Wednesday, April 17, 2013

The Frontstretch Newsletter: April 17th, 2013

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

April 17th, 2013
Volume VII, Edition LIX

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What To Watch: Wednesday

- In a surprising move, NASCAR did not release penalties for either Penske Racing or Michael Waltrip Racing Tuesday. (Pure speculation is that this was out of respect for the Boston Marathon bombing and its victims). We do expect, however that the consequences for both programs will come down tomorrow. Martin Truex, Jr.'s car, for MWR was posted as too low in postrace inspection; in the past, that's resulted in a six-point deduction. As for Penske's two Fords, it's uncertain after the rear end housings for both the No. 2 and No. 22 cars were confiscated during Texas pre-race inspection.

EDITOR'S NOTE: A wave of additional columns will come out later today. Once we announce the NASCAR penalties, look for a special edition of the Newsletter with those links and the latest news on what went down!

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Top News
by Tom Bowles

Keselowski Visits With Obama At White House


Barack Obama had a playful message for Brad Keselowski: it was nice to have someone kick Jimmie Johnson out.

"I was getting tired of seeing Johnson all the time," said Obama, who hosted the reigning champion in a special reception Tuesday. Both men were in a jovial mood despite the circumstances; some had speculated the event would be cancelled in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings that killed three and injured well over 150. But both sides insisted to push forward, the President reassuring reporters that terrorism would not be allowed to interfere in daily life.

Among the lighter moments was when Obama joked that Keselowski had offered for the President to drive his race car. The catch? It would have to be in circles on the White House South Lawn. As you might expect, the Secret Service wouldn't allow it but Obama still praised the effort, along with the ability of the champ – as well as his sporting contemporaries.

"All the drivers in NASCAR bring great joy to their fans," he said. "It is a unique American sport and we are so proud to support it."

Kansas Speedway Ramping Up Security In Wake Of Boston Marathon Bombing

Fans expecting to attend the races at Kansas this weekend should be prepared for a little extra security. Track personnel warned fans Tuesday about longer lines and additional procedures put it place that may slow down their entry into the stands but hopefully will help assure their safety.

"What I would ask from our fans," said Kansas Speedway President Pat Warren, "Is to have patience when they're at the gate, patience when they're in the parking lot. If it takes a little bit longer this weekend, I hope people understand why that's the case."

While fears are understandably heightened during the wake of Monday's serious incident, it appears the track is ready to handle any additional precautions. Warren, who reminded the AP Tuesday that the track was the second to host a race after 9/11, has been working with law enforcement officials to make sure they're doing everything possible to protect the over 70,000 fans expected. There will also be an additional push to prevent firearms from entering the speedway; last weekend, a fan shot himself to death at Texas in an apparent at-track suicide.

"We've had several meetings with our local contact with the Kansas police department, which interphases with Homeland Security and the FBI," Warren confirmed. "We don't discuss publicly the things we do because we don't want somebody who might do something bad to know what our plans, policies and procedures are."

"What I would say is that we treat every event seriously, and we treat the safety and security of our fans seriously."

Bill France, Jr.'s Great-Grandson To Make Truck Series Debut

Ben Kennedy, come August 2013, will turn from possible heir to the NASCAR empire to potential competitor for Truck Series Victory Lane. The son of Lesa France Kennedy and nephew to Brian France will climb up the racing ladder for three races in 2013, driving a Chevy for Turner Scott Motorsports at Bristol, Iowa, and Homestead. Fresh off a win at 5 Flags Speedway in the NASCAR K&N East Series, 21-year-old Kennedy is raring and ready to make the jump, spending Tuesday reconfirming an announcement that was initially made in late February.

"I've heard nothing but good stuff about Turner Scott Motorsports," he said during a weekly NASCAR presser. "Their performance on the track is absolutely phenomenal. Great bunch of people. I'm really excited to get out there and race."

Kennedy, who has already tested with the program at New Smyrna Speedway, is also working on another proud accomplishment – his college degree. A sports management major at the University of Florida, he's expected to graduate in the Spring of 2014 while continuing his schedule in K&N Pro Series East.

News Bites

- Don't expect Kyle Larson to slow down his extracurricular activities anytime soon. The driver, signed to a contract with Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, has plans to still race anything from dirt cars, to late models, to winged sprints in addition to his Nationwide and Truck Series schedules in 2013.

"I'm going to try to race as much as I can," he said. "A lot of people probably think I should focus on Nationwide or whatever, but I think the more you're in a race car, the more you're learning. So that's kind of how I've been the last couple years… I mean, you see Tony Stewart, and he's off racing Sprint cars whenever he can. He still runs good…"

- Rookie Darrell Wallace, Jr. picked up another sponsor for his Truck Series effort. Liberty Tire Recycling will plaster its logos on the No. 54 Kyle Busch Motorsports Toyota for a total of three events, including this weekend at Kansas. The company, which recycles over 140 million tires annually, then turns the material around to produce everything from rubber mulch to industrial fuel, has increased its commitment to the sport through the years. The 19-year-old Wallace, 11th in series points has one top-10 finish in three starts…

- Elliott Sadler will make his debut this weekend in a fourth car for Joe Gibbs Racing at Kansas. It's no secret the Virginian wants to move back up full-time into the Cup Series and hopes JGR and its No. 81 Toyota will be the place. But if Gibbs has the funding on a possible 2014 expansion, he's keeping mum…for now.

"We have the capacity, we could do a fourth team, but everything has to line up," the car owner said to NASCAR.com. "We can do it for a few races but we're not ready to do it for all the races. We've learned you're better off being a little more patient than just jumping at any chance you get."

Sadler will run Sunday and at both Talladega events, with more starts possible this season as funding permits.

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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Today's Featured Commentary
Increasing Security At Major Sporting Events
WTF Wednesdays

by Ellen Richardson

The key word surrounding this weekend's NASCAR events at Texas Motor Speedway seemed to be "drama."  There was controversy surrounding the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race sponsor, looming penalties over confiscated parts, and teams possibly blowing the whistle on each other to boot. But the most poignant moment of all, causing despair and not debate involved a fan suicide in the infield of Texas Motor Speedway, in the midst of the NRA 500. 

While trying to recover and come to terms with such shocking and sad news, the next sports related tragedy occurred, in Boston which now has many venues around the country examining their current security efforts. 

Being a news junkie, I often have it on in the background and was appalled and angered after witnessing the tragic bombings at the finish line of the Boston Marathon yesterday.  This sporting event is such a positive one and this terrible act has put somber images in place of pictures of triumph. 

As I continue to pray for those affected by each of these tragedies, I haven't stopped thinking about the safety of sports fans, including race fans, across the nation -- and it is obvious that I am not the only with these concerns.  In the aftermath of Monday's bombing, Indianapolis Motor Speedway spokesman Doug Boles said their track joined venues across the country in reexamining the way they handle security. According to the Associated Press, Monday's attack will be part of future meetings to review what precautions should be taken. 

"I guess this will bring a new topic or dialogue to those discussions, to see if there's anything more we need to do to prepare with respect to what's happened in Boston," Boles said. "And we will learn more about that over the next couple of days, as the folks in Boston do, and we will be prepared for that."

Kansas Speedway, as mentioned in Top News above is also stepping up security to assure fan safety for this weekend's NASCAR Camping World Truck and Sprint Cup Series races.  Without divulging specific details, track president Pat Warren told the Sporting News that fans can expect delays due to heightened safety measures.

"People might notice a little bit of an increased police presence or something else, which is normal after an event like this," said Warren. "There will also be things they don't see. What I would ask from our fans is to have patience when they're at the gate and patience when they're in the parking lot."

While I am happy to hear that these and other tracks are taking the necessary measures to keep us safe, I am concerned that it takes a tragedy of this magnitude before efforts of this kind are made.  It actually became a concern of mine after learning of the fan tragedy at Texas Motor Speedway on Saturday night.  As I have mentioned previously, I am a supporter of firearms but the fact that a fan was able to get a loaded gun into the infield of this race was shocking.  I was saddened that this fan used this weapon to take his own life, but I'm also well aware that he could have also used it to take the lives of others. 

What was most shocking of all, though is how both NASCAR and Speedway representatives chose to handle this situation.  When approached with questions about this shooting, NASCAR Chairman Brian France defended the NRA's sponsorship of this race instead of talking about measurements that were being put in place to keep fans safe from something more tragic happening.  While a spokesman from Texas Motor Speedway said that track officials will review its policy and procedures used to prevent fans from bringing weapons onto speedway property, that didn't seem like enough. Are both entities doing what's needed to ensure it doesn't happen again?

Of course, there's also a realization that turning these venues into a fortress of frisks, bag searches, and metal detectors comes with a cost.

"There is obviously a balance between being intrusive and tightening security," said Matt Weaver of SB Nation, a fellow racing reporter Tuesday.  "We need to protect fans but we can't burden them with increased security… if we overreact with knee-jerk responses, we are letting the enemy win."

So, how do we find this balance and remain safe?  Do we continue in the same vein or are there further measures that can be put in place without ruining a fan's track experience?  Only time will tell, but the important thing to remember right now is simple. For fans worried, in the wake of recent events don't let fear change passion; then, the bad guys win. Healing means continuing to enjoy the sport that so many have come to love.

Ellen Richardson is a Newsletter Contributor for Frontstretch.com.  She can be reached via e-mail at frontstretcheditors@googlegroups.com.  

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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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Tweet 'N' Greet
by Kevin Rutherford

Editor's Note: With the NASCAR Twitter community expanding by leaps and bounds, it remains a place for instantaneous news, reactions, and a whole lot of inside jokes. We understand if you don't want to join the Twitter community - but as a fan, it's important to know the news and info you're missing out on! That's why, every week, Kevin Rutherford will sort through the thousands of messages and give us a little taste of what's going on each Wednesday.

So, without further ado, here's a look at what those in NASCAR were thinking over the past seven days...

@JeffGordonWeb: Thoughts & prayers go out to all affected by this terrible tragedy at the Boston Marathon. Very sad news.

@DakodaArmstrong: My heart goes out to the injured people & their families at the Boston Marathon. Thankful for the first respondents bravery. #prayforboston

@JMarks_MMX (Justin Marks): Thinking about all those affected in Boston. We can be threatened but we will never be broken

@AndyLally: IF this is an attack it is SO senseless. No target, just random men, women & children from all walks of life, nationality & religion #Boston

@Writer_Amy (Amy Henderson): I love Charlotte, but Boston is home. So, so sad.

@miguelpaludo: I can't believe the news about the #BostonMarathon. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Boston today. Stay safe everyone.

@Ryan_Truex: There are some terrible people out there that shouldn't be on this planet

@summerbedgood (Summer Bedgood): Just now getting caught up on the Boston Marathon news. Words are failing me at this point. Just .... WHY????

@Team_Onion: By this situation. It is so scary. We all think we have it bad until something like this. Prayers for everyone. Can't even imagine.

@maxpapis: My thoughts to all ppl in Boston. What kind of COWARD can do something like this !!

@JohnKingRacing: I will never understand how someone can do such evil and senseless acts on innocent children, women and men.

@mw55 (Michael Waltrip): Mean people suck. #prayers

@KyleLarsonRacin: Pumped to win the @NASCAR_Trucks race today at the rock! @joeylogano had me nervous the last few laps for sure

@stenhousejr: Guess who... Lol http://instagram.com/p/X8cAZQL1v3/

@Kenny_Wallace: THANK YOU to Everyone at @Rab_Racing 4 making me feel like I never left. I am ready 4 @RIRInsider pic.twitter.com/cLTvCK55Wc

@scottspeed: Check out @rdio they going to be on my car this weekend! I am so pumped! It is such a sick app! I love it

@KevinHarvick: Dear Mr. Coyote, you ate our swan now I'm going to hunt you down. #nothappy

@TimGeorgeJr: Hope we can! Sponsor wise... @kansasspeedway is last race scheduled for now RT @thepattenfactor: @TimGeorgeJr Keep pushing bro

@KellyBires: I think they should make the drivers fix their own vehicles when they wreck them. Maybe some respect will come back into the sport.

@BubbaWallace (Darrell Wallace Jr.): That #4 team is making it tough for the ROY Title... that's ok I like a challenge!

@BlakeKochRacing: That was not fun lol "@Mc_Driver: Oh no @BlakeKochRacing restarting up front with no tires. Not going to be fun. Hold on to her buddy!"

@JenJoCobb: Anytime I get a rude Tweet I think of a song that goes "Dang, Y u so obsessed w me?!" Cute song. Fun joke among my friends & team :)
 
Kevin Rutherford is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at kevin.rutherford@frontstretch.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Surfwax83.

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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:

Side By Side: Will Junior Retire As a Champion or an Also-Ran?
by Mark Howell and Kevin Rutherford

compiled by Mike Mehedin

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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
 
Q: In the 2002 Ameristar Casino Indy 200, Tomas Scheckter dominated the proceedings for Cheever Racing.  However, with just a few laps to go, it ended in tears for the rookie.  What happened?
 
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
 
Monday's Answer:

Q: The 2002 Protection One 400 saw Jeff Gordon claim his second consecutive win at the new 1.5-mile tri-oval.  However, it also saw the end of Sterling Marlin's season.  What happened?

A: Marlin was running in the seventh position just after a restart when he approached the lapped Conseco Pontiac driven by Mike Wallace.  Marlin had to check up just a little, which resulted in Jeff Burton tapping Marlin's No. 40 from behind.  Marlin fought the car, then overcorrected and shot hard into the outside wall exiting Turn 2.  The crash can be seen in this clip. Marlin suffered neck injuries in the crash that put him out of the car for the remainder of the 2002 season.  A combination of Mike Bliss and Jamie McMurray filled in.

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. Things are sure to get entertaining as they debate the latest and greatest in NASCAR!

Frontstretch Fan Q&A by Summer Bedgood
Summer takes on your NASCAR 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.

Tech Talk by Mike Neff
Mike has a Sprint Cup Series crew chief stop by to talk about the technical side of NASCAR. This week, Paul Wolfe stops by as the series heads off to Kansas Speedway, and it couldn't be a better time as penalties for Penske Racing are expected to be announced today.

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 picking your roster out for Kansas.

Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth is back with all of the latest and greatest to come out of the Truck Series. Join our NCWTS expert for another interesting and informative feature!
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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

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