THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
April 26th, 2013
Volume VII, Edition LXVIII
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Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
April 26th, 2013
Volume VII, Edition LXVIII
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What To Watch: Friday
- Richmond is abuzz with action, as NASCAR's Nationwide and Cup Series cars take to the track in preparation for their 250 and 400-lap events, respectfully. A full TV schedule, straight from Phil Allaway's Couch Potato Tuesday is printed below; keep in mind the Nationwide race, while shown live has been moved to ESPNEWS due to NFL draft coverage.
(All times eastern)
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Sprint Cup Series Practice SPEED
2:30 - 3:30 PM Sprint Cup Series Happy Hour SPEED
4:00 - 5:00 PM Nationwide Series Qualifying ESPN2
5:30 - 7:00 PM Sprint Cup Series Qualifying SPEED
7:00 - 7:30 PM SPEED Center SPEED
7:00 - 7:30 PM NASCAR Countdown ESPNEWS
7:30 - 10:00 PM Nationwide Series ToyotaCare 250 ESPNEWS
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2:30 - 3:30 PM Sprint Cup Series Happy Hour SPEED
4:00 - 5:00 PM Nationwide Series Qualifying ESPN2
5:30 - 7:00 PM Sprint Cup Series Qualifying SPEED
7:00 - 7:30 PM SPEED Center SPEED
7:00 - 7:30 PM NASCAR Countdown ESPNEWS
7:30 - 10:00 PM Nationwide Series ToyotaCare 250 ESPNEWS
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Top News
by Justin Tucker and Tom Bowles
by Justin Tucker and Tom Bowles
Kyle Busch Wins Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown
Who says Joe Gibbs Racing teammates don't get along? Kyle Busch is certainly receiving gifts, from Denny Hamlin in the form of shiny trophies from winning the latter's annual charity event. Rowdy was romping through the field again at Richmond Thursday night, taking control at the race's midpoint and cruising during the latter stages to win the Showdown for the third time in the past six years. In a race that benefits the Denny Hamlin Foundation, created to help those with cystic fibrosis Busch had his late model hitting on all cyilnders down the stretch. Pulling away from fellow Cup driver David Ragan, in the final segment of the 75-lap race the outcome was simply never in doubt following a 5-minute break for pit stops prior to Lap 47. Ben Rhodes, Ronnie Bassett, Jr., and Garrett Campbell rounded out the top-5 finishers.
Other Cup drivers, including defending race champion Tony Stewart were in the field but never a factor up front. Smoke, actually extending his slumping start to 2013 into this race got wrecked before the halfway point and wound up 28th. Matt Kenseth, still distraught after a midweek penalty virtually negated his win at Kansas was never truly competitive, either; he finished 22nd.
Other Cup drivers, including defending race champion Tony Stewart were in the field but never a factor up front. Smoke, actually extending his slumping start to 2013 into this race got wrecked before the halfway point and wound up 28th. Matt Kenseth, still distraught after a midweek penalty virtually negated his win at Kansas was never truly competitive, either; he finished 22nd.
Also on Thursday night, African-American driver Ryan Gifford won the first K&N Pro Series East race of his young career. Surviving a five-lap shootout, following a red flag he cruised home over Brandon Gdovic.
Todd Bodine Finds More Sponsorship, Keeps Ride Alive With Thorsport
Mattei Compressors and ThorSport Racing will once again team up in the Camping World Truck Series this season, supporting a former series champ. Mattei announced Thursday they will be the primary sponsor for Todd Bodine and the No. 13 Toyota Tundra at Charlotte Motor Speedway, keeping the truck on track for the series' next race: the North Carolina Education Lottery 200.
"Our experience at Daytona proved to us that sponsoring a race to promote the benefits of Mattei Air Compressors not only allowed us to promote and add excitement to our brand to thousands of race enthusiasts, but also to reach the Paint Body & Equipment (PBE) market, a primary focus for Mattei compressors," Mattei GM Jay R. Hedges said in a press release. "Hundreds of body shops around the U.S. use our AC Series Cabinet. This is ideal because Mattei provides clean, dry air critical to our PBE customers."
Mattei got a lot of airtime during that season-opening race, at Daytona where Bodine battled to an 11th-place finish. That's the truck's best result this season; bad luck has left the No. 13 team without a top-10 performance, struggling to 16th in points and in danger of closing up shop until Mattei stepped up to fund the effort.
The North Carolina Education Lottery 200 can been seen live on SPEED Friday, May 17th with NCWTS Setup beginning at 7 PM EDT. Bodine, 49, has never won at Charlotte in nine career starts.
Stefanyshyn to Lead Innovation and Racing Development
NASCAR announced on Thursday Morning that Gene Stefanyshyn has been named as the new Vice President of Innovation and Racing Development. Stefanyshyn will be based at the Research and Development Center in Concord, N.C.
A native of Ontario, Canada, Stefanyshyn will join NASCAR on May 13th, 2013 following a four-month search to fill the position. He will report directly to NASCAR President Mike Helton and will work closely with Senior V.P. of Racing Operations Steve O'Donnell and V.P. of Competition Robin Pemberton to advance technology within the sport's Gen-6 car, stay on top of creative changes and more.
Stefanyshyn worked in various capacities for General Motors over the last 30 years, most recently serving as the company's Executive Director of Global Product Development Quality where he managed 250 employees across four global regions.
"We are very pleased to have a globally proven leader the caliber of Gene Stefanyshyn join our management team and take the reins of innovation and racing development at NASCAR," NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France said. "It has been a stated goal to raise the level of science and technology utilized throughout NASCAR to an entirely new level, and I'm confident that we have found the right leader in Gene to build on our very strong foundation. NASCAR's aim is to be a recognized leader when it comes to putting the best, most engaging product forward and this is another strong step in that direction."
Stefanyshyn also shared France's excitement about the chance to work within the top stock car series in the country.
"I have a strong passion for cars and respect the proud history of this great sport, so I'm thrilled at the opportunity of helping shape the future of NASCAR racing," he said. "I look forward to working with the team at NASCAR, each of the OEM partners, the race teams and drivers to raise performance levels across the board and to drive the sport to an even stronger leadership position in the future."
Stefanyshyn holds a B.S Mechanical Engineering degree from Kettering University in Flint, Michigan and holds an MBA from the University of Western Ontario. He and his wife Angela are the parents of two children, Ivanna and Mark.
Roush Fenway And Nationwide Team Up
Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. will have a familiar brand sponsoring his race car come August at Bristol. Roush Fenway Racing and Nationwide Insurance announced on Thursday that the duo has agreed to a two-year partnership for primary backing on Stenhouse's No. 17 Ford Fusion in NASCAR's top series.
Stenhouse, a former two-time Nationwide Series champion will carry the insurance company's colors for three races in 2013 and four races in 2014. In addition, Nationwide will serve as an associate sponsor for all three Roush Fenway cars over the next two years.
"We've had a 15-year presence in NASCAR and this is the first time we've sponsored a car in any NASCAR series," said Matt Jauchius, chief marketing officer for Nationwide Insurance in announcing the move. "We built a solid relationship with Roush Fenway and two-time NASCAR Nationwide Series champion and Nationwide Insurance member, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and we're eager to carry that momentum forward and enhance our existing integrated NASCAR marketing platform."
Nationwide Insurance will be the primary sponsor for Stenhouse at Bristol in August, Richmond in September, and Talladega in October.
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
Kenseth Speaks Out Against Penalties
The man whose win was all but taken away this week had plenty to say about NASCAR's officiating Thursday. Matt Kenseth, clearly distraught over what transpired at Kansas strongly maintained the consequences received for a bad connecting rod in the engine don't connect to how much of a competitive advantage the part actually gave his car.
"I think the penalties are grossly unfair," he explained to reporters. "I think it's borderline shameful. There's no argument the part was wrong. They weighed it and it was wrong. However, there is an argument that there certainly was no performance advantage. If you can find any unbiased, reputable, knowledgeable engine-builder and if they saw the facts, what all the rods weighed. The average weight of all the rods was well above the minimum -- 2.5 (grams) above the minimum at least. There was one in there that was way heavy. There was no performance advantage, there was no intent, it was a mistake. JGR (Joe Gibbs Racing) had no control over it. Certainly, to crush Joe Gibbs like that -- to say they can't win an owner's championship with the 20 this year is just, I can't wrap my arms around that, it just blows me away. And the same with Jason Ratcliff (crew chief). I don't feel bad for myself at all, but for Jason and Joe [Gibbs], I just couldn't feel any worse. There's no more reputable, honest hard-working guys with good reputations more so than those two -- I feel really bad for them."
"I think the penalties are grossly unfair," he explained to reporters. "I think it's borderline shameful. There's no argument the part was wrong. They weighed it and it was wrong. However, there is an argument that there certainly was no performance advantage. If you can find any unbiased, reputable, knowledgeable engine-builder and if they saw the facts, what all the rods weighed. The average weight of all the rods was well above the minimum -- 2.5 (grams) above the minimum at least. There was one in there that was way heavy. There was no performance advantage, there was no intent, it was a mistake. JGR (Joe Gibbs Racing) had no control over it. Certainly, to crush Joe Gibbs like that -- to say they can't win an owner's championship with the 20 this year is just, I can't wrap my arms around that, it just blows me away. And the same with Jason Ratcliff (crew chief). I don't feel bad for myself at all, but for Jason and Joe [Gibbs], I just couldn't feel any worse. There's no more reputable, honest hard-working guys with good reputations more so than those two -- I feel really bad for them."
Kenseth went on to say he's uncertain how the appeals process will turn out, but he's supportive of the way his team is handling the situation. Sitting tied for 14th in points, now after the violation the road to the Chase just got ever so slightly harder.
Hamlin Considering Back Surgery
Denny Hamlin, not cleared medically for Richmond is considering in-season surgery that would delay his comeback another six to eight weeks. The driver, who has a history of back problems says the decision to go under the knife, relieving pain from bulging discs in his back would not happen unless he fails to get medical clearance for Darlington. In the meantime, doctors have given approval for the driver to start Talladega next week, riding around in the back until giving it up to relief driver Brian Vickers following caution one.
Keep in mind this timeline is not set in stone; a lot becomes dependent on how Hamlin's chances to make the Chase evolve over the next week or two. "Eventually, you have to know the point at which you're looking at improbabilities of making the Chase and just being smart about it," he said before joking, "If everyone keeps getting these penalties, I'm going to be the points leader soon."
Sprint Cup Series team Swan Racing launched Swan Racing TV on Thursday. The "reality show style" videos, designed to keep fans up to date on the off-track happenings with the organization, will run between three and six minutes long. The 32-week season is designed to give an inside look at the team, a tight-knit group and focus on individual crew members while they build up their organization internally. Fans interested should follow @SwanRacingTV, @SwanRacingCo, @DavidStremme and @SwanEnergyInc on Twitter.
Dominion Raceway To Sponsor Kvapil At Richmond
Dominion Raceway announced a partnership with BK Racing to sponsor the No. 93 Toyota driven by Travis Kvapil Saturday night. The proposed facility includes a 1/8-mile drag strip, a 4/10-mile oval and a two mile road course.
"Dominion Raceawy is the culmination of everything we have learned at Old Dominion Speedway, managing member Steve Britt said. "It's an extremely forward-thinking project, expands the fan experience greatly with modern facilities, interactive video and numerous venues, not all of which are motorsports, all designed for family fun and enjoyment. It's fabulous that Ron Devine and BK Racing were willing to work with us so closely on a Dominion Raceway Car for the Richmond Toyota Owners 400 race."
In eight races this season, Kvapil has a best finish of 22nd at Texas Motor Speedway earlier this month. Having suffered three engine failures, the driver of the No. 93 Toyota sits 35th in points.
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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: Another Chapter Of History Starts Saturday Night
by Mike Neff
There are legendary sports venues all over the world; some are still in use, while others are merely a shell of their former selves, and the final group is just, well completely gone. Of the arenas that are still in use, few of them are still in the same relative state as they were when they opened. Wrigley Field has lights and sky boxes added, for example. Fenway Park has seats on top of the Green Monster. Soldier Field has been completely renovated. But Bowman-Gray Stadium, aside from the endzone fieldhouse, is virtually the same as it was when it held its first NASCAR-sanctioned race in May of 1949.
The quarter-mile track at the venerable facility has hosted 29 Sprint Cup races, from 1958 through 1971, until NASCAR stopped staging Cup races at tracks less than a half-mile in length. They still host weekly shows from April until Winston-Salem State, the school whose campus houses the facility, begins playing football games on the field that sits inside the racing surface. It hosts four divisions regularly: Stadium Stock (a 4-cylinder class), Street Stock, Sportsman (a limited Late Model class) and the feature division, the Modifieds. While Modifieds are a staple of racing in the Northeast, they have never taken hold in the South except at Bowman-Gray. For 18 weeks, from the end of April until the end of August, the stands at Bowman-Gray will be packed with more people than any other weekly track will seat on an average night anywhere in the United States. Opening night will have 15,000 or more in the stands and the average race night will host 10,000 people.
The racing at The Stadium is hardly captivating. A completely flat quarter-mile track that was originally designed to be the running track for the local college is not ideal for side-by-side racing. Making the outside work at Bowman-Gray is about as hard as working a slide rule. The attraction at the Stadium, then is the atmosphere. The fans in the stands are as passionate as any race fans you will find anywhere. The factions in the stands are fiercely loyal to their favorite drivers and are not beyond trading insults and even blows to reinforce that loyalty. That passion, and the air of excitement that it creates is contagious. Spending a night in the stands at The Stadium can change a race fan for the rest of their lives.
This Saturday night, the green flag will fly for the first time in 2013. Another year of racing will see Tim Brown try and win yet another track championship, along with catching and passing Junior Miller on the all-time wins list (Brown needs five to tie, six to break the record). The Myers Brothers and their Dirty South legion of fans will try and keep Brown from having any success. The rebel fans that don't want to cheer for the big names will gravitate to Jonathan Brown, Lee Jeffreys, Danny Bohn and others. The support divisions have their own fans who are there to cheer on their favorite 4-cylinder drivers or Sportsman wheelmen. In the end, it is all about a love for racing and the men and women who pour their hearts and souls into the sport, both in the cars that run around the tight confines of Bowman-Gray and those who wear their allegiance on their sleeves in the stands, some 10,000 strong, every Saturday night all Summer.
So whether you come to Winston-Salem this Saturday night or another one between now and August 31st, it is worth the trip to see a night of racing at The Stadium. Don't expect wide open, side-by-side competition, but know that you'll still go home worn out from a racing experience you'll never have anywhere else.
This Weekend's Racing Schedule
Friday 04/26/13 Jacksonville Speedway Jacksonville IL POWRi Lucas Oil National Midgets
Friday 04/26/13 Jacksonville Speedway Jacksonville IL POWRi Speedway Motors 600 Outlaw Micro Sprints
Friday 04/26/13 Jacksonville Speedway Jacksonville IL Street Stocks
Friday 04/26/13 Tri-City Speedway Pontoon Beach IL UMP Factory Stocks
Friday 04/26/13 Tri-City Speedway Pontoon Beach IL UMP Late Models
Friday 04/26/13 Tri-City Speedway Pontoon Beach IL UMP Modifieds
Friday 04/26/13 Tri-City Speedway Pontoon Beach IL UMP Pro-Crate Late Models
Friday 04/26/13 Tri-City Speedway Pontoon Beach IL UMP Sport Compacts
Friday 04/26/13 Gas City I-69 Speedway Gas City IN USAC Midwest Dirt Ignite Midgets
Friday 04/26/13 Gas City I-69 Speedway Gas City IN USAC Sprint Cars
Friday 04/26/13 Attica Raceway Park Attica OH Sunoco American Late Models
Friday 04/26/13 Salina Highbanks Speedway Salina OK World of Outlaw Sprint Cars
Friday 04/26/13 Thunderbird Speedway Muskogee OK MARS DIRTCar Late Models
Friday 04/26/13 Smoky Mountain Speedway Maryville TN World of Outlaw Late Models
Friday 04/26/13 Boyd Raceway Boyd TX ASCS Winged Sprints
Friday 04/26/13 Kennedale Speedway Park Kennedale TX USMTS Modifieds
Friday 04/26/13 RPM Speedway Crandall TX Factory Stocks
Friday 04/26/13 RPM Speedway Crandall TX Limited Modifieds
Friday 04/26/13 RPM Speedway Crandall TX Sprint Cars
Friday 04/26/13 RPM Speedway Crandall TX Street Stocks
Friday 04/26/13 RPM Speedway Crandall TX USRA Modifieds
Friday 04/26/13 Oshkosh Speedzone Oshkosh WI Dirt Devils
Friday 04/26/13 Oshkosh Speedzone Oshkosh WI Grand Nationals
Friday 04/26/13 Oshkosh Speedzone Oshkosh WI Modifieds
Friday 04/26/13 Oshkosh Speedzone Oshkosh WI Sport Mods
Friday 04/26/13 Oshkosh Speedzone Oshkosh WI Street Stocks
Saturday 04/27/13 Dixieland Dirt Track Cottonwood AL 4-Cylinders
Saturday 04/27/13 Dixieland Dirt Track Cottonwood AL Bombers
Saturday 04/27/13 Dixieland Dirt Track Cottonwood AL Limited Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 Dixieland Dirt Track Cottonwood AL Open Wheel Modifieds
Saturday 04/27/13 Dixieland Dirt Track Cottonwood AL Stockers
Saturday 04/27/13 Dixieland Dirt Track Cottonwood AL Vintage
Saturday 04/27/13 Riverside International Speedway West Memphis AR 600 Mini Sprints
Saturday 04/27/13 Riverside International Speedway West Memphis AR ASCS Winged Sprints
Saturday 04/27/13 Riverside International Speedway West Memphis AR Stock Cars
Saturday 04/27/13 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ Challenge Cup Sprint Cars
Saturday 04/27/13 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ Mini Sprints
Saturday 04/27/13 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ Southwest Mod Lites
Saturday 04/27/13 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ USAC Southwest Sprint Cars
Saturday 04/27/13 Cocopah Speedway Yuma AZ Factory Stocks
Saturday 04/27/13 Cocopah Speedway Yuma AZ IMCA Modifieds
Saturday 04/27/13 Cocopah Speedway Yuma AZ IMCA Sport Mods
Saturday 04/27/13 Cocopah Speedway Yuma AZ Pro Stocks
Saturday 04/27/13 Cocopah Speedway Yuma AZ Street Stocks
Saturday 04/27/13 Bakersfield Speedway Bakersfield CA CDCRA Dwarf Cars
Saturday 04/27/13 Bakersfield Speedway Bakersfield CA Mini Stocks
Saturday 04/27/13 Bakersfield Speedway Bakersfield CA Sport Mods
Saturday 04/27/13 Bakersfield Speedway Bakersfield CA Sprint Cars
Saturday 04/27/13 Bakersfield Speedway Bakersfield CA USAC West Coast Sprints
Saturday 04/27/13 Lucas Oil I-10 Speedway Blythe CA ASA Trucks
Saturday 04/27/13 Madera Speedway Madera CA 4-Cylinders
Saturday 04/27/13 Madera Speedway Madera CA Hobby Stocks
Saturday 04/27/13 Madera Speedway Madera CA MST
Saturday 04/27/13 Madera Speedway Madera CA Open Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 Madera Speedway Madera CA Sport Mods
Saturday 04/27/13 Madera Speedway Madera CA Toyota Sedans
Saturday 04/27/13 Placerville Speedway Placerville CA 410 Winged Sprints
Saturday 04/27/13 Placerville Speedway Placerville CA Midget Lites
Saturday 04/27/13 34 Raceway Burlington IA 305 Sprint Cars
Saturday 04/27/13 34 Raceway Burlington IA 4-Cylinders
Saturday 04/27/13 34 Raceway Burlington IA IMCA Modifieds
Saturday 04/27/13 34 Raceway Burlington IA IMCA Stock Cars
Saturday 04/27/13 34 Raceway Burlington IA Mod Lites
Saturday 04/27/13 34 Raceway Burlington IA Sport Mods
Saturday 04/27/13 Knoxville Raceway Knoxville IA 305 Winged Sprints
Saturday 04/27/13 Knoxville Raceway Knoxville IA 360 Winged Sprints
Saturday 04/27/13 Knoxville Raceway Knoxville IA 410 Winged Sprints
Saturday 04/27/13 Fairbury American Legion Speedway Fairbury IL UMP Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 Fairbury American Legion Speedway Fairbury IL UMP Modifieds
Saturday 04/27/13 Fairbury American Legion Speedway Fairbury IL UMP Sportsman
Saturday 04/27/13 Fairbury American Legion Speedway Fairbury IL UMP Street Stocks
Saturday 04/27/13 Highland Speedway Highland IL UMP Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 Highland Speedway Highland IL UMP Modifieds
Saturday 04/27/13 Highland Speedway Highland IL UMP Pro Crate Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 Highland Speedway Highland IL UMP Sport Mods
Saturday 04/27/13 Highland Speedway Highland IL UMP Street Stocks
Saturday 04/27/13 Macon Speedway Macon IL POWRi Lucas Oil National Midgets
Saturday 04/27/13 Macon Speedway Macon IL POWRi Speedway Motors 600 Outlaw Micro Sprints
Saturday 04/27/13 Peoria Speedway Peoria IL Hornets
Saturday 04/27/13 Peoria Speedway Peoria IL Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 Peoria Speedway Peoria IL Lightning Sprints
Saturday 04/27/13 Peoria Speedway Peoria IL Limited Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 Peoria Speedway Peoria IL Modifieds
Saturday 04/27/13 Peoria Speedway Peoria IL Street Stocks
Saturday 04/27/13 Spoon River Speedway Canton IL Spoon 6-Shooters
Saturday 04/27/13 Spoon River Speedway Canton IL UMP Hornets
Saturday 04/27/13 Spoon River Speedway Canton IL UMP Limited Modifieds
Saturday 04/27/13 Spoon River Speedway Canton IL UMP Modifieds
Saturday 04/27/13 Spoon River Speedway Canton IL UMP Pro-Crate Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 Lincoln Park Speedway Putnamville IN USAC Sprint Cars
Saturday 04/27/13 Montpelier Motor Speedway Montpelier IN USAC Midwest Dirt Ignite Midgets
Saturday 04/27/13 Plymouth Speedway Plymouth IN USAC 600 Mini Sprints
Saturday 04/27/13 Cedar Ridge Speedway Morgantown KY American Modified Series
Saturday 04/27/13 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Pevely MO World of Outlaw Sprint Cars
Saturday 04/27/13 Lucas Oil Speedway Wheatland MO A-Mods
Saturday 04/27/13 Lucas Oil Speedway Wheatland MO B-Mods
Saturday 04/27/13 Lucas Oil Speedway Wheatland MO Factory Stocks
Saturday 04/27/13 Lucas Oil Speedway Wheatland MO ULMA Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 County Line Raceway Elm City NC Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 County Line Raceway Elm City NC Pure Stock 4 Cylinder
Saturday 04/27/13 County Line Raceway Elm City NC Pure Stock V-8
Saturday 04/27/13 County Line Raceway Elm City NC Super Stock 4 Cylinders
Saturday 04/27/13 East Lincoln Speedway Stanley NC Limited Sportsman
Saturday 04/27/13 East Lincoln Speedway Stanley NC Micro Sprints
Saturday 04/27/13 East Lincoln Speedway Stanley NC Renegades
Saturday 04/27/13 East Lincoln Speedway Stanley NC Stock 4
Saturday 04/27/13 East Lincoln Speedway Stanley NC Super Stock 4 Cylinders
Saturday 04/27/13 Hickory Motor Speedway Newton NC Limited Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 Hickory Motor Speedway Newton NC Renegades
Saturday 04/27/13 Hickory Motor Speedway Newton NC Street Stocks
Saturday 04/27/13 Hickory Motor Speedway Newton NC Whelen All-American Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 Roadrunner Speedway Carlsbad NM USAC National Quarter Midgets
Saturday 04/27/13 Eldora Speedway Rossburg OH FWD Compacts
Saturday 04/27/13 Eldora Speedway Rossburg OH Stock Cars
Saturday 04/27/13 Eldora Speedway Rossburg OH UMP Modifieds
Saturday 04/27/13 Southern Oklahoma Speedway Ardmore OK USMTS Modifieds
Saturday 04/27/13 Tri-State Speedway Pacola OK MARS DIRTCar Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 Duck River Raceway Park Wheel TN Modified Street Bomber
Saturday 04/27/13 Duck River Raceway Park Wheel TN Openwheel
Saturday 04/27/13 Duck River Raceway Park Wheel TN Outlaw Pony
Saturday 04/27/13 Duck River Raceway Park Wheel TN Pure Pony
Saturday 04/27/13 Duck River Raceway Park Wheel TN Rookie Pony
Saturday 04/27/13 Duck River Raceway Park Wheel TN Street Stock Bomber
Saturday 04/27/13 Duck River Raceway Park Wheel TN Super Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 Duck River Raceway Park Wheel TN Two Barrel Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 Tazewell Speedway Tazewell TN World of Outlaw Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 Music City Quarter Midget Racing Association Hermitage TN Jr. Honda Quarter Midget
Saturday 04/27/13 Music City Quarter Midget Racing Association Hermitage TN Light 160 Quarter Midget
Saturday 04/27/13 Music City Quarter Midget Racing Association Hermitage TN Sr. Honda Quarter Midget
Saturday 04/27/13 Houston Motorsports Park Houston TX Bandoleros
Saturday 04/27/13 Houston Motorsports Park Houston TX Ecostocks
Saturday 04/27/13 Houston Motorsports Park Houston TX Legends
Saturday 04/27/13 Houston Motorsports Park Houston TX NASCAR BWFS Coke Trucks 2X
Saturday 04/27/13 Houston Motorsports Park Houston TX NASCAR Fiesta Modifieds 2X
Saturday 04/27/13 Houston Motorsports Park Houston TX NASCAR Stock Cars 2X
Saturday 04/27/13 Texana Raceway Park Edna TX Dwarf/Mod Lites
Saturday 04/27/13 Texana Raceway Park Edna TX Hot Stock Trucks
Saturday 04/27/13 Texana Raceway Park Edna TX Mini Stocks
Saturday 04/27/13 Texana Raceway Park Edna TX Pure Stocks
Saturday 04/27/13 Texana Raceway Park Edna TX Sport Mods
Saturday 04/27/13 Texana Raceway Park Edna TX Street Stocks
Saturday 04/27/13 Motor Mile Speedway Radford VA Limited Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 Motor Mile Speedway Radford VA Mod 4
Saturday 04/27/13 Motor Mile Speedway Radford VA Street Stock
Saturday 04/27/13 Motor Mile Speedway Radford VA U-Cars
Saturday 04/27/13 Motor Mile Speedway Radford VA Whelen All-American Late Models 2X
Saturday 04/27/13 Evergreen Speedway Monroe WA ASA Northwest Sprint Cars
Saturday 04/27/13 Skagit Speedway Alger WA 360 Winged Sprints
Saturday 04/27/13 Skagit Speedway Alger WA 410 Winged Sprints
Saturday 04/27/13 Skagit Speedway Alger WA Outlaw Hornets
Saturday 04/27/13 Skagit Speedway Alger WA Sportsman Sprints
Saturday 04/27/13 Wenatchee Valley Speedway Wenatchee WA Apple Blossom 200 PASS Super Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 Wenatchee Valley Speedway Wenatchee WA Pro Four Alliance
Saturday 04/27/13 Wenatchee Valley Speedway Wenatchee WA Pure Stocks
Saturday 04/27/13 Wenatchee Valley Speedway Wenatchee WA WESCO Winged Sprints
Saturday 04/27/13 I-77 Raceway Park Ripley WV Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 I-77 Raceway Park Ripley WV Mini-Wedges
Saturday 04/27/13 I-77 Raceway Park Ripley WV Mod Lites
Saturday 04/27/13 I-77 Raceway Park Ripley WV Modifieds
Saturday 04/27/13 I-77 Raceway Park Ripley WV Ohio Valley Sprint Cars
Saturday 04/27/13 I-77 Raceway Park Ripley WV Semi-Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 I-77 Raceway Park Ripley WV Semi-Mods
Sunday 04/28/13 Stafford Motor Speedway Stafford CT Whelen Modifieds
Sunday 04/28/13 Knoxville Raceway Knoxville IA Hobby Stocks
Sunday 04/28/13 Knoxville Raceway Knoxville IA Modifieds
Sunday 04/28/13 Knoxville Raceway Knoxville IA Sport Mods
Sunday 04/28/13 Knoxville Raceway Knoxville IA Stock Cars
Sunday 04/28/13 Quincy Raceways Quincy IL IMCA Northern Sport Mods
Sunday 04/28/13 Quincy Raceways Quincy IL IMCA Sport Compacts
Sunday 04/28/13 Quincy Raceways Quincy IL IMCA Stock Cars
Sunday 04/28/13 Quincy Raceways Quincy IL UMP Late Models
Sunday 04/28/13 Quincy Raceways Quincy IL UMP Modifieds
Sunday 04/28/13 Salem Speedway Salem IN ARCA
Sunday 04/28/13 Terre Haute Action Track Terre Haute IN USAC Silver Crown
Sunday 04/28/13 Oxford Plains Speedway Oxford ME Mini Stocks
Sunday 04/28/13 Oxford Plains Speedway Oxford ME Outlaw Sportsman
Sunday 04/28/13 Oxford Plains Speedway Oxford ME Pro Late Models
Sunday 04/28/13 Oxford Plains Speedway Oxford ME Street Stocks
Sunday 04/28/13 Roadrunner Speedway Carlsbad NM USAC National Quarter Midgets
Wednesday 05/01/13 Ogilvie Raceway Ogilvie MN USMTS Modifieds
Wednesday 05/01/13 Millbridge Speedway Salisbury NC 125 Mini Outlaw
Wednesday 05/01/13 Millbridge Speedway Salisbury NC Beginner Box Stock Mini Outlaw
Wednesday 05/01/13 Millbridge Speedway Salisbury NC Box Stock Mini Outlaw
Wednesday 05/01/13 Millbridge Speedway Salisbury NC NBA Clone Go-Karts
Wednesday 05/01/13 Millbridge Speedway Salisbury NC Open Mini Outlaw
Thursday 05/02/13 Rice Lake Speedway Rice Lake WI USMTS Modifieds
The quarter-mile track at the venerable facility has hosted 29 Sprint Cup races, from 1958 through 1971, until NASCAR stopped staging Cup races at tracks less than a half-mile in length. They still host weekly shows from April until Winston-Salem State, the school whose campus houses the facility, begins playing football games on the field that sits inside the racing surface. It hosts four divisions regularly: Stadium Stock (a 4-cylinder class), Street Stock, Sportsman (a limited Late Model class) and the feature division, the Modifieds. While Modifieds are a staple of racing in the Northeast, they have never taken hold in the South except at Bowman-Gray. For 18 weeks, from the end of April until the end of August, the stands at Bowman-Gray will be packed with more people than any other weekly track will seat on an average night anywhere in the United States. Opening night will have 15,000 or more in the stands and the average race night will host 10,000 people.
The racing at The Stadium is hardly captivating. A completely flat quarter-mile track that was originally designed to be the running track for the local college is not ideal for side-by-side racing. Making the outside work at Bowman-Gray is about as hard as working a slide rule. The attraction at the Stadium, then is the atmosphere. The fans in the stands are as passionate as any race fans you will find anywhere. The factions in the stands are fiercely loyal to their favorite drivers and are not beyond trading insults and even blows to reinforce that loyalty. That passion, and the air of excitement that it creates is contagious. Spending a night in the stands at The Stadium can change a race fan for the rest of their lives.
This Saturday night, the green flag will fly for the first time in 2013. Another year of racing will see Tim Brown try and win yet another track championship, along with catching and passing Junior Miller on the all-time wins list (Brown needs five to tie, six to break the record). The Myers Brothers and their Dirty South legion of fans will try and keep Brown from having any success. The rebel fans that don't want to cheer for the big names will gravitate to Jonathan Brown, Lee Jeffreys, Danny Bohn and others. The support divisions have their own fans who are there to cheer on their favorite 4-cylinder drivers or Sportsman wheelmen. In the end, it is all about a love for racing and the men and women who pour their hearts and souls into the sport, both in the cars that run around the tight confines of Bowman-Gray and those who wear their allegiance on their sleeves in the stands, some 10,000 strong, every Saturday night all Summer.
So whether you come to Winston-Salem this Saturday night or another one between now and August 31st, it is worth the trip to see a night of racing at The Stadium. Don't expect wide open, side-by-side competition, but know that you'll still go home worn out from a racing experience you'll never have anywhere else.
This Weekend's Racing Schedule
Friday 04/26/13 Jacksonville Speedway Jacksonville IL POWRi Lucas Oil National Midgets
Friday 04/26/13 Jacksonville Speedway Jacksonville IL POWRi Speedway Motors 600 Outlaw Micro Sprints
Friday 04/26/13 Jacksonville Speedway Jacksonville IL Street Stocks
Friday 04/26/13 Tri-City Speedway Pontoon Beach IL UMP Factory Stocks
Friday 04/26/13 Tri-City Speedway Pontoon Beach IL UMP Late Models
Friday 04/26/13 Tri-City Speedway Pontoon Beach IL UMP Modifieds
Friday 04/26/13 Tri-City Speedway Pontoon Beach IL UMP Pro-Crate Late Models
Friday 04/26/13 Tri-City Speedway Pontoon Beach IL UMP Sport Compacts
Friday 04/26/13 Gas City I-69 Speedway Gas City IN USAC Midwest Dirt Ignite Midgets
Friday 04/26/13 Gas City I-69 Speedway Gas City IN USAC Sprint Cars
Friday 04/26/13 Attica Raceway Park Attica OH Sunoco American Late Models
Friday 04/26/13 Salina Highbanks Speedway Salina OK World of Outlaw Sprint Cars
Friday 04/26/13 Thunderbird Speedway Muskogee OK MARS DIRTCar Late Models
Friday 04/26/13 Smoky Mountain Speedway Maryville TN World of Outlaw Late Models
Friday 04/26/13 Boyd Raceway Boyd TX ASCS Winged Sprints
Friday 04/26/13 Kennedale Speedway Park Kennedale TX USMTS Modifieds
Friday 04/26/13 RPM Speedway Crandall TX Factory Stocks
Friday 04/26/13 RPM Speedway Crandall TX Limited Modifieds
Friday 04/26/13 RPM Speedway Crandall TX Sprint Cars
Friday 04/26/13 RPM Speedway Crandall TX Street Stocks
Friday 04/26/13 RPM Speedway Crandall TX USRA Modifieds
Friday 04/26/13 Oshkosh Speedzone Oshkosh WI Dirt Devils
Friday 04/26/13 Oshkosh Speedzone Oshkosh WI Grand Nationals
Friday 04/26/13 Oshkosh Speedzone Oshkosh WI Modifieds
Friday 04/26/13 Oshkosh Speedzone Oshkosh WI Sport Mods
Friday 04/26/13 Oshkosh Speedzone Oshkosh WI Street Stocks
Saturday 04/27/13 Dixieland Dirt Track Cottonwood AL 4-Cylinders
Saturday 04/27/13 Dixieland Dirt Track Cottonwood AL Bombers
Saturday 04/27/13 Dixieland Dirt Track Cottonwood AL Limited Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 Dixieland Dirt Track Cottonwood AL Open Wheel Modifieds
Saturday 04/27/13 Dixieland Dirt Track Cottonwood AL Stockers
Saturday 04/27/13 Dixieland Dirt Track Cottonwood AL Vintage
Saturday 04/27/13 Riverside International Speedway West Memphis AR 600 Mini Sprints
Saturday 04/27/13 Riverside International Speedway West Memphis AR ASCS Winged Sprints
Saturday 04/27/13 Riverside International Speedway West Memphis AR Stock Cars
Saturday 04/27/13 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ Challenge Cup Sprint Cars
Saturday 04/27/13 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ Mini Sprints
Saturday 04/27/13 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ Southwest Mod Lites
Saturday 04/27/13 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ USAC Southwest Sprint Cars
Saturday 04/27/13 Cocopah Speedway Yuma AZ Factory Stocks
Saturday 04/27/13 Cocopah Speedway Yuma AZ IMCA Modifieds
Saturday 04/27/13 Cocopah Speedway Yuma AZ IMCA Sport Mods
Saturday 04/27/13 Cocopah Speedway Yuma AZ Pro Stocks
Saturday 04/27/13 Cocopah Speedway Yuma AZ Street Stocks
Saturday 04/27/13 Bakersfield Speedway Bakersfield CA CDCRA Dwarf Cars
Saturday 04/27/13 Bakersfield Speedway Bakersfield CA Mini Stocks
Saturday 04/27/13 Bakersfield Speedway Bakersfield CA Sport Mods
Saturday 04/27/13 Bakersfield Speedway Bakersfield CA Sprint Cars
Saturday 04/27/13 Bakersfield Speedway Bakersfield CA USAC West Coast Sprints
Saturday 04/27/13 Lucas Oil I-10 Speedway Blythe CA ASA Trucks
Saturday 04/27/13 Madera Speedway Madera CA 4-Cylinders
Saturday 04/27/13 Madera Speedway Madera CA Hobby Stocks
Saturday 04/27/13 Madera Speedway Madera CA MST
Saturday 04/27/13 Madera Speedway Madera CA Open Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 Madera Speedway Madera CA Sport Mods
Saturday 04/27/13 Madera Speedway Madera CA Toyota Sedans
Saturday 04/27/13 Placerville Speedway Placerville CA 410 Winged Sprints
Saturday 04/27/13 Placerville Speedway Placerville CA Midget Lites
Saturday 04/27/13 34 Raceway Burlington IA 305 Sprint Cars
Saturday 04/27/13 34 Raceway Burlington IA 4-Cylinders
Saturday 04/27/13 34 Raceway Burlington IA IMCA Modifieds
Saturday 04/27/13 34 Raceway Burlington IA IMCA Stock Cars
Saturday 04/27/13 34 Raceway Burlington IA Mod Lites
Saturday 04/27/13 34 Raceway Burlington IA Sport Mods
Saturday 04/27/13 Knoxville Raceway Knoxville IA 305 Winged Sprints
Saturday 04/27/13 Knoxville Raceway Knoxville IA 360 Winged Sprints
Saturday 04/27/13 Knoxville Raceway Knoxville IA 410 Winged Sprints
Saturday 04/27/13 Fairbury American Legion Speedway Fairbury IL UMP Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 Fairbury American Legion Speedway Fairbury IL UMP Modifieds
Saturday 04/27/13 Fairbury American Legion Speedway Fairbury IL UMP Sportsman
Saturday 04/27/13 Fairbury American Legion Speedway Fairbury IL UMP Street Stocks
Saturday 04/27/13 Highland Speedway Highland IL UMP Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 Highland Speedway Highland IL UMP Modifieds
Saturday 04/27/13 Highland Speedway Highland IL UMP Pro Crate Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 Highland Speedway Highland IL UMP Sport Mods
Saturday 04/27/13 Highland Speedway Highland IL UMP Street Stocks
Saturday 04/27/13 Macon Speedway Macon IL POWRi Lucas Oil National Midgets
Saturday 04/27/13 Macon Speedway Macon IL POWRi Speedway Motors 600 Outlaw Micro Sprints
Saturday 04/27/13 Peoria Speedway Peoria IL Hornets
Saturday 04/27/13 Peoria Speedway Peoria IL Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 Peoria Speedway Peoria IL Lightning Sprints
Saturday 04/27/13 Peoria Speedway Peoria IL Limited Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 Peoria Speedway Peoria IL Modifieds
Saturday 04/27/13 Peoria Speedway Peoria IL Street Stocks
Saturday 04/27/13 Spoon River Speedway Canton IL Spoon 6-Shooters
Saturday 04/27/13 Spoon River Speedway Canton IL UMP Hornets
Saturday 04/27/13 Spoon River Speedway Canton IL UMP Limited Modifieds
Saturday 04/27/13 Spoon River Speedway Canton IL UMP Modifieds
Saturday 04/27/13 Spoon River Speedway Canton IL UMP Pro-Crate Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 Lincoln Park Speedway Putnamville IN USAC Sprint Cars
Saturday 04/27/13 Montpelier Motor Speedway Montpelier IN USAC Midwest Dirt Ignite Midgets
Saturday 04/27/13 Plymouth Speedway Plymouth IN USAC 600 Mini Sprints
Saturday 04/27/13 Cedar Ridge Speedway Morgantown KY American Modified Series
Saturday 04/27/13 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Pevely MO World of Outlaw Sprint Cars
Saturday 04/27/13 Lucas Oil Speedway Wheatland MO A-Mods
Saturday 04/27/13 Lucas Oil Speedway Wheatland MO B-Mods
Saturday 04/27/13 Lucas Oil Speedway Wheatland MO Factory Stocks
Saturday 04/27/13 Lucas Oil Speedway Wheatland MO ULMA Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 County Line Raceway Elm City NC Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 County Line Raceway Elm City NC Pure Stock 4 Cylinder
Saturday 04/27/13 County Line Raceway Elm City NC Pure Stock V-8
Saturday 04/27/13 County Line Raceway Elm City NC Super Stock 4 Cylinders
Saturday 04/27/13 East Lincoln Speedway Stanley NC Limited Sportsman
Saturday 04/27/13 East Lincoln Speedway Stanley NC Micro Sprints
Saturday 04/27/13 East Lincoln Speedway Stanley NC Renegades
Saturday 04/27/13 East Lincoln Speedway Stanley NC Stock 4
Saturday 04/27/13 East Lincoln Speedway Stanley NC Super Stock 4 Cylinders
Saturday 04/27/13 Hickory Motor Speedway Newton NC Limited Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 Hickory Motor Speedway Newton NC Renegades
Saturday 04/27/13 Hickory Motor Speedway Newton NC Street Stocks
Saturday 04/27/13 Hickory Motor Speedway Newton NC Whelen All-American Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 Roadrunner Speedway Carlsbad NM USAC National Quarter Midgets
Saturday 04/27/13 Eldora Speedway Rossburg OH FWD Compacts
Saturday 04/27/13 Eldora Speedway Rossburg OH Stock Cars
Saturday 04/27/13 Eldora Speedway Rossburg OH UMP Modifieds
Saturday 04/27/13 Southern Oklahoma Speedway Ardmore OK USMTS Modifieds
Saturday 04/27/13 Tri-State Speedway Pacola OK MARS DIRTCar Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 Duck River Raceway Park Wheel TN Modified Street Bomber
Saturday 04/27/13 Duck River Raceway Park Wheel TN Openwheel
Saturday 04/27/13 Duck River Raceway Park Wheel TN Outlaw Pony
Saturday 04/27/13 Duck River Raceway Park Wheel TN Pure Pony
Saturday 04/27/13 Duck River Raceway Park Wheel TN Rookie Pony
Saturday 04/27/13 Duck River Raceway Park Wheel TN Street Stock Bomber
Saturday 04/27/13 Duck River Raceway Park Wheel TN Super Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 Duck River Raceway Park Wheel TN Two Barrel Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 Tazewell Speedway Tazewell TN World of Outlaw Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 Music City Quarter Midget Racing Association Hermitage TN Jr. Honda Quarter Midget
Saturday 04/27/13 Music City Quarter Midget Racing Association Hermitage TN Light 160 Quarter Midget
Saturday 04/27/13 Music City Quarter Midget Racing Association Hermitage TN Sr. Honda Quarter Midget
Saturday 04/27/13 Houston Motorsports Park Houston TX Bandoleros
Saturday 04/27/13 Houston Motorsports Park Houston TX Ecostocks
Saturday 04/27/13 Houston Motorsports Park Houston TX Legends
Saturday 04/27/13 Houston Motorsports Park Houston TX NASCAR BWFS Coke Trucks 2X
Saturday 04/27/13 Houston Motorsports Park Houston TX NASCAR Fiesta Modifieds 2X
Saturday 04/27/13 Houston Motorsports Park Houston TX NASCAR Stock Cars 2X
Saturday 04/27/13 Texana Raceway Park Edna TX Dwarf/Mod Lites
Saturday 04/27/13 Texana Raceway Park Edna TX Hot Stock Trucks
Saturday 04/27/13 Texana Raceway Park Edna TX Mini Stocks
Saturday 04/27/13 Texana Raceway Park Edna TX Pure Stocks
Saturday 04/27/13 Texana Raceway Park Edna TX Sport Mods
Saturday 04/27/13 Texana Raceway Park Edna TX Street Stocks
Saturday 04/27/13 Motor Mile Speedway Radford VA Limited Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 Motor Mile Speedway Radford VA Mod 4
Saturday 04/27/13 Motor Mile Speedway Radford VA Street Stock
Saturday 04/27/13 Motor Mile Speedway Radford VA U-Cars
Saturday 04/27/13 Motor Mile Speedway Radford VA Whelen All-American Late Models 2X
Saturday 04/27/13 Evergreen Speedway Monroe WA ASA Northwest Sprint Cars
Saturday 04/27/13 Skagit Speedway Alger WA 360 Winged Sprints
Saturday 04/27/13 Skagit Speedway Alger WA 410 Winged Sprints
Saturday 04/27/13 Skagit Speedway Alger WA Outlaw Hornets
Saturday 04/27/13 Skagit Speedway Alger WA Sportsman Sprints
Saturday 04/27/13 Wenatchee Valley Speedway Wenatchee WA Apple Blossom 200 PASS Super Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 Wenatchee Valley Speedway Wenatchee WA Pro Four Alliance
Saturday 04/27/13 Wenatchee Valley Speedway Wenatchee WA Pure Stocks
Saturday 04/27/13 Wenatchee Valley Speedway Wenatchee WA WESCO Winged Sprints
Saturday 04/27/13 I-77 Raceway Park Ripley WV Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 I-77 Raceway Park Ripley WV Mini-Wedges
Saturday 04/27/13 I-77 Raceway Park Ripley WV Mod Lites
Saturday 04/27/13 I-77 Raceway Park Ripley WV Modifieds
Saturday 04/27/13 I-77 Raceway Park Ripley WV Ohio Valley Sprint Cars
Saturday 04/27/13 I-77 Raceway Park Ripley WV Semi-Late Models
Saturday 04/27/13 I-77 Raceway Park Ripley WV Semi-Mods
Sunday 04/28/13 Stafford Motor Speedway Stafford CT Whelen Modifieds
Sunday 04/28/13 Knoxville Raceway Knoxville IA Hobby Stocks
Sunday 04/28/13 Knoxville Raceway Knoxville IA Modifieds
Sunday 04/28/13 Knoxville Raceway Knoxville IA Sport Mods
Sunday 04/28/13 Knoxville Raceway Knoxville IA Stock Cars
Sunday 04/28/13 Quincy Raceways Quincy IL IMCA Northern Sport Mods
Sunday 04/28/13 Quincy Raceways Quincy IL IMCA Sport Compacts
Sunday 04/28/13 Quincy Raceways Quincy IL IMCA Stock Cars
Sunday 04/28/13 Quincy Raceways Quincy IL UMP Late Models
Sunday 04/28/13 Quincy Raceways Quincy IL UMP Modifieds
Sunday 04/28/13 Salem Speedway Salem IN ARCA
Sunday 04/28/13 Terre Haute Action Track Terre Haute IN USAC Silver Crown
Sunday 04/28/13 Oxford Plains Speedway Oxford ME Mini Stocks
Sunday 04/28/13 Oxford Plains Speedway Oxford ME Outlaw Sportsman
Sunday 04/28/13 Oxford Plains Speedway Oxford ME Pro Late Models
Sunday 04/28/13 Oxford Plains Speedway Oxford ME Street Stocks
Sunday 04/28/13 Roadrunner Speedway Carlsbad NM USAC National Quarter Midgets
Wednesday 05/01/13 Ogilvie Raceway Ogilvie MN USMTS Modifieds
Wednesday 05/01/13 Millbridge Speedway Salisbury NC 125 Mini Outlaw
Wednesday 05/01/13 Millbridge Speedway Salisbury NC Beginner Box Stock Mini Outlaw
Wednesday 05/01/13 Millbridge Speedway Salisbury NC Box Stock Mini Outlaw
Wednesday 05/01/13 Millbridge Speedway Salisbury NC NBA Clone Go-Karts
Wednesday 05/01/13 Millbridge Speedway Salisbury NC Open Mini Outlaw
Thursday 05/02/13 Rice Lake Speedway Rice Lake WI USMTS Modifieds
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.
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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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Frontstretch Folio: Toyota Owners 400
by Beth Lunkenheimer
The Sprint Cup Series heads to Richmond International Raceway this weekend for a Saturday night showdown. The Toyota Owners 400 is the ninth race of the 2013 season and will be broadcast live on FOX at 7:30 PM ET. The race can also be heard on your local MRN affiliate or SiriusXM Radio Channel 90. Drivers will compete for 400 laps (300 miles) en route to the checkered flag.
Records and Facts:
Brian Vickers holds the track qualifying record, posting a lap of 129.983 mph for the 2004 Chevy American Revolution 400. Vickers led the first 32 laps before fading to eighth that night, slotting in behind race winner Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Earnhardt beat Vickers, plus his future teammate Jimmie Johnson, by nearly 1.5 seconds. Bobby Labonte, Tony Stewart and Matt Kenseth rounded out the top 5.
Kyle Busch is the defending winner of this race, leading just 32 laps en route to his only victory in the 2012 season. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. finished second followed by Tony Stewart, who had led 118 of the night's 400 laps. Denny Hamlin and Kasey Kahne rounded out the top 5.
Track Facts:
Track / Race Length: 0.75-mile oval, 400 laps, 300 miles
Frontstretch: 860 feet, banked 8 degrees
Backstretch: 1,290 feet, banked 2 degrees
Grandstand Seating: 97,912
Pit Road Speed: 45 mph
Pre-Race Schedule
Practice: Friday, April 26, 12:00 - 2:00 PM ET on SPEED
Happy Hour: Friday, April 26, 2:30 - 3:30 PM ET on SPEED
Qualifying: Friday, April 26 at 5:35 PM ET on SPEED
VIPs
Grand Marshal / Command: Toyota owner Carlton Walker
National Anthem: United States Marine Corps Drum Corps
Flyover: 3 North American T-28 Trojans
Race Day Forecast
Sunday: Mostly Sunny
High: 72
Low: 49
They Said It:
"[Richmond is] not one of my favorite tracks, it is my favorite track. It's the perfect-sized track for a Cup race. The other short tracks we run--Bristol and Martinsville--they're cool in their own right, but there's a lot of congestion at those two tracks. But at Richmond, it just seems like that extra quarter-mile, and that three-quarter-mile shape and how wide the groove gets there, allows for good racing. It seems like we have to race ourselves and race the racetrack versus racing each other a lot of times. You do have to race each other, obviously, but there are a lot of times during the race when you have the flexibility to move around on the racetrack and try to find a spot your car likes better than somewhere else. A lot of times on a short track, you don't have the flexibility. You're more narrowed down with what groove you're going to be in. It is literally the favorite track of mine on the circuit." Tony Stewart
"I am so excited to be heading to Richmond this weekend representing the upcoming NASCAR Day. This is a great charity that all the members of our sport, as well as our fans, get to participate in. Hopefully our No. 36 Chevy will help to bring more awareness to the fans this weekend when we race under the lights." JJ Yeley
"I'm ready to roll into Richmond. I consider Richmond my home track with me being from southern Maryland and I would love nothing more than putting on a good show for my friends and family. We made leaps and bounds at Kansas Speedway and I'm looking to carry that speed right into Richmond. I thought the entire weekend at Kansas was phenomenal speed wise but a late race problem cut our day short. With the bad luck in the rear view mirror, I am looking for another strong showing on the short track of Richmond." Timmy Hill
Records and Facts:
Brian Vickers holds the track qualifying record, posting a lap of 129.983 mph for the 2004 Chevy American Revolution 400. Vickers led the first 32 laps before fading to eighth that night, slotting in behind race winner Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Earnhardt beat Vickers, plus his future teammate Jimmie Johnson, by nearly 1.5 seconds. Bobby Labonte, Tony Stewart and Matt Kenseth rounded out the top 5.
Kyle Busch is the defending winner of this race, leading just 32 laps en route to his only victory in the 2012 season. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. finished second followed by Tony Stewart, who had led 118 of the night's 400 laps. Denny Hamlin and Kasey Kahne rounded out the top 5.
Track Facts:
Track / Race Length: 0.75-mile oval, 400 laps, 300 miles
Frontstretch: 860 feet, banked 8 degrees
Backstretch: 1,290 feet, banked 2 degrees
Grandstand Seating: 97,912
Pit Road Speed: 45 mph
Pre-Race Schedule
Practice: Friday, April 26, 12:00 - 2:00 PM ET on SPEED
Happy Hour: Friday, April 26, 2:30 - 3:30 PM ET on SPEED
Qualifying: Friday, April 26 at 5:35 PM ET on SPEED
VIPs
Grand Marshal / Command: Toyota owner Carlton Walker
National Anthem: United States Marine Corps Drum Corps
Flyover: 3 North American T-28 Trojans
Race Day Forecast
Sunday: Mostly Sunny
High: 72
Low: 49
They Said It:
"[Richmond is] not one of my favorite tracks, it is my favorite track. It's the perfect-sized track for a Cup race. The other short tracks we run--Bristol and Martinsville--they're cool in their own right, but there's a lot of congestion at those two tracks. But at Richmond, it just seems like that extra quarter-mile, and that three-quarter-mile shape and how wide the groove gets there, allows for good racing. It seems like we have to race ourselves and race the racetrack versus racing each other a lot of times. You do have to race each other, obviously, but there are a lot of times during the race when you have the flexibility to move around on the racetrack and try to find a spot your car likes better than somewhere else. A lot of times on a short track, you don't have the flexibility. You're more narrowed down with what groove you're going to be in. It is literally the favorite track of mine on the circuit." Tony Stewart
"I am so excited to be heading to Richmond this weekend representing the upcoming NASCAR Day. This is a great charity that all the members of our sport, as well as our fans, get to participate in. Hopefully our No. 36 Chevy will help to bring more awareness to the fans this weekend when we race under the lights." JJ Yeley
"I'm ready to roll into Richmond. I consider Richmond my home track with me being from southern Maryland and I would love nothing more than putting on a good show for my friends and family. We made leaps and bounds at Kansas Speedway and I'm looking to carry that speed right into Richmond. I thought the entire weekend at Kansas was phenomenal speed wise but a late race problem cut our day short. With the bad luck in the rear view mirror, I am looking for another strong showing on the short track of Richmond." Timmy Hill
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.
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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.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Four Burning Questions: Richmond - Can Tony Stewart Right The Ship?
by Matt Stallknecht
by Amy Henderson
by Jeff Meyer
by Tom Bowles
by the Frontstretch Staff
Nuts For Nationwide: Larson Who? Alex Bowman Early Surprise In Rookie Battle
Nuts For Nationwide: Larson Who? Alex Bowman Early Surprise In Rookie Battle
by Kevin Rutherford
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: The 1986 Miller High Life 400 at Richmond is best known for the infamous crash involving Dale Earnhardt and Darrell Waltrip that gifted Kyle Petty his first career victory. While Kyle might have been the only guy to walk out of Richmond happy on February 23, 1986, Ricky Rudd was not so happy, having lasted only 17 laps. What happened to him in those 17 laps?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Thursday's Answer:
Q: In 1989, Phoenix Racing earned their best-ever start in the Cup Series when Butch Miller qualified their No. 51 Chevrolet on the outside pole at Richmond. However, the day ended terribly. What happened?
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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Monday on the Frontstretch:
Thinkin' Out Loud: Toyota Owners 400 by Mike Neff
Mike is back with his overall thoughts from Saturday night's race from Richmond.
Commentary by Summer Bedgood
Summer takes a look at one of the biggest stories to come out of Richmond.
Commentary by TBA
One of the Frontstretch Staff members will stop by with their thoughts on Saturday night's action from Richmond.
Big Six: Toyota Owners 400 by Amy Henderson
Amy has your weekly look at the Who, What, When, Where, Why and How from a weekend of racing at Richmond.
Pace Laps: Richmond 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 Richmond.
Nationwide Series Breakdown: Toyota Care 250 by Kevin Rutherford
Kevin has all the post-race analysis you need following Friday evening's Nationwide Series race from Richmond.
-----------------------------
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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
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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