Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
February 15th, 2013
Volume VII, Edition XIV
~~~~~~~~~~
WHAT TO WATCH: FRIDAY
- NASCAR's Sprint Cup cars will hit the track for the official beginning of 2013. On Friday, Sprint Unlimited entries will have two practice sessions, televised on SPEED from 5:00 - 5:45 PM and 6:30 - 7:30 PM, respectively. 19 cars in total will take to the track, but keep in mind there will be no qualifying afterwards -- fans will determine the lineup for tomorrow night's exhibition event (see news story below).
WHAT TO WATCH: SATURDAY
Budweiser Shootout
8:00 PM, FOX
75-lap Exhibition Race held in three segments (30 laps, 25 laps, and 20 laps as voted by the fans)
Starting lineup will be fan-determined and announced prior to the main event
~~~~~~~~~~
Frontstretch Live: Don't miss out on Mike Neff's expanded coverage of the Sprint Unlimited, Daytona 500 Qualifying and the Battle of the Beach. Mike will be at Daytona from Saturday through Tuesday bringing you all of the latest and greatest to come out of NASCAR's opening weekend for the 2013 season. Be sure to follow along on Twitter at @TheFrontstretch and @MNeffShortTrack for everything you need to know!
~~~~~~~~~~
Top News
Michael Waltrip, NASCAR, Swan Racing Come Together For Sandy Hook
by Tom Bowles
It's not often these days that a two-time Daytona 500 winner, a NASCAR CEO, an underdog team looking to stake its place in the sport and a small suburban town all have something in common. But on Valentine's Day, they all came together to share the love for an exceptional cause.
Waltrip, attempting to make the Great American Race announced a special paint scheme Thursday designed to raise awareness for the Sandy Hook School Support Fund. The newly renumbered 26 Toyota he'll drive will pay tribute to the twenty children and six adults killed in the tragic shooting December 14th, 2012 that shattered a quaint CT suburb with the most violent elementary school incident in American history. (The shooter, Adam Lanza along with his mother Nancy also perished.)
"Americans everywhere are heartbroken about the tragedy in Newtown, and Swan Racing is proud to join NASCAR and the United Way of Western Connecticut to help the community move forward," said race team owner Brandon Davis, whose car will run No. 30 the rest of the year.
How they'll draw attention to the program, besides the special Green & White car is through encouraging fans to text "Newtown" to 80888, a decal placed on not only their vehicle but Michael Waltrip Racing's three entries, driven by Martin Truex, Jr., Clint Bowyer, and Mark Martin, respectively. Every fan that follows that direction will be giving a $10 donation to the cause, funding that will be used to help the community's families -- those who lost loved ones and others who need assistance in the healing process.
"One thing I can tell you for sure is that there will be a whole lot of people in Sandy Hook and Newtown rooting for Michael and the No. 26 car," said Sandy Hook District Fire Chief Bill Halstead. "It will be something positive to rally around, and there will be smiles on faces that haven't smiled in quite a while."
The deal came about last week when NASCAR CEO Brian France, in working on ways to help victims of the tragedy worked out a deal through private meetings with several influential officials inside the Newtown community. In fact, the France family was so moved by their conversations, in-person visits and overall experience Brian's wife, Amy, kicked off a week's worth of donations with a hefty $50,000 contribution herself. That money will be matched by the NASCAR Foundation, just the beginning of an initiative all parties hope raises far more.
"Driving the No. 26 Sandy Hook School Support Fund Toyota is like nothing I have ever been part of in my NASCAR career," Waltrip said. "It will be an emotional week knowing that we have the potential to do so much good for the Newtown community. I'm racing for a reason."
New Hampshire Motor Speedway To Give Away $250,000 In Prizes
by S.D. Grady
Thursday morning, before a crowd of devoted New Hampshire Motor Speedway fans, General Manager Jerry Gappens announced the new "Toyota Wheel and Deal Pre-race Show" scheduled as a kickoff before the July 14th New Hampshire 300. Before the green flag, the track will be giving away to lucky ticket holders over $250,000 in prizes, including 10 Toyota vehicles, a year's supply of Miller Lite Beer, a year's supply of Gilford Ice Cream, tires, race experience packages and more.
The announcement was made in a similar format to Let's Make a Deal, Price is Right and other crowd-oriented game shows, which they intend to repeat on race day. NHMS has chosen to run this fan experience show as an alternative to previous year's music concerts in an attempt to further involve the fans in race day, at-track activities.
Fans can enter into the Wheel and Deal by purchasing tickets to the race by April 15th. See all the fun and games at Thursday morning's announcement here.
Concussion Tests Mandatory In 2014?
by Tom Bowles
It looks like NASCAR is joining other major sports in trying to stay a step ahead of concussions. Officials said Thursday, during the sport's Media Day in Daytona Beach concussion testing is on tap to become a mandatory part of every driver's preseason physical next season (2014). The sport will likely use the ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) model in determining whether one of their athletes is fit for competition going forward. Once the test is taken, by all healthy drivers their score will then be measured against another test, post-wreck or major off-track injury to determine whether they can slide back behind the wheel the following weekend.
"The decision was made we should look into this, but we really needed to educate the driver first, how decisions are made," NASCAR Vice President Steve O'Donnell said in making this transition a 12-month process. "We're encouraging everyone to do [an imPACT] this year, most likely to be required prior to 2014."
The sport made news, last Fall when Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was forced to sit out two races with post-concussion syndrome during the Chase. The driver suffered one during a Kansas test that summer, kept it a secret and then aggravated the injury during a last-lap wreck at Talladega last October.
Confused? Click here to learn more about the origins of the imPACT test, its intended goals and other pertinent FAQ.
News 'N' Notes
by Tom Bowles
- Detail Doctor, specializing in vinyl, leather, and plastic restoration has signed with Front Row Motorsports to back their No. 34 Ford, driven by David Ragan in next Sunday's Daytona 500. Distributed by Ideavillage Products Corporation, the one-step application process can protect most everything on your car, from bumpers to mirror covers. It's the company's first foray into NASCAR, as a primary sponsor although the deal is only expected to be for one race only.
FRM's best ever finish, a third came in the Daytona 500 two years ago with Ragan's teammate, David Gilliland.
- The Daytona 500 entry list was released Thursday, with few if any surprises as the final total disappointed garage observers. Only 45 cars are fighting for 43 spots in the Great American Race, the lowest number we've seen since 2004 and concerns are already rising about a full field the following week in Phoenix. Among those who have suspended operations or are MIA in 2013: Robby Gordon Motorsports (formerly the No. 7), Xxxtreme Motorsports (who disappeared after announcing a potential full-time schedule last November) and Robinson-Blakeney Racing (their No. 49 equipment has been auctioned off).
Among those entered here who won't be attempting Phoenix include Trevor Bayne, in the No. 21 Wood Brothers Ford and Austin Dillon's No. 33, a de facto fourth RCR entry for the event. Brian Keselowski's No. 52 is also borderline, dependent on funding which would push the entry list there down to 42. Some of the lower-tier entries in the series, like Randy Humphrey's No. 19 car are expected to bring out backup cars to fill the field if NASCAR comes up short.
- The Bloomin' Onion special is back this year at Outback Steakhouse. The restaurant, who backs Ryan Newman's No. 39 part-time announced the second year of the promotion on Thursday. For those unfamiliar with it, every time Newman scores a top-10 finish the popular appetizer will be served free on Mondays. All customers have to do is mention the deal in order to get it off their bill; last season, a free Bloomin' was served 15 weekends out of 38, including the weekend of the All-Star event which led to over 100,000 freebees.
Have news for Tom and the Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com with a promising lead or tip.
~~~~~~~~~~
In Case You Missed It
by Rick Lunkenheimer
MWR Names Chief Technical Officer
Michael Waltrip Racing has named Tom German as Chief Technical Officer in the Sprint Cup Series. Previously, German spent 15 years with Penske Racing as technical director with the organization. However, his role will not be effective until after the Daytona 500 is run next weekend. German replaces Nick Hughes, who has made the decision to return to Australia after having been with the team since 2008.
Bruton Smith Interested in Purchasing Carolina Panthers?
The Charlotte Observer reported earlier this week that Speedway Motorsports CEO Bruton Smith, in a radio interview Tuesday, said he'd be willing to purchase the Carolina Panthers without forcing taxpayers to foot the bill for improvements to Bank of America Stadium. Smith's comments were prompted by negotiations between the Panthers' current owner Jerry Richardson and the City of Charlotte regarding $300 million in improvements to the outdated facility. The Observer was unable to reach Smith for further comments; however, it was mentioned in the radio interview that he had not approached Richardson.
Smith's Speedway Motorsports, Inc. already owns nearby Charlotte Motor Speedway, one of over a half-dozen tracks in their arsenal that appear on the 2013 Sprint Cup schedule.
PPG Industries Extends With Penske Racing
PPG Industries and Penske Racing announced earlier this week that the two have come to a multi-year extension in one of the longest partnerships in racing. This season will mark the 29th year the Pittsburgh-based company has backed Roger Penske, lending their support to both stock cars and his legendary IndyCar program. Once again, PPG will sponsor cars throughout the organization, from the Sprint Cup Series to the Nationwide Series and even over to the IZOD IndyCar Series.
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH FANTASY: GET IN THE GAME
Want to compete against some of your favorite Frontstretch writers this season? Our fantasy guru, Jeff Wolfe has created a Yahoo! league and wants you, our faithful readers to join in the fun with us. All you need is a Yahoo! ID and an internet connection... go through the following steps:
1) Sign in to Yahoo!, then go to http://racing.fantasysports.yahoo.com/auto
2) Create Your Team
3) Join our Group!
ID: 11132
Password: rickybobby
~~~~~~~~~~
Keepin' It Short: Short Track Drivers Taking To The Big Track
by Mike Neff
Not quite one year ago, NASCAR announced a new addition to all the Daytona 500 hoopla for 2013. The UNOH Battle at the Beach, one of the biggest short track events created has been designed to provide action on the historically dark days of Monday and Tuesday of Speedweeks. The best Modified, Late Model and K&N drivers would be joined by anyone who wanted to take a chance at qualifying into the race to compete on a temporary 0.4-mile oval in front of the superstretch grandstands at the World Center of Speed. The top 10 drivers in the Whelen All-American Series, the winners and top point scorers in the K&N East and West series and the top point drivers in the Whelen Modified and Southern Modified tours were all locked into the races to compete with them. Now, these heats are just three days away as the best local short track drivers in the country will be taking to the track for the first ever UNOH Battle at the Beach.
The opening event of the two-day show will be the Late Model race. There will be four qualifying events, a last chance race and then the main feature. As of this writing, there are 32 drivers entered, although six of them have not officially announced what car they'll be driving. The list includes Lee Pulliam, CE Falk, Nate Monteith, and Deac McCaskill, part of the top 10 point finishers from 2012 who competed in Late Models during the regular season. Also taking to the track in the first event of the Battle will be Myatt Snider, son of TNT broadcaster Marty Snider. Drive for Diversity drivers Trey Gibson and McKenna Bell will be attendance along with Coleman Pressley, son of former Nationwide champion Robert. Anthony Anders, the South Carolina State Titlist will also have his helmet in the ring on Monday, making the battle for supremacy a contentious one between a diverse roster that's entered.
On Tuesday night, there will be two feature races. The Modifieds will run at 7:15 while the K&N feature is set to run at 8:30. Both events will be set by two qualifying races and a last chance one. The Modifieds will see Burt and Jason Myers, Ron Silk, Doug Coby and Ted Christopher among the many well-known drivers who will compete for the victory. Conspicuous by their absence are George Brunnhoelzl, Keith Rocco and Tim Brown. The 2012 Southern Modified Champion, the Whelen All-American Runner-up and the track champion from Bowman-Gray Stadium are all missing from the entry list. There are certainly many reasons why drivers aren't making the trip to Daytona, economics chief among them, but it is a shame that some big names who were locked into the features are not driving down.
The final race for this "beach" event is the K&N feature. The biggest names from 2012's K&N season will be battling for the trophy on the Daytona back straight, including Dylan Kwasniewski, Corey LaJoie, Greg Pursley, and Ander Vilarino. EURO Racecar NASCAR Champion and Canadian Champion D.J. Kennington will also be engaged in the Battle for K&N supremacy. Some of this year's rookie contenders in the K&N series will also attempt to make the show. John Hunter Nemechek, Tyler Reddick and Gray Gaulding are all on that list, a talented crop of freshman ready to take center stage.
The one name that will be seen in all three of the races is the fastest rising star in NASCAR, Kyle Larson. He signed a deal to run a Late Model for Mike Curb, along with a K&N car for Rev Racing and a Modified that is owned by Gary Putnam from Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. Larson is the only driver who could possibly win the Triple Crown next week, and with the success he had in 2012, winning races in virtually any type of equipment that accomplishment is not out of the question. This event will be Larson's first foray into Modified racing although, with the talent he has shown, he'll still be a force to reckoned with.
The racers in the Battle at the Beach will all be competing for trophies that look just like the one used when NASCAR held the Daytona race on the beach course. The Cup was intentionally designed that way under the direction of Joie Chitwood, put together as an homage to the formative years of NASCAR. This inaugural Battle at the Beach will hopefully be the formative year of a great event as well, getting plenty of media support. It'll be shown on worldwide television (SPEED) giving local racers a huge opportunity to showcase their talents and perhaps opening a door into a bigger racing opportunity. So if you're in Florida on Monday or Tuesday, travel over to the World Center of Racing and watch the future stars of NASCAR battle at the beach like they did in the old days.
You won't be disappointed.
This Weekend's Racing Schedule
Friday 02/15/13 East Bay Raceway Park Tampa FL Winternationals Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models
Friday 02/15/13 New Smyrna Speedway New Smyrna Beach FL World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing Florida/IMCA Modifieds
Friday 02/15/13 New Smyrna Speedway New Smyrna Beach FL World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing Pro Late Models
Friday 02/15/13 New Smyrna Speedway New Smyrna Beach FL World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing Super Late Models
Friday 02/15/13 New Smyrna Speedway New Smyrna Beach FL World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing Tour-type Modifieds
Friday 02/15/13 Volusia Raceway Park Barberville FL UNOH Winternationals UMP Modifieds
Friday 02/15/13 Volusia Raceway Park Barberville FL UNOH Winternationals World of Outlaw Sprint Cars
Saturday 02/16/13 Bubba Raceway Park Ocala FL Winternationals World of Outlaws Dirt Late Models
Saturday 02/16/13 East Bay Raceway Park Tampa FL Winternationals Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models
Saturday 02/16/13 New Smyrna Speedway New Smyrna Beach FL World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing Florida/IMCA Modifieds
Saturday 02/16/13 New Smyrna Speedway New Smyrna Beach FL World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing Pro Late Models
Saturday 02/16/13 New Smyrna Speedway New Smyrna Beach FL World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing Super Late Models
Saturday 02/16/13 New Smyrna Speedway New Smyrna Beach FL World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing Tour-type Modifieds
Saturday 02/16/13 Volusia Raceway Park Barberville FL UNOH Winternationals UMP Modifieds Gator Qualifying 1
Saturday 02/16/13 Volusia Raceway Park Barberville FL UNOH Winternationals World of Outlaw Sprint Cars
Sunday 02/17/13 Bubba Raceway Park Ocala FL Winternationals World of Outlaws Dirt Late Models
Sunday 02/17/13 New Smyrna Speedway New Smyrna Beach FL World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing Florida/IMCA Modifieds
Sunday 02/17/13 New Smyrna Speedway New Smyrna Beach FL World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing Pro Late Models
Sunday 02/17/13 New Smyrna Speedway New Smyrna Beach FL World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing Super Late Models
Sunday 02/17/13 Volusia Raceway Park Barberville FL UNOH Winternationals UMP Modifieds Gator Qualifying 2
Sunday 02/17/13 Volusia Raceway Park Barberville FL UNOH Winternationals World of Outlaw Sprint Cars
Monday 02/18/13 Daytona International Speedway (temporary track) Daytona Beach FL Whelen All-American Late Models
Monday 02/18/13 New Smyrna Speedway New Smyrna Beach FL World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing Florida/IMCA Modifieds
Monday 02/18/13 New Smyrna Speedway New Smyrna Beach FL World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing Pro Late Models
Monday 02/18/13 New Smyrna Speedway New Smyrna Beach FL World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing Super Late Models
Monday 02/18/13 Volusia Raceway Park Barberville FL UNOH Winternationals UMP Late Models
Monday 02/18/13 Volusia Raceway Park Barberville FL UNOH Winternationals UMP Modifieds Gator Championship
Tuesday 02/19/13 Daytona International Speedway (temporary track) Daytona Beach FL K&N Pro Series East
Tuesday 02/19/13 Daytona International Speedway (temporary track) Daytona Beach FL K&N Pro Series West
Tuesday 02/19/13 Daytona International Speedway (temporary track) Daytona Beach FL Whelen Modifieds
Tuesday 02/19/13 Daytona International Speedway (temporary track) Daytona Beach FL Whelen Southern Modifieds
Tuesday 02/19/13 Volusia Raceway Park Barberville FL UNOH Winternationals UMP Late Models
Tuesday 02/19/13 Volusia Raceway Park Barberville FL UNOH Winternationals UMP Modifieds Triple 20s
Wednesday 02/20/13 Bubba Raceway Park Ocala FL Winternationals USAC Amsoil National Sprint Cars
Wednesday 02/20/13 New Smyrna Speedway New Smyrna Beach FL 5th Annual John Blewett III Memorial Tour-type Modifieds
Wednesday 02/20/13 New Smyrna Speedway New Smyrna Beach FL World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing Florida/IMCA Modifieds
Wednesday 02/20/13 New Smyrna Speedway New Smyrna Beach FL World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing Pro Late Models
Wednesday 02/20/13 New Smyrna Speedway New Smyrna Beach FL World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing Super Late Models
Wednesday 02/20/13 Volusia Raceway Park Barberville FL UNOH Winternationals SDS Big Block Modifieds
Wednesday 02/20/13 Volusia Raceway Park Barberville FL UNOH Winternationals UMP Late Models Swamp King Championshp
Thursday 02/21/13 Bubba Raceway Park Ocala FL Winternationals USAC Amsoil National Sprint Cars
Thursday 02/21/13 East Bay Raceway Park Tampa FL Winternationals 360 Sprints
Thursday 02/21/13 East Bay Raceway Park Tampa FL Winternationals Mini Sprints
Thursday 02/21/13 New Smyrna Speedway New Smyrna Beach FL World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing Pro Late Models
Thursday 02/21/13 New Smyrna Speedway New Smyrna Beach FL World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing Pro Trucks
Thursday 02/21/13 New Smyrna Speedway New Smyrna Beach FL World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing Super Late Models
Thursday 02/21/13 New Smyrna Speedway New Smyrna Beach FL World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing Tour-type Modifieds
Thursday 02/21/13 Royal Purple Raceway Baytown TX USMTS Modifieds
Thursday 02/21/13 Volusia Raceway Park Barberville FL UNOH Winternationals SDS Big Block Modifieds
Thursday 02/21/13 Volusia Raceway Park Barberville FL UNOH Winternationals World of Outlaw Late Models
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer and the Short Track Reporter for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MNeffShortTrack.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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!
~~~~~~~~~~
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
by Tom Bowles
Four Burning Questions: Will the Gen-6 Cars Live Up to the Hype in the Unlimited?
by Matt Stallknecht
The Sport's History Can Fuel Passion In Its Fans Today
by Amy Henderson
Voices From the Cheap Seats: Thoughts Of Optimism and Pessimism
by Jeff Meyer
Nuts For Nationwide: 2013 Season Preview, Part One
by Kevin Rutherford
Frontstretch Foto Funnies: Oh, My Head!
by the Frontstretch Staff
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: NASCAR gave ARCA an ultimatum in 2005 at Daytona. Simply put, they said the next yellow would end the Advance Discount Auto Parts 200, regardless of the number of laps run. Why was this decree made?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Thursday's Answer:
Q: In 1989, the first 125-mile qualifier for the Daytona 500 saw somewhat unexpected drivers such as Lee Raymond, Ronnie Sanders, Charlie Baker and J.D. McDuffie race their way into the big show. A wreck was partly to blame. What caused this incident?
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 in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Sprint Unlimited Race Recap by TBA
-- Weekend News & Daytona 500 Pole Recap by Mike Neff
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, trivia, and more!
~~~~~~~~~~
Monday on the Frontstretch:
Thinkin' Out Loud: Sprint Unlimited by Mike Neff
Mike will be here with his overall thoughts about the action from Saturday night's action at Daytona.
Commentary by Summer Bedgood
Summer takes a look at one of the biggest stories to come out of NASCAR's opening weekend at Daytona International Speedway.
Big Six: Sprint Unlimited by Amy Henderson
Amy's back for 2013, returning for a weekly look at the Who, Where, What, When, Why, and How from the Daytona Speedweeks weekend that was.
Pace Laps: Daytona Weekend by the Frontstretch Staff
It's back again this season! The staff gets together to help you catch up on the latest and greatest going on in each series coming out of a weekend at Daytona International Speedway.
Bowles-Eye View by Tom Bowles
Tom will have his eye on one of the biggest stories resulting from the Sprint Unlimited and Sunday's Daytona 500 qualifying.
-----------------------------
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.
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "The Frontstretch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to thefrontstretch+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
No comments:
Post a Comment