France be sealed, citing the confidentiality agreement that both parties signed. It has since been revealed that Brian had to pay Megan $9 million up front in the settlement, plus alimony and child support totaling over $40,000 a month. Much of the litigation between the two parties since the case documents were sealed revolves around an accusation by Brian France that Megan France breached the confidentiality agreement.
In August 2011, District Judge Jena Culler ruled that the documents should be unsealed, stating that there had been significant changes in the case between Brian and Megan France. Brian France's attorneys immediately appealed the ruling to the North Carolina Board of Appeals. On Monday, the case was heard.
The Charlotte Observer is reporting that the North Carolina Court of Appeals panel voted unanimously to uphold Judge Culler's opinion and demand that the France documents be unsealed and entered into the public record. The panel found that Judge Culler did not abuse her power of discretion in making her ruling.
However, the case is not over. Brian and Megan France's attorneys are entitled to appeal the ruling to a higher court. Such an appeal seems likely at this point.
"We are disappointed by the court of appeals opinion, which we believe to be legally flawed, and we intend to seek immediate review from the [North Carolina] Supreme Court," said Johnny Stephenson, one of Brian France's attorneys.
As a result of Brian France's likely appeal, the documents will remain sealed until the case can be brought before the North Carolina Supreme Court.
Phoenix Racing to Run Regan Smith in Daytona 500
Phoenix Racing's plans for the 2013 season are still somewhat up in the air. However, we do know that they will race at the Daytona 500 and who will drive for the team there.
On Sunday, the Spartanburg Hearld Journal reported that Regan Smith will return to the team to drive the No. 51 Chevrolet at the Daytona 500. Beyond that, a hodgepodge of drivers could be behind the wheel of the car.
"For Daytona, we'll be going with Regan Smith, who also drives for Dale Jr.'s Nationwide team," said Phoenix Racing General Manager Steve Barkdoll. "Since Regan is committed to the Nationwide Series, he won't be able to run a full Cup schedule with us. We'll be looking to other drivers throughout the year, including A.J. Allmendinger again."
For the rest of the season, the search for sponsors continues alongside one for a driver or drivers. Barkdoll estimates that the team has sponsorship for half the season at this point, but that they will start the season under the assumption that they will race the full Cup schedule. With the combination of Allmendinger, Smith, Kurt Busch and David Reutimann, Phoenix Racing finished 27th in owner points and will earn provisional starting spots for the first few races of the season. With the apparent abolition of the top-35 rule, they are by no means locked into the Daytona 500, but they stand a very good chance of getting in.
More NASCAR Nuptials and Upcoming Nuptial Announcements
Last Friday, Landon Cassill married his longtime girlfriend, Katie Linsted. As of right now, the couple are currently on their honeymoon in Mexico. However, Cassill tweeted out his excitement to his nearly 27,000 followers shortly before leaving.
"Thanks for all the wedding congrats! We are headed to Mexico for a week. Shutting my phone off. What an amazing day yesterday!," was the message sent.
Also last week, Reed Sorenson announced his engagement to Laura Frame, a Kindergarten teacher from Mooresville, North Carolina. We at Frontstretch congratulate both Cassill and Sorenson on their recent major life events.
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: Mark Martin
by Tony Lumbis
2012 NASCAR Driver Review: Jamie McMurray
by Danny Peters
2012 NASCAR Driver Review: Casey Mears
by Amy Henderson
JR Motorsports Adds Kahne, Great Clips
JR Motorsports continued its 2013 restructuring Wednesday with the announcement of a new sponsor and driver lineup for its No. 5 team. Cup veteran Kasey Kahne and Brad Sweet, paired together in the Nationwide Series last season for Turner Motorsports will move to JRM along with their backer, Great Clips. The haircut company, a longtime NASCAR supporter will back the duo for a total of 27 races, along with Dale Earnhardt, Jr. for an additional event in the owner's No. 88.
"Great Clips has been a long-time sponsor of mine for 10 years," Kahne said in a release announcing the move. "They support everything that I do, from the Kasey Kahne Foundation to my sprint car team and they continue to grow their program in NASCAR. We all look forward to joining JR Motorsports and continuing to build on the success that they have had."
Kahne's split with Sweet has yet to be determined, along with sponsorship and drivers for the other six races in the No. 5 car. Regan Smith, who will compete for the season championship will now race full-time in the No. 7 while Dale Earnhardt, Jr. runs a part-time schedule in the No. 88. The move almost certainly means the end of Cole Whitt's tenure with the organization; Whitt, who drove the No. 88 last season was unable to secure sponsorship for 2013.
The team's other former driver, Danica Patrick, is expected to race part-time in the Nationwide Series with either Turner Motorsports or Richard Childress Racing while making the full-time transition to Sprint Cup.
Documents from Brian France's Legal Battles Against Ex-Wife Unsealed
Over the past couple of years, NASCAR CEO Brian France has been fighting a battle to keep his divorce proceedings completely private and out of the public eye. However, in the State of North Carolina, divorce proceedings are generally considered to be of public record. The only exceptions to the rule include instances where medical records play a crucial role.
However, back in 2008, attorneys for Brian France successfully argued to former Mecklenburg County District Judge Todd Owens that the documents in his divorce settlement from ex-wife Megan France be sealed, citing the confidentiality agreement that both parties signed. It has since been revealed that Brian had to pay Megan $9 million up front in the settlement, plus alimony and child support totaling over $40,000 a month. Much of the litigation between the two parties since the case documents were sealed revolves around an accusation by Brian France that Megan France breached the confidentiality agreement.
In August 2011, District Judge Jena Culler ruled that the documents should be unsealed, stating that there had been significant changes in the case between Brian and Megan France. Brian France's attorneys immediately appealed the ruling to the North Carolina Board of Appeals. On Monday, the case was heard.
The Charlotte Observer is reporting that the North Carolina Court of Appeals panel voted unanimously to uphold Judge Culler's opinion and demand that the France documents be unsealed and entered into the public record. The panel found that Judge Culler did not abuse her power of discretion in making her ruling.
However, the case is not over. Brian and Megan France's attorneys are entitled to appeal the ruling to a higher court. Such an appeal seems likely at this point.
"We are disappointed by the court of appeals opinion, which we believe to be legally flawed, and we intend to seek immediate review from the [North Carolina] Supreme Court," said Johnny Stephenson, one of Brian France's attorneys.
As a result of Brian France's likely appeal, the documents will remain sealed until the case can be brought before the North Carolina Supreme Court.
Phoenix Racing to Run Regan Smith in Daytona 500
Phoenix Racing's plans for the 2013 season are still somewhat up in the air. However, we do know that they will race at the Daytona 500 and who will drive for the team there.
On Sunday, the Spartanburg Hearld Journal reported that Regan Smith will return to the team to drive the No. 51 Chevrolet at the Daytona 500. Beyond that, a hodgepodge of drivers could be behind the wheel of the car.
"For Daytona, we'll be going with Regan Smith, who also drives for Dale Jr.'s Nationwide team," said Phoenix Racing General Manager Steve Barkdoll. "Since Regan is committed to the Nationwide Series, he won't be able to run a full Cup schedule with us. We'll be looking to other drivers throughout the year, including A.J. Allmendinger again."
For the rest of the season, the search for sponsors continues alongside one for a driver or drivers. Barkdoll estimates that the team has sponsorship for half the season at this point, but that they will start the season under the assumption that they will race the full Cup schedule. With the combination of Allmendinger, Smith, Kurt Busch and David Reutimann, Phoenix Racing finished 27th in owner points and will earn provisional starting spots for the first few races of the season. With the apparent abolition of the top-35 rule, they are by no means locked into the Daytona 500, but they stand a very good chance of getting in.
More NASCAR Nuptials and Upcoming Nuptial Announcements
Last Friday, Landon Cassill married his longtime girlfriend, Katie Linsted. As of right now, the couple are currently on their honeymoon in Mexico. However, Cassill tweeted out his excitement to his nearly 27,000 followers shortly before leaving.
"Thanks for all the wedding congrats! We are headed to Mexico for a week. Shutting my phone off. What an amazing day yesterday!," was the message sent.
Also last week, Reed Sorenson announced his engagement to Laura Frame, a Kindergarten teacher from Mooresville, North Carolina. We at Frontstretch congratulate both Cassill and Sorenson on their recent major life events.
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: Mark Martin
by Tony Lumbis
2012 NASCAR Driver Review: Jamie McMurray
by Danny Peters
2012 NASCAR Driver Review: Casey Mears
by Amy Henderson
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
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?
Check back next Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Last Monday's Answer:
Q. In 1986, Hendrick Motorsports won the overall pole for the SunBank 24 at Daytona with their Lola-built Chevrolet Corvette GTP. However, they failed to even take the grid for the race. Why?
A. The team had every intention of starting the 24-hour race and being competitive, but engine problems were discovered during the pre-race checks in the garage. There was not enough time left prior to the start for the team to change the engine, so Hendrick Motorsports (with GM factory backing) was forced to withdraw the car and scuttle their SunBank 24 debut. There was still a Corvette GTP in the race, run by the private Lee Racing, but it dropped out with suspension issues.
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 7th, 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
Tomorrow because of the New Year, then 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.
Did You Notice? by Tom Bowles
Tomorrow because of the New Year, then every Wednesday throughout the offseason one of the website's signature columns returns. Find out the latest in offseason news and notes while Tom touches on a variety of NASCAR topics.
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 7th at Frontstretch:
2012 Driver Reviews by the Frontstretch Staff
Our driver reviews will continue. The schedule can be found here.
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©2013 Frontstretch.com
-- Talk back to the Frontstretch Newsletter!
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©2013 Frontstretch.com
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