Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
February 27th, 2013
Volume VII, Edition XXIV
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Top News
by Tom Bowles
BREAKING: Lowe's And Johnson Together Through 2015
Jimmie Johnson's primary sponsor isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Lowe's Home Improvement company, who's been with the five-time champion since his debut on the Cup Series level in 2001 announced today they've signed an extension through the end of the 2015 season.
"Lowe's believed in me before I had any success," said Johnson as the deal was announced. "They are all I've ever known in my Sprint Cup career, and their support of me and the No. 48 team is second to none in the sport."
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The contracts for Johnson, No. 48 crew chief Chad Knaus and Lowe's now are all set to expire at the same time.
News 'N' Notes
- Phil Parsons Racing, fresh off a ninth-place effort with driver Michael McDowell has withdrawn from the entry list at Phoenix. Reasons for the change were unavailable at press time; the team has struggled for sponsorship, remaining mostly a start-and-park effort since coming into existence as PRISM Motorsports in 2009. McDowell, in his 115th career start earned his best ever result in the Cup Series in Sunday's Daytona 500.
- Final TV Ratings for NASCAR at Daytona were the best in five years. The 10.2 rating, tying the 2008 edition of the race came with increases in all major demographics, in particular women and the coveted 18-49 age group. The sport hopes to build on that momentum with another strong audience in Phoenix this Sunday.
- NASCAR's All-Star Format is getting retooled for 2013. The major announcement, in Charlotte Tuesday evening involved a change in both segments and payout. Moving forward, the race will be run in four 20-lap segments with a 10-lap, final segment to determine the winner. A $1 million dollar prize will be paid to the winner of the fifth segment with an added twist -- another $1 million payout if a driver can capture all five segments.
Have news for Tom and the Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at ashland10@mail.com with a promising lead or tip.
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GOT A NASCAR QUESTION OR COMMENT? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
That's right; our Fan Q & A column is back once again in 2013. Send your question Summer Bedgood's way at summer.bedgood@frontstretch.com and if you're lucky, you'll get your name in print on Thursday when she does her weekly column. It's all part of our daily mission to give back to you – the fans that keep Frontstretch afloat!
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Today's Featured Commentary
Bringing the Spark Back to This Sport
by Ellen Richardson
As both television ratings and track fan attendance have continued to plummet over the past few years, NASCAR seems to have found a spark in the darkness. In fact, this year's Daytona 500's television ratings soared to the highest seen in seven years, while both social media as well as many national news outlets continued to stay abuzz with the happenings in Daytona. So what has caused such a positive resurgence?
While some may say the controversy surrounding Kyle Larson's last lap move in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series inaugural Battle at the Beach, Danica and Ricky Stenhouse's dating announcement, or the frightening crash during the final laps of Saturday's Nationwide Race are the direct cause of new fan attention, this writer believes in the bigger picture.
I attribute much of this new found glory and success to NASCAR's recent wave of up-and-coming young drivers. While there are those drivers who are both loved and hated, i.e., Danicamania, fans are talking and causing the much needed publicity and chatter that this sport needs.
So who are my top five NASCAR rising stars, who are sure to bring the spark back to NASCAR's three top series?
Danica Patrick
Stewart-Haas Racing Driver of the No. 10 Go Daddy Chevrolet in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Love her or hate her, Danica Patrick has continued to make waves in the world of motorsports and brings a wave of publicity no matter where she goes. Starting her rookie season in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series off by making history as the first woman to start a Sprint Cup race from the pole as well as bringing home a top-10 finish in the Daytona 500, she is sure to continue to attract the young female fan base that has continued to stay just out of reach.
Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.
Roush Fenway Racing Driver of the No. 17 Ford in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Despite being one half of NASCAR's newest power couple, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. has continued to make a name for himself during his rise to the top of NASCAR's top series. As the 2013 season begins, this 25-year-old, two-time NASCAR Nationwide Series champion has stepped into the ride of well-known and respected driver, Matt Kenseth. After he started his season off with a top-15 finish at Daytona, fans are sure to keep their eyes on this young driver.
Kyle Larson
Turner Scott Motorsports Driver of the No. 32 Chevrolet in NASCAR Nationwide Series
Known as one of NASCAR's next rising superstars, this 20-year-old Japanese-American has been praised by the likes of Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, and Kasey Kahne for his passion and growing skill. In fact, the 2012 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East champion was one of the few drivers to compete in five of the seven races held at Daytona International Speedway last week. Next to Danica Patrick, Larson was also one of the most talked about drivers at Speedweek in Daytona due to his controversial last lap punt of C.E. Faulk III in the inaugural Battle at the Beach as well as his shocking crash at the end of Saturday's Nationwide Series race.
Travis Pastrana
Roush Fenway Racing Driver of the No. 60 Ford in NASCAR Nationwide Series
Gaining the attention of many young sports fans, this former motorcycle daredevil and stunt performer has won championships and X Games gold medals. Within the last few years, Pastrana has decided to try his hand at stock car racing. After proving he has what it takes to succeed in this sport while competing in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East along with limited NASCAR Nationwide Series races last season, Pastrana, is competing full-time in the Nationwide Series with Roush Fenway. While his Daytona finish was a bit disappointing Travis Pastrana's young fans are sure to continue to follow him on his rise to fame with NASCAR.
Darrell Wallace, Jr.
Joe Gibbs Racing Driver of the No. 54 Toyota in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
Darrell Wallace, Jr. continues to be a role model for all aspiring African-American drivers. While competing with NASCAR's Drive For Diversity Team, Rev Racing, in the past, this now 19-year-old driver continued to blow away fans with numerous wins. While rising through the ranks with Joe Gibbs Racing, this king of social media has gained a continuously growing supportive fan base that is sure to support Wallace no matter where he may go.
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Tweet 'N' Greet
by Kevin Rutherford
So, without further ado, here's a look at what those in NASCAR were thinking over the past seven days...
Kevin Rutherford is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at kevin.rutherford@frontstretch.com.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Side By Side: Is There a Place in NASCAR for Plates?
by Mark Howell and Summer Bedgood
Top Ten Ways To Celebrate A Daytona 500 Victory: The Jimmie Johnson Edition
by the Frontstretch Staff
NASCAR Writer Power Rankings Poll: Top 15 Heading To Phoenix
by the Frontstretch Staff
Beyond The Cockpit: David Donohue
by Phil Allaway
Did You Notice? ... Here Come The Lawsuits, Good Samaritans And NASCAR's Public Perception
by Tom Bowles
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: For 1996, the Craftsman Truck Series' first visit to Phoenix International Raceway was separated from the Copper World Classic and given it's own weekend. However, the attrition followed as well. Future Sprint Cup driver Kevin Harvick was knocked out of the event very early. What happened?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Tuesday's Answer:
Q: The 2005 Bashas' Supermarkets 200 saw Greg Biffle win from way back in 20th on the grid. However, it was far from easy for him. What did he have to overcome in order to take his Henkel Ford to Victory Lane for Brewco Motorsports?
A: It should be noted that this was the first Spring race for the then-Busch Series at Phoenix. Just a few laps into the race, Biffle spun his Henkel Taurus exiting Turn 2 and ended up in the combination of grass and dirt that used to populate the backstretch just before the dogleg. Luckily, Biffle did not hit anything and quickly resumed.
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!
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Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- What's Vexing Vito by Vito Pugliese
-- Critic's Annex by Phil Allaway
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, the Line of the Week and more!
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Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
Mirror Driving by the Frontstretch Staff
Your favorite Frontstretch writers are back to discuss a variety of different subjects. This week's topics include the Gen-6 car, Danica Patrick making history and so much more!
Frontstretch Fan Q&A by Summer Bedgood
Summer takes on your questions and answers them to the best of her ability. Be sure to send your questions in if there's something that's been nagging at you and you might see your name in print.
Fantasy Racing by Jeff Wolfe
Jeff brings fantasy racing back to Frontstretch this season. This week, he takes a look at your best bets for racing out in the Phoenix desert.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth is back with all of the latest and greatest to come out of the Truck Series.
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