Friday, April 19, 2013

Frontstretch Newsletter: NASCAR's Tragic Boston Bombing Connection

THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!

April 19th, 2013
Volume VII, Edition LXI

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Frontstretch is live at Kansas this weekend! Be sure to all the action through us and our writers, Beth Lunkenheimer and Summer Bedgood in the following ways...

Our Facebook Page
Summer's Twitter: @SummerBedgood
Beth's Twitter: @Beth_Frntstrtch
Frontstretch Twitter: @TheFrontstretch

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BREAKING: Brother Of Hendrick Shop Machinist Killed By Boston Marathon Bombers
by Summer Bedgood

The Boston Marathon bombing took a turn towards a NASCAR connection Friday, when the brother of a Hendrick Motorsports employee was killed during a shootout with the alleged bomber.

Sean Collier, who was killed in Cambridge, Massachusetts on Thursday night, was an MIT police officer on routine duty when the two bombing suspects, Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev confronted him. While the details remain unclear, Collier was caught in some sort of shootout with the suspects, hit with bullets multiple times and pronounced dead upon arrival at Massachusetts General Hospital just after 10:30 PM. He was 26 years old.

Sean was the brother of Hendrick Motorsports machinist Andrew Collier, a loyal employee who has been with the organization since September of 2008. The team, in confirming the connection Friday released a short statement asking for privacy for the 25-year-old and his family during this difficult time.

That left Sprint Cup point leader Jimmie Johnson filled with mixed emotions as he entered the weekend in Kansas Speedway. Though the team is off to a great start, with two victories in seven races, Hendrick Motorsports was filled with sadness Friday as news his fellow HMS employee spread across the garage. Though hearts in the NASCAR community were generally heavy, following the tragic news coming out of Massachusetts, it dealt a particular blow to everyone when the tragedy hit this close to home.

"Absolutely we'll race with heavy hearts," said Johnson. "I think all of us in society have paid attention to that and it's hit somewhere deep in us. But in the last three hours, it's gone to a new level knowing that a fellow teammate is directly involved."

MIT university released a statement on the incident, saying, "While the circumstances around the officer's death remain the subject of an active investigation, what is certain is that the officer gave his life to defend the peace of our campus. His sacrifice will never be forgotten by the Institute. We are thinking now of his family, and our hearts are heavy."

Officer Collier's brother, Andrew, received a degree from NASCAR Technical Institute in Charlotte after having volunteered for Able Motorsports while attending high school in Massachusetts. He worked as a mechanic for the No. 35 car in the Whelen Modified Tour and Busch North Series, in 2004 and 2005 before teaming up with Hendrick.

The Hendrick Motorsports teams are running a commemorative sticker on their cars for the victims of the tragedies in Massachusetts.

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Hey Frontstretch Readers! While NASCAR has been hard at work for almost three months now, we've been working hard on our own project, designed especially for you. With the help of webmaster Marc LeMay, We're getting close to debuting our brand new website, so we'd like to share a little taste of what you can expect. Click here to see just a few of the special projects we've been working on!

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Top Racing News

by Beth Lunkenheimer & Justin Tucker

James Buescher Leads First Truck Series Practice

James Buescher led the first Camping World Truck Series practice session at Kansas Speedway with a fast lap of 178.873 mph. In the nearly three-hour practice, Buescher ran 53 laps and sat atop the leaderboard for the majority of the time. The only other driver to break through to the top was Turner Scott Motorsports teammate Jeb Burton, who ended the session in second. Brendan Gaughan, Max Gresham, and Johnny Sauter rounded out the top 5.

Buescher, the defending champion of this event is looking for a boost to a season that's started without a top-10 result, in three starts despite being the reigning series champ. Truck Series drivers will be back on track for their final practice session from 3:00 - 4:20 PM ET, while qualifying for the SFP 250 will be held Saturday morning at 11:05 AM ET.

Editor's Note: See Beth's column on how Buescher needs a breakthrough weekend in Truckin' Thursdays.

MWR, Hendrick, RFR Set To Honor Marathon Bombing Victims

Michael Waltrip Racing, Roush Fenway Racing, and Hendrick Motorsports are among several race teams who will pay tribute to the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing this weekend at Kansas Speedway.

Door numbers on MWR's three Sprint Cup Series entries, the No.'s 15, 55, and 56 will replicate the design of the 2013 Boston Marathon bib worn by 30,000 runners in this year's race. Monday's attack hit close to home for MWR founder and owner Michael Waltrip, who once was entered in the event himself while still a full-time driver.

"The news coming out of Boston this week was very personal to me," Waltrip said.  "When I ran the Boston Marathon in 2000, I remember thinking about what a privilege it was to participate and all the hard work it took to be there.  When you can see those international flags flying in Copley Square, you know you're about to complete your journey.  I know the joy those runners were feeling at that moment when their worlds changed."

Considering the strong personal connection he felt, the decals were a small way Waltrip's organization felt like they could show they're "standing with" the victims.

"It was a great moment of pride when they pinned the Boston Marathon bib on me," he added. "So I thought it would be great to 'pin' bib numbers on our race cars this week in Kansas.  I want to thank our sponsors and NASCAR for giving us permission to show our support.  We want the victims of the attack, the brave men and women who helped after the explosions and the city of Boston to know we're thinking of them and will support them any way we can."

Roush Fenway Racing will pay tribute and support for the City of Boston with a "B Strong" tribute.  The Roush Fords will carry special decals, while team owner Jack Roush will donate $100 for every lap the team leads during Sunday's STP 400 at Kansas Speedway.

"When events occur such as what happened earlier this week in Boston, it's our nature to be overwhelmed with a variety of emotions," Roush said.  "To have to withstand an act of such senselessness and cowardice against innocent people is disheartening to us all. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families, as well as the entire city of Boston.

Of course, Roush Fenway is co-owned by Boston Red Sox owner John Henry, one of several city leaders who have risen to the occasion in the wake of this horrific incident.

"As Americans, we can all be proud of the way the city of Boston and the entire nation has banded together in the wake of this tragedy," added Roush. "We're proud of our Boston connections and feel privileged to be able to play a very small part in supporting the 'B-Strong' effort."

Hendrick Motorsports, whose employee Andrew Collier is dealing with the death of his brother, Sean, as a result of the tragedy are also running special decals.

Starr And Niece Team Up For Kansas

David Starr and the No. 81 SS Green Light Racing team will have a combination of some new and old faces at Kansas Speedway this weekend for the SFP 250.

Crew chief Jason Miller is back on top of the No. 81 pit box this week and Niece Companies of Austin and Fort Scott,Texas will be the primary sponsor for Starr and the No. 81 truck this weekend at Kansas.

Niece Equipment and Niece Products rent and sell water trucks, along with fuel and lube trucks to the construction and mining industries. Employing over 100 at two U.S.  facilities, the company is a major exporter to Africa, Australia, and South America. Niece products are used in large mines, pits, and quarries.

"I'm looking forward to working with my old friend and crew chief Jason Miller again, and man I'm excited to have Niece on board with us," Starr said about the new partnerships. "Al Niece is a good friend, he's a racing enthusiast and he has a great company with great employees and we are excited to have him be part of our team and showcase the Niece Companies in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series."

"I've done a little racing in sprint cars and stock cars a few years back, but this is our first foray into sponsorship in NASCAR racing," added company owner Al Niece. "We are bringing some of our key employees up to the race and using the opportunity to thank some of our great customers. In construction, auto racing is very, very popular so we think this works well for us; we are looking forward to it."

This weekend's race at Kansas marks the 310th career start for Starr in the Camping World Truck Series. Starr has 4 wins, 47 top 5s, and 106 top 10s in 15 seasons running the NCWTS.

Have news for Justin and the Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com with a promising lead or tip.
 
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In Case You Missed It
by Beth Lunkenheimer

NHRA Trounces NASCAR ... In The Name Of Charity

NASCAR may have better ratings, but when it comes to softball drag racing is king. At least, they were on Wednesday in a special event, held at a local Kannapolis, NC field which benefited Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and the Armed Forces Foundation. The NHRA team, led by pitcher (and racer) Morgan Lucas posted a 19-5 win in which the game was never close.

Lucas went the distance on the mound, allowing only one earned run while the offense for the NHRA was provided by everyone: the team totaled 27 hits, and every batter that came to the plate got on base. A bunch of NASCAR stars, led by Kurt Busch, Elliott Sadler, Matt Kenseth, Kasey Kahne and others never gained momentum, both at the plate and in the field in the seven-inning contest.

"What a great night, and the best part is we raised some money for a couple of great charities," said the NHRA's Bob Vandergriff, Jr.  about the game held in Kannapolis, NC. "Our guys were really motivated, coming in here to the heart of NASCAR country, and we had quite a bit of excitement and chatter in the dugout. It was fun, and the goal now is to make this an annual thing with the NASCAR guys and keep it growing. We had a great crowd for this inaugural game, and once the word spreads after this first one, I think we'll begin to pack this place."

Final Texas Ratings Down

The final ratings for Texas Motor Speedway ranked as the lowest of the year for NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series in 2013. Posting a 3.8, with a 7 share the Nielsen number was also five percent lower than the Saturday night race from the 1.5-mile oval a year ago.

Since 2002, when the Texas race "peaked" with a 7.0 the viewership for the race has fallen an astounding 46 percent. The race was the epicenter of controversy heading in, with a primary sponsorship from the NRA and experts feel that may have resulted in a smaller audience.

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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!


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Keepin' It Short: Small Racin' For Big Cash In Bullard, Texas
by Mike Neff

Mini Outlaw Sprint Karts, once a small-scale vehicle for racing hobbyists are growing in popularity across the United States. They have been hugely popular in California for a long time; now, their notoriety and fan interest is spreading to the four corners of the country. Like most other classes of racing, there are several big races scattered across the calendar that entice drivers from around the country to make special trips in order to compete against the best in the sport. This weekend, that event will take place at Cactus Speedway in Bullard, Texas as the best Mini Outlaw Sprint Kart drivers in the country descend to the southeastern part of the state to compete for $5,000 to win.

Mini Outlaw Sprint Karts are high-powered racing machines that put on spectacular shows on pint-sized racetracks. They are a sprint kart frame with a roll cage, a full-sized wing on top of the cage, a 500CC engine and a driver who is fearless. The power to weight ratio of a Mini Outlaw is the same as a full-size 410 Outlaw Sprint Car. Qualifying speeds on a 1/5-mile dirt track will exceed 72 miles per hour.

Cactus Speedway is the epitome of a family-run racetrack. Tommy and Susan Terry own the facility, operating it with Tommy's parents Tom and Barbara. Along with the elder Terrys, the rest of the Terry clan helps out, along with an extensive array of volunteers that make the events a huge success. When you roll into the front gate, Eva welcomes you with a great attitude and a warm smile, showcasing the type of atmosphere you experience throughout any time at the track. Grandma's Wagon Wheel is run by Barbara, a concession stand where she will feed you just like you're at Grandma's for dinner. Tom III runs tech and is in charge of all of the safety around the track. The fourth generation of Tommys will generally be in the flagstand, while Tommy V is normally preparing his karts to run in the races. Cathy and Katherine have the unenviable task of scoring the events, but the word is, they do a tremendous job. The scales are operated by Mr. Neil, who also oversees the Pit Shack. Finally, Robert keeps everything flowing smoothly on the grid, while the voice you will hear over the public address system is TJ Smith. Aside from these members of the Terry ensemble, there are many more volunteers who make racing at Cactus a special experience.

No wonder why there's an All-Star list of entries for this event. Some of the drivers who are heading to Cactus this weekend include Jimmy Elledge, Nick Hoffman, Colby Copeland, Tyler Seavey, Logan Seavey, Morgan Sandhagen, Jake Parks, Buddy Kofoid and Tommy Brown. The interlopers will be taking on the hot shoes from Cactus, including Michael Stout and Kade Taylor. If you're in the Tyler, Texas area Friday or Saturday, take the trip to Bullard and check out the Mini Outlaw Sprint action at Cactus. You won't be disappointed.

This Weekend's Racing Schedule

Friday    04/19/13    Cocopah Speedway    Yuma    AZ    Factory Stocks
Friday    04/19/13    Cocopah Speedway    Yuma    AZ    USAC/CRA Sprint Cars
Friday    04/19/13    Ocean Speedway    Watsonville    CA    USAC Western Classic Sprints
Friday    04/19/13    Plaza Park Raceway    Visalia    CA    USAC Western Dirt Ignite Midgets
Friday    04/19/13    Boyd's Speedway    Ringgold    GA    Southern Regional Racing Series Super Late Models
Friday    04/19/13    Jacksonville Speedway    Jacksonville    IL    305 Winged Sprints
Friday    04/19/13    Jacksonville Speedway    Jacksonville    IL    Hornets
Friday    04/19/13    Jacksonville Speedway    Jacksonville    IL    Modifieds
Friday    04/19/13    Jacksonville Speedway    Jacksonville    IL    Stock Cars
Friday    04/19/13    Tri-City Speedway    Pontoon Beach    IL    MARS DIRTCar Late Models
Friday    04/19/13    Tri-City Speedway    Pontoon Beach    IL    Sunoco American Late Models
Friday    04/19/13    Tri-City Speedway    Pontoon Beach    IL    UMP Modifieds
Friday    04/19/13    Lakeside Speedway    Kansas City    KS    USMTS Modifieds
Friday    04/19/13    Paducah International Raceway    Paducah    KY    World of Outlaw Sprint Cars
Friday    04/19/13    Ponderosa Speedway    Junction City    KY    Southern Spring Nationals – Dirt Late Models
Friday    04/19/13    Valley Speedway    Grain Valley    MO    ASCS Winged Sprints
Friday    04/19/13    Fayetteville Motor Speedway    Fayetteville    NC    World of Outlaw Late Models
Friday    04/19/13    Creek County Speedway    Sapulpa    OK    ASCS Winged Sprints
Friday    04/19/13    Roaring Knob Motorsports Complex    Markleysburg    PA    Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models
Friday    04/19/13    Heart O' Texas Speedway    Waco    TX    ASCS Winged Sprints
Friday    04/19/13    RPM Speedway    Crandall    TX    Factory Stocks
Friday    04/19/13    RPM Speedway    Crandall    TX    Limited Modifieds
Friday    04/19/13    RPM Speedway    Crandall    TX    Street Stocks
Friday    04/19/13    RPM Speedway    Crandall    TX    USRA Modifieds
Saturday    04/20/13    Dixieland Dirt Track    Cottonwood    AL    4-Cylinders
Saturday    04/20/13    Dixieland Dirt Track    Cottonwood    AL    Bombers
Saturday    04/20/13    Dixieland Dirt Track    Cottonwood    AL    Limited Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    Dixieland Dirt Track    Cottonwood    AL    Open Wheel Modifieds
Saturday    04/20/13    Dixieland Dirt Track    Cottonwood    AL    Stockers
Saturday    04/20/13    Dixieland Dirt Track    Cottonwood    AL    Vintage
Saturday    04/20/13    Montgomery Motor Speedway    Montgomery    AL    Buzz
Saturday    04/20/13    Montgomery Motor Speedway    Montgomery    AL    Mini Modifieds
Saturday    04/20/13    Montgomery Motor Speedway    Montgomery    AL    Pro Late Models 2x
Saturday    04/20/13    Montgomery Motor Speedway    Montgomery    AL    Street Stock
Saturday    04/20/13    Montgomery Motor Speedway    Montgomery    AL    Vintage Nationals
Saturday    04/20/13    Moulton Speedway    Danville    AL    KMSA Mini Stocks
Saturday    04/20/13    Riverside International Speedway    West Memphis    AR    305 Winged Sprints
Saturday    04/20/13    Riverside International Speedway    West Memphis    AR    360 Winged Sprints
Saturday    04/20/13    Riverside International Speedway    West Memphis    AR    Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    Riverside International Speedway    West Memphis    AR    Modifieds
Saturday    04/20/13    Riverside International Speedway    West Memphis    AR    Stock Cars
Saturday    04/20/13    Central Arizona Raceway    Casa Grande    AZ    Mini Sprints
Saturday    04/20/13    Central Arizona Raceway    Casa Grande    AZ    Pure Stocks
Saturday    04/20/13    Central Arizona Raceway    Casa Grande    AZ    Southwest Mod Lites
Saturday    04/20/13    Central Arizona Raceway    Casa Grande    AZ    Winged Sprint Cars
Saturday    04/20/13    Cocopah Speedway    Yuma    AZ    Street Stocks
Saturday    04/20/13    Cocopah Speedway    Yuma    AZ    USAC/CRA Sprint Cars
Saturday    04/20/13    Tucson International Raceway    Tucson    AZ    Championship Dirt Motorsports Super Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    Tucson International Raceway    Tucson    AZ    Dwarf Cars
Saturday    04/20/13    Tucson International Raceway    Tucson    AZ    Factory Stocks
Saturday    04/20/13    Tucson International Raceway    Tucson    AZ    Hornets
Saturday    04/20/13    Tucson International Raceway    Tucson    AZ    Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    Tucson International Raceway    Tucson    AZ    Mod Lites
Saturday    04/20/13    Tucson International Raceway    Tucson    AZ    Southwest Dirt Racing Association Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    Tucson International Raceway    Tucson    AZ    USRA Modifieds
Saturday    04/20/13    Bakersfield Speedway    Bakersfield    CA    American Stocks
Saturday    04/20/13    Bakersfield Speedway    Bakersfield    CA    California Lightning Sprints
Saturday    04/20/13    Bakersfield Speedway    Bakersfield    CA    Ford Focus Midgets
Saturday    04/20/13    Bakersfield Speedway    Bakersfield    CA    Hobby Stocks
Saturday    04/20/13    Bakersfield Speedway    Bakersfield    CA    Modifieds
Saturday    04/20/13    Bakersfield Speedway    Bakersfield    CA    NMRA Midgets
Saturday    04/20/13    Bakersfield Speedway    Bakersfield    CA    USAC Western Dirt Ignite Midgets
Saturday    04/20/13    Madera Speedway    Madera    CA    4-Cylinders
Saturday    04/20/13    Madera Speedway    Madera    CA    Hobby Stocks
Saturday    04/20/13    Madera Speedway    Madera    CA    Limited Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    Madera Speedway    Madera    CA    MST
Saturday    04/20/13    Madera Speedway    Madera    CA    Southwest Trucks
Saturday    04/20/13    Madera Speedway    Madera    CA    Sport Mods
Saturday    04/20/13    Madera Speedway    Madera    CA    Toyota Sedans
Saturday    04/20/13    Placerville Speedway    Placerville    CA    360 Winged Sprints
Saturday    04/20/13    Placerville Speedway    Placerville    CA    Dwarf Cars
Saturday    04/20/13    Placerville Speedway    Placerville    CA    Limited Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    Placerville Speedway    Placerville    CA    Pure Stocks
Saturday    04/20/13    Thunderbowl Raceway    Tulare    CA    USAC West Coast Sprints
Saturday    04/20/13    34 Raceway    Burlington    IA    305 Sprint Cars
Saturday    04/20/13    34 Raceway    Burlington    IA    4-Cylinders
Saturday    04/20/13    34 Raceway    Burlington    IA    MARS DIRTCar Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    34 Raceway    Burlington     IA    Sunoco American Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    34 Raceway    Burlington    IA    UMP Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    Knoxville Raceway    Knoxville    IA    305 Winged Sprints
Saturday    04/20/13    Knoxville Raceway    Knoxville    IA    360 Winged Sprints
Saturday    04/20/13    Knoxville Raceway    Knoxville    IA    410 Winged Sprints
Saturday    04/20/13    Magic Valley Speedway    Twin Falls     ID    ASA Pro Trucks
Saturday    04/20/13    Meridian Speedway    Meridian    ID    B-Mods
Saturday    04/20/13    Meridian Speedway    Meridian    ID    Modifieds
Saturday    04/20/13    Meridian Speedway    Meridian    ID    Mountain Dew Winged Sprints
Saturday    04/20/13    Meridian Speedway    Meridian    ID    Sprint Cars
Saturday    04/20/13    Meridian Speedway    Meridian    ID    Super 6 Sprint Cars
Saturday    04/20/13    Highland Speedway    Highland    IL    Outlaw Micros
Saturday    04/20/13    Highland Speedway    Highland    IL    UMP Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    Highland Speedway    Highland    IL    UMP Modifieds
Saturday    04/20/13    Highland Speedway    Highland    IL    UMP Sport Mods
Saturday    04/20/13    Highland Speedway    Highland    IL    UMP Street Stocks
Saturday    04/20/13    Peoria Speedway    Peoria    IL    Hornets
Saturday    04/20/13    Peoria Speedway    Peoria    IL    Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    Peoria Speedway    Peoria    IL    Lightning Sprints
Saturday    04/20/13    Peoria Speedway    Peoria    IL    Limited Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    Peoria Speedway    Peoria    IL    Modifieds
Saturday    04/20/13    Peoria Speedway    Peoria    IL    Street Stocks
Saturday    04/20/13    Spoon River Speedway    Canton    IL    Spoon 6-Shooters
Saturday    04/20/13    Spoon River Speedway    Canton    IL    UMP Hornets
Saturday    04/20/13    Spoon River Speedway    Canton    IL    UMP Limited Modifieds
Saturday    04/20/13    Spoon River Speedway    Canton    IL    UMP Modifieds
Saturday    04/20/13    Spoon River Speedway    Canton    IL    UMP Pro-Crate Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    Vermillion County Speedway    Danville    IL    MOWA Sprint Cars
Saturday    04/20/13    Tri-State Speedway    Haubstadt    IN    Modifieds
Saturday    04/20/13    Tri-State Speedway    Haubstadt    IN    World of Outlaw Sprint Cars
Saturday    04/20/13    Plymouth Speedway    Plymouth    IN     USAC 600 Mini Sprints
Saturday    04/20/13    Hagerstown Speedway    Hagerstown    MD    Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    Winston Speedway    Rothbury    MI    Sunoco American Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    Lucas Oil Speedway    Wheatland    MO    A-Mods
Saturday    04/20/13    Lucas Oil Speedway    Wheatland    MO    B-Mods
Saturday    04/20/13    Lucas Oil Speedway    Wheatland    MO    Factory Stocks
Saturday    04/20/13    Lucas Oil Speedway    Wheatland    MO    ULMA Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    Springfield Raceway    Springfield    MO    ASCS Winged Sprints
Saturday    04/20/13    311 Motor Speedway    Pine Hall    NC    World of Outlaw Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    Caraway Speedway    Asheboro    NC    Hornets
Saturday    04/20/13    Caraway Speedway    Asheboro    NC    Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    Caraway Speedway    Asheboro    NC    Legends
Saturday    04/20/13    Caraway Speedway    Asheboro    NC    Limited Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    Caraway Speedway    Asheboro    NC    Mini Stocks
Saturday    04/20/13    Caraway Speedway    Asheboro    NC    U-Cars
Saturday    04/20/13    Caraway Speedway    Asheboro    NC    Whelen Southern Modifieds
Saturday    04/20/13    County Line Raceway    Elm City     NC    Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    County Line Raceway    Elm City     NC    Pure Stock 4 Cylinder
Saturday    04/20/13    County Line Raceway    Elm City     NC    Pure Stock V-8
Saturday    04/20/13    County Line Raceway    Elm City     NC    Super Stock 4 Cylinders
Saturday    04/20/13    County Line Raceway    Elm City     NC    Thunder & Lightning
Saturday    04/20/13    East Lincoln Speedway    Stanley    NC    Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    East Lincoln Speedway    Stanley    NC    Limited Sportsman
Saturday    04/20/13    East Lincoln Speedway    Stanley    NC    Micro Sprints
Saturday    04/20/13    East Lincoln Speedway    Stanley    NC    Renegades
Saturday    04/20/13    East Lincoln Speedway    Stanley    NC    Stock 4
Saturday    04/20/13    East Lincoln Speedway    Stanley    NC    Super Stock 4 Cylinders
Saturday    04/20/13    Hickory Motor Speedway    Newton     NC    Rev-Oil Pro Cup
Saturday    04/20/13    Monadnock Speedway    Winchester    NH    Valenti Modifieds
Saturday    04/20/13    Eldora Speedway    Rossburg    OH    Stock Cars
Saturday    04/20/13    Eldora Speedway    Rossburg    OH    UMP Modifieds
Saturday    04/20/13    Eldora Speedway    Rossburg    OH    USAC Sprint Cars
Saturday    04/20/13    Salina Highbanks Speedway    Pryor Creek    OK    USMTS Modifieds
Saturday    04/20/13    Cleveland Speedway    Cleveland    TN    Southern Spring Nationals – Dirt Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    Duck River Raceway Park    Wheel    TN    Modified Street Bomber
Saturday    04/20/13    Duck River Raceway Park    Wheel    TN    Openwheel
Saturday    04/20/13    Duck River Raceway Park    Wheel    TN    Outlaw Pony
Saturday    04/20/13    Duck River Raceway Park    Wheel    TN    Pure Pony
Saturday    04/20/13    Duck River Raceway Park    Wheel    TN    Rookie Pony
Saturday    04/20/13    Duck River Raceway Park    Wheel    TN    Street Stock Bomber
Saturday    04/20/13    Duck River Raceway Park    Wheel    TN    Super Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    Duck River Raceway Park    Wheel    TN    Two Barrel Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    Volunteer Speedway    Bulls Gap    TN     FASTRAK Pro Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    Gator Motorplex    Willis    TX    ASCS Winged Sprints
Saturday    04/20/13    Lonesome Pine Raceway    Coeburn    VA    Iron Warrior
Saturday    04/20/13    Lonesome Pine Raceway    Coeburn    VA    Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    Lonesome Pine Raceway    Coeburn    VA    Mod 4
Saturday    04/20/13    Lonesome Pine Raceway    Coeburn    VA    Pure 4
Saturday    04/20/13    Lonesome Pine Raceway    Coeburn    VA    Pure Streets
Saturday    04/20/13    Lonesome Pine Raceway    Coeburn    VA    Super Streets
Saturday    04/20/13    Shenandoah Speedway    Shenandoah    VA    USAC Eastern Ignite Midgets
Saturday    04/20/13    South Boston Speedway    South Boston    VA    Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    South Boston Speedway    South Boston    VA    Limited Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    South Boston Speedway    South Boston    VA    Pure Stock
Saturday    04/20/13    Virginia Motor Speedway    Jamaica    VA    Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    Virginia Motor Speedway    Jamaica    VA    Limited Stock Car
Saturday    04/20/13    Virginia Motor Speedway    Jamaica    VA    Modifieds
Saturday    04/20/13    Virginia Motor Speedway    Jamaica    VA    Sportsman
Saturday    04/20/13    Skagit Speedway    Alger    WA    360 Winged Sprints
Saturday    04/20/13    Skagit Speedway    Alger    WA    410 Winged Sprints
Saturday    04/20/13    Skagit Speedway    Alger    WA    Outlaw Hornets
Saturday    04/20/13    Skagit Speedway    Alger    WA    Sportsman Sprints
Saturday    04/20/13    LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway    LaCrosse    WI    Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway    LaCrosse    WI    Sportsman
Saturday    04/20/13    LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway    LaCrosse    WI    Thunderstox
Saturday    04/20/13    Oshkosh Speedzone    Oshkosh    WI    IRA Outlaw Sprints
Saturday    04/20/13    Oshkosh Speedzone    Oshkosh    WI    MSA 360 Sprints
Saturday    04/20/13    Oshkosh Speedzone    Oshkosh    WI    Street Stocks
Saturday    04/20/13    I-77 Raceway Park    Ripley    WV    Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    I-77 Raceway Park    Ripley    WV    Mini-Wedges
Saturday    04/20/13    I-77 Raceway Park    Ripley    WV    Mod Lites
Saturday    04/20/13    I-77 Raceway Park    Ripley    WV    Modifieds
Saturday    04/20/13    I-77 Raceway Park    Ripley    WV    Semi-Late Models
Saturday    04/20/13    I-77 Raceway Park    Ripley    WV    Semi-Mods
Sunday    04/21/13    Quincy Raceways    Quincy    IL    Cornbelt Clash Late Models
Sunday    04/21/13    Quincy Raceways    Quincy    IL    IMCA Sport Compacts
Sunday    04/21/13    Quincy Raceways    Quincy    IL    MARS DIRTCar Late Models
Sunday    04/21/13    Quincy Raceways    Quincy    IL    Sunoco American Late Models
Sunday    04/21/13    Quincy Raceways    Quincy    IL    UMP Modifieds
Sunday    04/21/13    Plymouth Speedway    Plymouth    IN     USAC 600 Mini Sprints
Sunday    04/21/13    Oxford Plains Speedway    Oxford    ME    Modifieds
Sunday    04/21/13    Oxford Plains Speedway    Oxford    ME    NELCAR Legends
Sunday    04/21/13    Oxford Plains Speedway    Oxford    ME    PASS North Super Late Models
Sunday    04/21/13    Oxford Plains Speedway    Oxford    ME    Sportsman
Sunday    04/21/13    Grays Harbor Raceway    Elma     WA    USAC Northwest Ignite Midgets
Thursday    04/25/13    Texas Thunder Speedway    Killeen    TX    USMTS Modifieds
Thursday    04/25/13    Richmond International Raceway    Richmond    VA    K&N Pro Series East

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.

~~~~~~~~~~

Frontstretch Folio: STP 400
by Beth Lunkenheimer


The Sprint Cup Series heads off to the Midwest this weekend for a Sunday afternoon date with Kansas Speedway. The STP 400 is the eighth race of the 2013 season and will be broadcast live, on FOX at 1:00 PM ET. The race can also be heard on your local MRN affiliate or SiriusXM Radio Channel 90. Drivers will compete for 267 laps (400.5 miles) en route to the checkered flag.

Records and Facts

Kasey Kahne holds the track qualifying record with a speed of 191.360 mph, set for last Fall's Hollywood Casino 400. Kahne led just a single lap that day, though before settling into a fourth-place finish to Matt Kenseth. Martin Truex, Jr. and Paul Menard placed second and third, respectively, while Tony Stewart rounded out the top 5.

Denny Hamlin is the defending winner of the Spring race at Kansas. Martin Truex, Jr. actually led the most laps - 173 of 267 - before dropping to runner-up, behind the driver of the No. 11 Toyota. Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth and Greg Biffle rounded out the top 5.

Track Facts

Track / Race Length: 1.5-mile D-shaped oval, 267 laps, 400.5 miles
Banking
Turns
: 15º
Tri-oval: 10.4º
Backstretch: 5º

Frontstretch: 2,685 feet
Backstretch: 2,207 feet
Grandstand Seating: 74,000

Pre-Race Schedule

Practices: Friday, April 19, 1:00 - 2:30 PM ET on SPEED
Saturday, April 20, 10:00 - 9:55 AM ET on SPEED
Happy Hour: Saturday, April 20, 12:30 - 1:20 PM ET on SPEED
Qualifying: Friday, April 19 at 4:40 PM ET on SPEED

VIPs

Grand Marshal / Command: Richard Petty
Honorary Officials: Kansas City Chiefs Jeff Allen, Don Stephenson
National Anthem: Season Two X Factor winner Tate Stevens

Race Day Forecast

Sunday: Cloudy
High: 62
Low: 47

They Said It

"We're looking forward to going back to Kansas because it is a fun racetrack. It's a very new racetrack as far as being repaved, so I think it's kind of new to everybody. We really feel like we're going to be on a level playing field when we get there. Everybody from JGR has done a really good job getting this No. 81 Alert Energy Camry ready to go. They've run very, very well on the mile-and-a-half tracks as a company. Matt Kenseth won at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Kyle Busch won last weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. I have high hopes going there. I've got a lot of optimism. We feel really good about the setup in the car and everything we have in place. We're just looking forward to getting on the racetrack." - Elliott Sadler

"There would be nothing better than winning in Kansas. That race track means a lot to me.  Our team tested there a couple weeks ago.  It went pretty well; it was only our team, so we really don't know how we stack up, but it's lightning fast.  I think we were 207 or 209 miles an hour at the end of the straightaway there at Kansas, which was really good and really fast.  I'm excited to go back there.  It's amazing how much that area has built up and how much is going on there.  It's a neat place and I've got a lot of family and friends coming, so that would be huge to win there in the Aflac Ford." - Carl Edwards

"With the new pavement at Kansas Speedway, everything changed quite a bit. I am looking forward to going back there this weekend. We didn't do so great there last year, but improving on the 1.5-mile tracks has become a major focus for the No. 31 team. I think we've done that with offseason testing. This will be the first smooth 1.5-mile track we've raced on with this new Gen-6 car. I think we are going to have to change things up with our setup leading into the weekend." - Jeff Burton

Beth Lunkenheimer is a Managing Editor for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via email at beth.lunkenheimer@frontstretch.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Beth_Frntstrtch.

~~~~~~~~~~

ADVERTISEMENT
Are you looking to advertise your website, product or brand?  A good way to get your name out there is via direct advertising here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!  Interested parties can contact us at tony.lumbis@frontstretch.com for details.

~~~~~~~~~~

TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:


Four Burning Questions in Kansas: Judging Fast Speeds And Penalty Appeals
by Amy Henderson
by Kevin Rutherford
~~~~~~~~~~

FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:

Q: Later this season, Kansas Speedway will host their first-ever major sports car event with a night race for the Rolex Sports Car Series on August 17.  Which race does this event effectively replace?

Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
 
Thursday's Answer:

Q: Former Truck Series racer Kelly Sutton (currently recovering from a severe motorcycle crash near Baltimore) had an arduous time in the series, never finishing better than 15th in 54 career starts.  Kansas in 2005 was no better.  What happened to Sutton that day?

A: Sutton was nothing more than an innocent bystander.  Ahead of her, Chris Fontaine spun out while running underneath Terry Cook and backed his Bobby Hamilton-owned Dodge into the wall.  Sutton had already gotten loose, while trying to avoid Fontaine and attempted to go low.  Unfortunately, trucks are not the most nimble vehicles.  Sutton overcorrected a sudden slide and hit Fontaine's front end, hard.  The force of the hit put Sutton on her roof.  Her Copaxone Chevrolet slid on it's roof and hit the wall before sliding down to the apron.  Once on the apron, the truck righted itself.  The crash can be seen in this clip.  Sutton was OK, but both her and Fontaine were out of the race.

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 Tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Special Kansas Coverage! by Summer Bedgood, Beth Lunkenheimer, and Phil Allaway
-----------------------------
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