The Frontstretch Newsletter: May 31st, 2013

THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
May 31st, 2013

Volume VII, Edition XCIV

~~~~~~~~~~

Top News
by Justin Tucker

Ruud to Sponsor Buescher for Three Races

The Rheem Manufacturing Company along with Turner Scott Motorsports announced on Thursday Afternoon that Ruud will be the primary sponsor for James Buescher's No. 31 Chevrolet Silverado in three Camping World Truck Series races this season.

The Ruud paint scheme will make its debut under the lights at Texas Motor Speedway on June 7th and will also appear at Martinsville Speedway on October 26th and Phoenix International Raceway on November 8th.

"The Ruud brand has been providing superior reliability to homes and businesses for over one hundred years.  The Ruud reputation for engineering excellence, durability, strength and top performance has been consistently recognized by leading consumer publications as a brand that can be trusted to deliver efficient, reliable performance over the long haul," said JR Jones, President and CEO.  "So, associating this durable brand and its proud history of top performance with the 2012 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion, James Buescher driving the Turner Scott Motorsports No. 31 truck is a great fit and a proud moment for our company and the Ruud brand."

Ruud is one of only a few brands that offer products for residential and commercial heating, cooling, conventional storage style water heaters, tankless water heaters, solar water systems, and accessories.

"I'm excited to represent the Ruud brand this season," said Buescher. "Ruud is a very trusted brand within their industry and to be able to carry their colors makes be proud. I am especially looking forward to the Texas race, as it's a home race for me and with a large contingent  of Ruud distributors and contractors from Texas in attendance, I know I will have big support from them."

The defending Truck Series champion has just two top 10s in five races this year, a pair of sixth-place results at Kansas and Charlotte.

TNT to Add "All Access" Segment During Summer Stretch

With TNT beginning its portion of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule next week at Pocono, the network will attempt to give viewers access to the drivers like never before a "backstage pass" of sorts by adding an "All Access" segment during its six week run.

Starting at Pocono, TNT will showcase one driver per week during its pre-race coverage. Denny Hamlin will be the first driver featured. He will be followed by the network from the checkered flag at Dover all the way through Friday Qualifying at Pocono.

"We're hoping fans get a deeper, insightful look at the driver, the teams and what goes on week-to-week," said Craig Barry, senior vice president and executive creative director for Turner Sports. "I think that this type of television, this all-access, fly-on-the-wall type television is becoming more and more prevalent in what we do."

TNT will also feature Brad Keselowski at Michigan, Juan Pablo Montoya at Sonoma, and Kurt Busch at Kentucky.  The network also plans to televise one feature highlighting one driver away from the track. Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be the first driver featured. Ralph Sheheen will visit with Dale Jr. at his Whiskey River nightclub and car graveyard.

TNT will feature analysts Kyle Petty, Wally Dallenbach, and Larry McReynolds in the booth and Adam Alexander will be calling the play by play. Ralph Sheheen, Matt Yocum, Chris Neville, and Marty Snider will report from pit road.

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.
 
~~~~~~~~~~

ADVERTISEMENT
Race fans, do you love Frontstretch.com's coverage of NASCAR's top 3 series, IndyCar, Formula One and Short Track Racing? Do you want to read even more about your favorite sport? Then check out the industry's newest racing publication, Motorsport Illustrated News!, which is available both in print and in digital format! As one of our loyal readers, you'll receive 15% off any subscription when you use the coupon code fs2013.

~~~~~~~~~~

In Case You Missed It
by Beth Lunkenheimer

Keselowski Drives Blue Deuce Across Mackinac Bridge

On Wednesday, defending champion Brad Keselowski drove his No. 2 Miller Lite Ford across the Mackinac Bridge to promote the upcoming Quicken Loans 400 at Michigan International Speedway. Additionally, the bridge will be lit with blue lights from now until the June 16th event comes around.

Cole Whitt to Drive for TriStar Motorsports

Cole Whitt will return to the Nationwide Series this weekend behind the wheel of the No. 44 Lockton Toyota for TriStar Motorsports. The former Red Bull Racing development driver has teamed up with the organization for several races, including Saturday afternoon's 5-Hour ENERGY 200.

"I'm really excited to hop back in the seat of a race car; it feels like forever since last season," Whitt said. "I've had success in my four starts at Dover and look forward to taking on 'Miles the Monster.' I am grateful for the opportunity Mark (smith) and TriStar have lined up for me and I hope to have success with the No. 44 crew."

Whitt has been working with the organization throughout the 2013 season as a mechanic in their research and development department. The 21-year-old ran full time in the Nationwide Series for JR Motorsports, scoring four top 5s and 14 top-10 results in 33 races.

Hardcore Pawn's Seth Gold Named Official Pace Car Driver for Quicken Loans 400

Michigan International Speedway announced earlier this week that Hardcore Pawn's Seth Gold will serve at the official pace car driver for Next month's Quicken Loans 400. Gold, his father Les and sister Ashley Broad operate their family-owned American Jewelry and Loan that's loacted on Detroit's Eight Mile Road.

"Being born and raised in Michigan, I'm absolutely thrilled to be driving this Ford at the Quicken Loans 400," Gold said. "Roger (Curtis, MIS President) and his staff have been great, and I can not wait to be a part of the great NASCAR tradition at Michigan International Speedway. It's going to be an awesome event!"

Tickets for the event are available on the track's website (www.MISpeedway.com) or by phone at 1-800-354-1010.

~~~~~~~~~~

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!

~~~~~~~~~~

Frontstretch Folio: FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks

by Beth Lunkenheimer

The Sprint Cup Series heads to Dover this weekend for NASCAR's first tripleheader since Daytona. The FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks is the 13th 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 400 laps (400 miles) en route to the checkered flag.

Records and Facts:

Jeremy Mayfield holds the track qualifying record with a lap of 161.522 mph for the 2004 MBNA America 400 "A Salute To Heroes." Mayfield led 78 laps before settling in for an eighth-place finish behind winner Mark Martin. Tony Stewart, who led a race-high 234 laps, finished second, followed by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Jeff Burton and Scott Riggs rounded out the top 5.

Jimmie Johnson is the defending winner of the FedEx 400. After starting second, the driver of the No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet led a race-high 289 circuits en route to his seventh victory at the "Monster Mile." Matt Kenseth, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Clint Bowyer rounded out the top 5.

Track Facts:

Track / Race Length: 1.0-mile oval, 400 laps, 400 miles
Degree of Banking: Turns: 24 degrees; Straights: 9 degrees
Frontstretch: 1076 feet
Backstretch: 1076 feet
Grandstand Seating: 135,000
Pit Road Speed: 35 mph
Opened: 1969

Pre-Race Schedule

Practices: Friday, May 31, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM ET on SPEED
Saturday, June 1, 10:00 - 10:55 AM ET on SPEED
Happy Hour: Saturday, June 1, 12:50 - 1:50 PM ET on SPEED
Qualifying: Friday, May 31 at 3:15 PM ET on SPEED

VIPs

National Anthem: Country Music Group Gloriana

Race Day Forecast

Sunday: Isolated Thunderstorms; Chance of Rain 30%
High: 86
Low: 71

They Said It:

"My first ever NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race was in Dover, Deleware and it was a car that was built out of our Busch Grand National race shop. It was an Oldsmobile that my dad and I built and he was my crew chief. That was kind of cool because it was our car. We built it. We put it together, made the race, rand about 70 laps and our day ended when the engine blew up. It still was such an achievement for us to be able to compete at that level. It was the start of it all. I had been racing in the Busch Grand National Series and, and after winning the championship, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series was the next step you take." Bobby Labonte

"It's a concrete racetrack, pretty bumpy, high banked, and a one-mile format which has parallel straightaways which are also banked. So the car, it's very edgy the whole day. Just a lot of challenges to get around that place. It's high speed, high banked, and a concrete surface. A lot of good racing. But for the drivers, it's a high-tempo race, a lot of intensity." Marcos Ambrose

"Ever since I started racing there in 1982 I have loved Dover. It's hard to put into words, but from the first moments it just felt good. In the 1980s it was asphalt and you slipped all over the place, but it was a blast to drive. They put concrete down in the mid-1990s and like most drivers I haven't been a big fan of concrete. I understand why track owners do that but as a driver I wish they had left it asphalt. Despite all that, Dover is still a good place to race even with concrete. Anywhere you have a shot to win you are going to be pumped up to go to the track and this weekend we're pumped up for Dover. We had a rocket ship there in September. We fell down two laps because of a caution flag and then made them up and finished third." Mark Martin

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

~~~~~~~~~~

Keepin' It Short: Running on History for History
by Mike Neff

This Saturday marks the annual return of the K&N East Series to Bowman-Gray Stadium. The Hall of Fame 150 will showcase some of the up and coming stars of NASCAR on the oldest continuously running weekly race track in NASCAR. Coleman Pressley won the first pole position at the track for the series while Matt DiBenedetto took home the inaugural trophy. Last year it was Kyle Larson on the pole as Corey LaJoie took the checkered flag first and brought his wooden Dale Earnhardt statue to victory lane with him. This year's entry list only has eight drivers who have any racing experience at the track and only five of them have been in both of them.

One of the nine race tracks that have been sanctioned by NASCAR for all 32 years of the Whelen All-American series, The Stadium routinely sees crowds over 10,000 for their weekly shows. It was the subject of the Madhouse television show that ran for one year and was the highest rated show in the history of the network. While the image of the track and the fans wasn't what NASCAR wanted and they killed the show, it shows the indescribable allure of The Stadium.

The racing at Bowman-Gray is hardly breathtaking. It is mostly a parade with quite a few wrecks. The attraction is the ambiance. The crowd at The Stadium is as much, if not more of the show, than the racing. Many of the fans in attendance Saturday night won't be there for the K&N show, but they'll enjoy the experience none the less. If you're in the Carolinas on Saturday night, you would be well served to take a trip to Winston-Salem and a little bit back in time to experience racing at one of the few tracks where it all started.

Whelen All-American National Points Race

Lee Pulliam put another notch in the win column at South Boston Speedway last Saturday. He has won 11 of the 18 races he's entered this year and has scored top 5s in 16 of them. Deac McCaskill is 50 points behind Pulliam with seven wins  in his 16 starts this year. Tommy Lemons, Jr. is another 50 points back in third with three wins to his name and 15 top 10s in his 16 races this year. As we've noted the rest of the season, Keith Rocco is the only driver in the top 10 who competes north of the Mason-Dixon line. In fact, only three drivers in the top 20 are based in the north. As the leaders begin to max out their race total, the Yankees will have a chance to make up some ground.

Position Name Races Wins Top 5s Top 10s Points
1. Lee Pulliam 18 11 16 16 527
2. Deac McCaskill 16 7 12 15  577
3. Tommy Lemons Jr. 16 3 13 15 527
4. Anthony Anders 18 8 14 16 478
5. C.E. Falk III 11 3 10 10 361
6. Brandon Dean 12 0 7 11 356
7. Keith Rocco 10 4 7 8 334
8. Myatt Snider 16 0 0 10 320
9. Mike Darne 14 0 3 9 312
10. Jamey Caudill 12 1 2 8 297

This Weekend's Racing Schedule

Friday    05/31/13    Boyd's Speedway    Ringgold    GA    Nesmith Late Models
Friday    05/31/13    Meridian Speedway    Meridian    ID    ASA Northwest Sprint Cars
Friday    05/31/13    Meridian Speedway    Meridian    ID    ASA Pro Trucks
Friday    05/31/13    Meridian Speedway    Meridian    ID    Street Stocks
Friday    05/31/13    Meridian Speedway    Meridian    ID    Western Winged Sprintcars
Friday    05/31/13    Jacksonville Speedway    Jacksonville    IL    305 Winged Sprints
Friday    05/31/13    Jacksonville Speedway    Jacksonville    IL    Big 10 Late Models
Friday    05/31/13    Jacksonville Speedway    Jacksonville    IL    Hornets
Friday    05/31/13    Jacksonville Speedway    Jacksonville    IL    Modifieds
Friday    05/31/13    Jacksonville Speedway    Jacksonville    IL    Stock Cars
Friday    05/31/13    Kankakee County Speedway    Kankakee    IL    I-Mods
Friday    05/31/13    Kankakee County Speedway    Kankakee    IL    Pro Late Models
Friday    05/31/13    Kankakee County Speedway    Kankakee    IL    UMP Modifieds
Friday    05/31/13    Kankakee County Speedway    Kankakee    IL    UMP Sport Compacts
Friday    05/31/13    Kankakee County Speedway    Kankakee    IL    UMP Stock Cars
Friday    05/31/13    Kankakee County Speedway    Kankakee    IL    UMP Super Late Models
Friday    05/31/13    Tri-City Speedway    Pontoon Beach    IL    POWRi Lucas Oil National Midgets
Friday    05/31/13    Tri-City Speedway    Pontoon Beach    IL    POWRi Speedway Motors 600 Outlaw Micro Sprints
Friday    05/31/13    Tri-City Speedway    Pontoon Beach    IL    USAC Midgets
Friday    05/31/13    Salina Speedway    Salina    KS    ASCS Winged Sprints
Friday    05/31/13    Paducah International Raceway    Paducah    KY    MARS DIRTCar Late Models
Friday    05/31/13    Ponderosa Speedway    Junction City    KY    FASTRAK Pro Late Models
Friday    05/31/13    Oxford Plains Speedway    Oxford    ME    Mini Stocks
Friday    05/31/13    Oxford Plains Speedway    Oxford    ME    Outlaw Sportsman
Friday    05/31/13    Oxford Plains Speedway    Oxford    ME    Pro Late Models
Friday    05/31/13    Oxford Plains Speedway    Oxford    ME    Street Stocks
Friday    05/31/13    Attica Raceway Park    Attica     OH    World of Outlaw Sprint Cars
Friday    05/31/13    Creek County Speedway    Sapulpa    OK    ASCS Winged Sprints
Friday    05/31/13    Ohsweken Speedway    Ohsweken    Ontario    Bombers
Friday    05/31/13    Ohsweken Speedway    Ohsweken    Ontario    Mini Stocks
Friday    05/31/13    Ohsweken Speedway    Ohsweken    Ontario    Sprint Cars
Friday    05/31/13    Ohsweken Speedway    Ohsweken    Ontario    Thunder Stocks
Friday    05/31/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    Half Quarter Midget
Friday    05/31/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    Heavy 160 Quarter Midget
Friday    05/31/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    Heavy Honda Quarter Midget
Friday    05/31/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    Heavy World Formula Quarter Midget
Friday    05/31/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    Jr. Animal Quarter Midget
Friday    05/31/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    Jr. Honda Quarter Midget
Friday    05/31/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    Jr. Novice Quarter Midget
Friday    05/31/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    Light 160 Quarter Midget
Friday    05/31/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    Sr. Honda Quarter Midget
Friday    05/31/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    Sr. Novice Quarter Midget
Friday    05/31/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    USAC National Quarter Midgets
Friday    05/31/13    Tazewell Speedway    Tazewell    TN    Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models
Friday    05/31/13    RPM Speedway    Crandall    TX    Factory Stocks
Friday    05/31/13    RPM Speedway    Crandall    TX    Limited Modifieds
Friday    05/31/13    RPM Speedway    Crandall    TX    Street Stocks
Friday    05/31/13    RPM Speedway    Crandall    TX    USRA Modifieds
Friday    05/31/13    Manitowoc County Fairgrounds    Manitowoc    WI    Grand Nationals
Friday    05/31/13    Manitowoc County Fairgrounds    Manitowoc    WI    MSA 360 Sprints
Friday    05/31/13    Manitowoc County Fairgrounds    Manitowoc    WI    Street Stocks
Friday    05/31/13    Manitowoc County Fairgrounds    Manitowoc    WI    WDLMA Late Models
Friday    05/31/13    Oshkosh Speedzone    Oshkosh    WI    Dirt Devils
Friday    05/31/13    Oshkosh Speedzone    Oshkosh    WI    Grand Nationals
Friday    05/31/13    Oshkosh Speedzone    Oshkosh    WI    Modifieds
Friday    05/31/13    Oshkosh Speedzone    Oshkosh    WI    Sport Mods
Friday    05/31/13    Oshkosh Speedzone    Oshkosh    WI    Street Stocks
Saturday    06/01/13    Dixieland Dirt Track    Cottonwood    AL    4-Cylinders
Saturday    06/01/13    Dixieland Dirt Track    Cottonwood    AL    Bombers
Saturday    06/01/13    Dixieland Dirt Track    Cottonwood    AL    Late Models
Saturday    06/01/13    Dixieland Dirt Track    Cottonwood    AL    Limited Late Models
Saturday    06/01/13    Dixieland Dirt Track    Cottonwood    AL    Open Wheel Modifieds
Saturday    06/01/13    Dixieland Dirt Track    Cottonwood    AL    Stockers
Saturday    06/01/13    Dixieland Dirt Track    Cottonwood    AL    Vintage
Saturday    06/01/13    Fort Payne Motor Speedway    Fort Payne     AL    Southern Regional Racing Series Super Late Models
Saturday    06/01/13    Montgomery Motor Speedway    Montgomery    AL    Buzz
Saturday    06/01/13    Montgomery Motor Speedway    Montgomery    AL    Southern Super Series Late Models
Saturday    06/01/13    Montgomery Motor Speedway    Montgomery    AL    Street Stock
Saturday    06/01/13    Montgomery Motor Speedway    Montgomery    AL    Super Stock/Truck
Saturday    06/01/13    Riverside International Speedway    West Memphis    AR    305 Winged Sprints
Saturday    06/01/13    Riverside International Speedway    West Memphis    AR    Late Models
Saturday    06/01/13    Riverside International Speedway    West Memphis    AR    Modifieds
Saturday    06/01/13    Riverside International Speedway    West Memphis    AR    Stock Cars
Saturday    06/01/13    Riverside International Speedway    West Memphis    AR    USCS Speed Week 360 Winged Sprints
Saturday    06/01/13    Central Arizona Raceway    Casa Grande    AZ    Dwarf Cars
Saturday    06/01/13    Central Arizona Raceway    Casa Grande    AZ    IMCA Modifieds
Saturday    06/01/13    Central Arizona Raceway    Casa Grande    AZ    Pure Stocks
Saturday    06/01/13    Central Arizona Raceway    Casa Grande    AZ    Super Stocks
Saturday    06/01/13    Tucson International Raceway    Tucson    AZ    ASCS Winged Sprints
Saturday    06/01/13    Tucson International Raceway    Tucson    AZ    Hornets
Saturday    06/01/13    Tucson International Raceway    Tucson    AZ    Mini Sprints
Saturday    06/01/13    Tucson International Raceway    Tucson    AZ    Mod Lites
Saturday    06/01/13    Tucson International Raceway    Tucson    AZ    X-Mods
Saturday    06/01/13    Bakersfield Speedway    Bakersfield    CA    American Stocks
Saturday    06/01/13    Bakersfield Speedway    Bakersfield    CA    Ford Focus Midgets
Saturday    06/01/13    Bakersfield Speedway    Bakersfield    CA    Hobby Stocks
Saturday    06/01/13    Bakersfield Speedway    Bakersfield    CA    Mini Dwarfs
Saturday    06/01/13    Bakersfield Speedway    Bakersfield    CA    Modifieds
Saturday    06/01/13    Bakersfield Speedway    Bakersfield    CA    USAC Western Dirt Ignite Midgets
Saturday    06/01/13    Placerville Speedway    Placerville    CA    360 Winged Sprints
Saturday    06/01/13    Placerville Speedway    Placerville    CA    BCRA Midgets
Saturday    06/01/13    Placerville Speedway    Placerville    CA    USAC Western States Midgets
Saturday    06/01/13    Redwood Acres Raceway    Eureka    CA    SRL Southwest Tour Late Models
Saturday    06/01/13    34 Raceway    Burlington    IA    305 Sprint Cars
Saturday    06/01/13    34 Raceway    Burlington    IA    4-Cylinders
Saturday    06/01/13    34 Raceway    Burlington    IA    IMCA Modifieds
Saturday    06/01/13    34 Raceway    Burlington    IA    IMCA Stock Cars
Saturday    06/01/13    34 Raceway    Burlington    IA    Sport Mods
Saturday    06/01/13    34 Raceway    Burlington    IA    UMP Late Models
Saturday    06/01/13    Knoxville Raceway    Knoxville    IA    305 Winged Sprints
Saturday    06/01/13    Knoxville Raceway    Knoxville    IA    360 Winged Sprints
Saturday    06/01/13    Knoxville Raceway    Knoxville    IA    410 Winged Sprints
Saturday    06/01/13    Meridian Speedway    Meridian    ID    ASA Northwest Sprint Cars
Saturday    06/01/13    Meridian Speedway    Meridian    ID    ASA Pro Trucks
Saturday    06/01/13    Meridian Speedway    Meridian    ID    Mini Stocks
Saturday    06/01/13    Meridian Speedway    Meridian    ID    Super Stocks
Saturday    06/01/13    Meridian Speedway    Meridian    ID    Western Winged Sprintcars
Saturday    06/01/13    Fairbury American Legion Speedway    Fairbury    IL    UMP Late Models
Saturday    06/01/13    Fairbury American Legion Speedway    Fairbury    IL    UMP Modifieds
Saturday    06/01/13    Fairbury American Legion Speedway    Fairbury    IL    UMP Sportsman
Saturday    06/01/13    Fairbury American Legion Speedway    Fairbury    IL    UMP Street Stocks
Saturday    06/01/13    Gateway Motorsports Park    Madison    IL    USAC Silver Crown
Saturday    06/01/13    Highland Speedway    Highland    IL    Outlaw Micros
Saturday    06/01/13    Highland Speedway    Highland    IL    UMP Late Models
Saturday    06/01/13    Highland Speedway    Highland    IL    UMP Modifieds
Saturday    06/01/13    Highland Speedway    Highland    IL    UMP Sport Mods
Saturday    06/01/13    Highland Speedway    Highland    IL    UMP Street Stocks
Saturday    06/01/13    Peoria Speedway    Peoria    IL    Hornets
Saturday    06/01/13    Peoria Speedway    Peoria    IL    Late Models
Saturday    06/01/13    Peoria Speedway    Peoria    IL    Lightning Sprints
Saturday    06/01/13    Peoria Speedway    Peoria    IL    Limited Late Models
Saturday    06/01/13    Peoria Speedway    Peoria    IL    Modifieds
Saturday    06/01/13    Peoria Speedway    Peoria    IL    Street Stocks
Saturday    06/01/13    Spoon River Speedway    Canton    IL    Spoon 6-Shooters
Saturday    06/01/13    Spoon River Speedway    Canton    IL    UMP Hornets
Saturday    06/01/13    Spoon River Speedway    Canton    IL    UMP Limited Modifieds
Saturday    06/01/13    Spoon River Speedway    Canton    IL    UMP Modifieds
Saturday    06/01/13    Spoon River Speedway    Canton    IL    UMP Pro-Crate Late Models
Saturday    06/01/13    Plymouth Speedway    Plymouth    IN     USAC 600 Mini Sprints
Saturday    06/01/13    Florence Speedway    Walton    KY    Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models
Saturday    06/01/13    Oxford Plains Speedway    Oxford    ME    NELCAR Legends
Saturday    06/01/13    I-96 Speedway    Lake Odessa     MI    World of Outlaw Sprint Cars
Saturday    06/01/13    Elko Speedway    Elko     MN    ARCA
Saturday    06/01/13    Elko Speedway    Elko     MN    ARCA
Saturday    06/01/13    Federated Auto Parts Raceway 1-55    Pevely    MO    MARS DIRTCar Late Models
Saturday    06/01/13    Petty International Raceway    River Glade     NB    Parts for Trucks Pro Stocks
Saturday    06/01/13    Bowman-Gray Stadium    Winston-Salem    NC    K&N Pro Series East
Saturday    06/01/13    County Line Raceway    Elm City     NC    Late Models
Saturday    06/01/13    County Line Raceway    Elm City     NC    Pure Stock 4 Cylinder
Saturday    06/01/13    County Line Raceway    Elm City     NC    Pure Stock V-8
Saturday    06/01/13    County Line Raceway    Elm City     NC    Super Stock 4 Cylinders
Saturday    06/01/13    County Line Raceway    Elm City     NC    Thunder & Lightning
Saturday    06/01/13    East Lincoln Speedway    Stanley    NC    Limited Sportsman
Saturday    06/01/13    East Lincoln Speedway    Stanley    NC    Micro Sprints
Saturday    06/01/13    East Lincoln Speedway    Stanley    NC    Renegades
Saturday    06/01/13    East Lincoln Speedway    Stanley    NC    Stock 4
Saturday    06/01/13    East Lincoln Speedway    Stanley    NC    Super Stock 4 Cylinders
Saturday    06/01/13    Hickory Motor Speedway    Newton     NC    Limited Late Models
Saturday    06/01/13    Hickory Motor Speedway    Newton     NC    Renegades
Saturday    06/01/13    Hickory Motor Speedway    Newton     NC    Street Stocks
Saturday    06/01/13    Hickory Motor Speedway    Newton     NC    Whelen All-American Late Models
Saturday    06/01/13    Eagle Raceway    Eagle    NE    ASCS Winged Sprints
Saturday    06/01/13    Mid-Nebraska Speedway    Doniphan    NE    Championship Dirt Motorsports Super Late Models
Saturday    06/01/13    Southern New Mexico Speedway    Las Cruces    NM    Hornets
Saturday    06/01/13    Southern New Mexico Speedway    Las Cruces    NM    UMP Late Models
Saturday    06/01/13    Southern New Mexico Speedway    Las Cruces    NM    USRA Modifieds
Saturday    06/01/13    Southern New Mexico Speedway    Las Cruces    NM    USRA Street Stocks
Saturday    06/01/13    Stateline Speedway    Busti    NY    World of Outlaw Late Models
Saturday    06/01/13    Lawton Speedway    Lawton    OK    ASCS Winged Sprints
Saturday    06/01/13    Hermiston Super Oval     Hermison     OR    Columbia River Legends
Saturday    06/01/13    Hermiston Super Oval     Hermison     OR    Mini Stocks
Saturday    06/01/13    Hermiston Super Oval     Hermison     OR    Super Late Models
Saturday    06/01/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    Half Quarter Midget
Saturday    06/01/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    Heavy 160 Quarter Midget
Saturday    06/01/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    Heavy Honda Quarter Midget
Saturday    06/01/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    Heavy World Formula Quarter Midget
Saturday    06/01/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    Jr. Animal Quarter Midget
Saturday    06/01/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    Jr. Honda Quarter Midget
Saturday    06/01/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    Jr. Novice Quarter Midget
Saturday    06/01/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    Light 160 Quarter Midget
Saturday    06/01/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    Sr. Honda Quarter Midget
Saturday    06/01/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    Sr. Novice Quarter Midget
Saturday    06/01/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    USAC National Quarter Midgets
Saturday    06/01/13    Dillon Motor Speedway    Dillon     SC    PASS Pro Late Models
Saturday    06/01/13    411 Motor Speedway    Seymour    TN    Nesmith Late Models
Saturday    06/01/13    Duck River Raceway Park    Wheel    TN    Modified Street Bomber
Saturday    06/01/13    Duck River Raceway Park    Wheel    TN    Openwheel
Saturday    06/01/13    Duck River Raceway Park    Wheel    TN    Outlaw Pony
Saturday    06/01/13    Duck River Raceway Park    Wheel    TN    Pure Pony
Saturday    06/01/13    Duck River Raceway Park    Wheel    TN    Rookie Pony
Saturday    06/01/13    Duck River Raceway Park    Wheel    TN    Street Stock Bomber
Saturday    06/01/13    Duck River Raceway Park    Wheel    TN    Super Late Models
Saturday    06/01/13    Duck River Raceway Park    Wheel    TN    Two Barrel Late Models
Saturday    06/01/13    Music City Quarter Midget Racing Association    Hermitage    TN     Jr. Honda Quarter Midget
Saturday    06/01/13    Music City Quarter Midget Racing Association    Hermitage    TN     Light 160 Quarter Midget
Saturday    06/01/13    Music City Quarter Midget Racing Association    Hermitage    TN     Sr. Honda Quarter Midget
Saturday    06/01/13    Lonesome Pine Raceway    Coeburn    VA    Iron Warrior
Saturday    06/01/13    Lonesome Pine Raceway    Coeburn    VA    Late Models
Saturday    06/01/13    Lonesome Pine Raceway    Coeburn    VA    Mod 4
Saturday    06/01/13    Lonesome Pine Raceway    Coeburn    VA    Pure 4
Saturday    06/01/13    Lonesome Pine Raceway    Coeburn    VA    Pure Streets
Saturday    06/01/13    Lonesome Pine Raceway    Coeburn    VA    Super Streets
Saturday    06/01/13    Lonesome Pine Raceway    Coeburn    VA    UARA-Stars Late Models
Saturday    06/01/13    Motor Mile Speedway    Radford    VA    Limited Late Models
Saturday    06/01/13    Motor Mile Speedway    Radford    VA    Mod 4
Saturday    06/01/13    Motor Mile Speedway    Radford    VA    Street Stock
Saturday    06/01/13    Motor Mile Speedway    Radford    VA    U-Cars
Saturday    06/01/13    Motor Mile Speedway    Radford    VA    Whelen All-American Late Models 2X
Saturday    06/01/13    Virginia Motor Speedway    Jamaica    VA    Late Models
Saturday    06/01/13    Virginia Motor Speedway    Jamaica    VA    Limited Stock Car
Saturday    06/01/13    Virginia Motor Speedway    Jamaica    VA    Modifieds
Saturday    06/01/13    Virginia Motor Speedway    Jamaica    VA    Sportsman
Saturday    06/01/13    Bear Ridge Speedway    Bradford     VT    USAC DMA Midgets
Saturday    06/01/13    Skagit Speedway    Alger    WA    360 Winged Sprints
Saturday    06/01/13    Skagit Speedway    Alger    WA    Outlaw Hornets
Saturday    06/01/13    Skagit Speedway    Alger    WA    Sportsman Sprints
Saturday    06/01/13    LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway    LaCrosse    WI    Late Models
Saturday    06/01/13    LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway    LaCrosse    WI    Sportsman
Saturday    06/01/13    LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway    LaCrosse    WI    Thunderstox
Saturday    06/01/13    I-77 Raceway Park    Ripley    WV    Late Models
Saturday    06/01/13    I-77 Raceway Park    Ripley    WV    Mini-Wedges
Saturday    06/01/13    I-77 Raceway Park    Ripley    WV    Mod Lites
Saturday    06/01/13    I-77 Raceway Park    Ripley    WV    Modifieds
Saturday    06/01/13    I-77 Raceway Park    Ripley    WV    Semi-Late Models
Saturday    06/01/13    I-77 Raceway Park    Ripley    WV    Semi-Mods
Saturday    06/01/13    I-77 Raceway Park    Ripley    WV    Super Late Models
Sunday    06/02/13    Quincy Raceways    Quincy    IL    IMCA Northern Sport Mods
Sunday    06/02/13    Quincy Raceways    Quincy    IL    IMCA Sport Compacts
Sunday    06/02/13    Quincy Raceways    Quincy    IL    IMCA Stock Cars
Sunday    06/02/13    Quincy Raceways    Quincy    IL    UMP Late Models
Sunday    06/02/13    Quincy Raceways    Quincy    IL    UMP Modifieds
Sunday    06/02/13    Dawson County Speedway    Lexington    NE    Championship Dirt Motorsports Super Late Models
Sunday    06/02/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    Half Quarter Midget
Sunday    06/02/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    Heavy 160 Quarter Midget
Sunday    06/02/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    Heavy Honda Quarter Midget
Sunday    06/02/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    Heavy World Formula Quarter Midget
Sunday    06/02/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    Jr. Animal Quarter Midget
Sunday    06/02/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    Jr. Honda Quarter Midget
Sunday    06/02/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    Jr. Novice Quarter Midget
Sunday    06/02/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    Light 160 Quarter Midget
Sunday    06/02/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    Sr. Honda Quarter Midget
Sunday    06/02/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    Sr. Novice Quarter Midget
Sunday    06/02/13    West End Raceway    Gilbert     PA    USAC National Quarter Midgets
Sunday    06/02/13    Grays Harbor Raceway    Elma     WA    USAC Northwest Ignite Midgets
Wednesday    06/05/13    Kokomo Speedway    Kokomo    IN    World of Outlaw Sprint Cars
Wednesday    06/05/13    Oxford Plains Speedway    Oxford    ME    4-Cylinder
Wednesday    06/05/13    Oxford Plains Speedway    Oxford    ME    Ladies Full-Size
Wednesday    06/05/13    Oxford Plains Speedway    Oxford    ME    Outlaw Full Size
Wednesday    06/05/13    Oxford Plains Speedway    Oxford    ME    Sport Trucks
Wednesday    06/05/13    Millbridge Speedway    Salisbury    NC    125 Mini Outlaw
Wednesday    06/05/13    Millbridge Speedway    Salisbury    NC    Beginner Box Stock Mini Outlaw
Wednesday    06/05/13    Millbridge Speedway    Salisbury    NC    Box Stock Mini Outlaw
Wednesday    06/05/13    Millbridge Speedway    Salisbury    NC    NBA Clone Go-Karts
Wednesday    06/05/13    Millbridge Speedway    Salisbury    NC    Open Mini Outlaw
Wednesday    06/05/13    Grandview Speedway    Bechtelsville    PA    USAC Sprint Cars – Eastern Storm
Thursday    06/06/13    Jacksonville Speedway    Jacksonville    IL    305 Winged Sprints
Thursday    06/06/13    Jacksonville Speedway    Jacksonville    IL    POWRi Lucas Oil National Midgets
Thursday    06/06/13    Jacksonville Speedway    Jacksonville    IL    POWRi Speedway Motors 600 Outlaw Micro Sprints
Thursday    06/06/13    Eldora Speedway    Rossburg    OH    Late Models – The Dream
Thursday    06/06/13    Path Valley Speedway Park    Spring Run    PA    USAC Sprint Cars – Eastern Storm

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.

~~~~~~~~~~

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: Green Flag Runs, Powerhouse Duels and Bouncing Back

by Matt Stallknecht

Changing Expectations: Six Who Have Surprised in 2013

by Amy Henderson

IndyCar In Depth: Chevrolet Indy Dual in Detroit presented by Quicken Loans

by Matt Stallknecht

Justin Allgaier Driver Diary: Leading the Points, Crew Chiefing and Pink Icing

as told to Mike Neff

Frontstretch Foto Funnies: He did WHAT?

by the Frontstretch Staff

Voices From the Cheap Seats: Stewart's Excuses and Brian Francisms!

by Jeff Meyer

Nuts for Nationwide: Nationwide Prospects Face Uphill Battle Progressing to Cup

by Kevin Rutherford

~~~~~~~~~~

FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:

Q: Jimmie Johnson picked up his first of seven Dover victories in the 2002 MBNA Platinum 400, just holding off Bill Elliott in the process.  However, Mark Martin, who was one of the early favorites, ended up on the hook.  What happened?

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

Q: The 1995 Miller Genuine Draft 500 at Dover was the first race on the one-mile high-banked oval after it was concreted.  Let's just say that the race didn't start out all that well.  What happened?

A: On the second lap of the race, Ricky Craven took the air off of John Andretti in Turn 3, spinning out Andretti's KMart/Little Caesars Ford.  Andretti spun into Craven, spinning Craven out in front of most of the field.  From there, heck went down.  Over a dozen cars piled in, including notables like Dale Jarrett, Mark Martin, Morgan Shepherd and Rusty Wallace.  The crash can be seen at the 9:35 mark of this clip.

Jarrett, Andretti, Elton Sawyer and Bobby Hillin, Jr. were all eliminated in the crash.  A number of other drivers had to go behind the wall for repairs, but eventually resumed.  Andretti took a hard hit into the Turn 4 outside wall and was slightly injured.  However, he did not miss any time.

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! 

~~~~~~~~~~

Monday on the Frontstretch:

Thinkin' Out Loud: FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks by Mike Neff
Mike is back with his overall thoughts from Sunday afternoon's race from Dover.

Commentary by Summer Bedgood
Summer takes a look at one of the biggest stories to come out of Dover.

Commentary by TBA
One of the Frontstretch Staff members will stop by with their thoughts on Sunday afternoon's action from Dover.

Big Six: FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks by Amy Henderson
Amy has your weekly look at the Who, What, When, Where, Why and How from a weekend of racing at Dover.

Pace Laps: Dover 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 Dover.

Nationwide Series Breakdown: 5-Hour Energy 200 by Kevin Rutherford
Kevin has all the post-race analysis you need following Saturday afternoon's Nationwide Series race from Dover.

Tracking the Trucks: Lucas Oil 200 by Beth Lunkenheimer

Beth has all the post-race analysis you need following Friday night's Camping World Truck Series race from Dover.

IndyCar Breakdown: Chevrolet Indy Dual in Detroit by Matt Stallknecht
Matt has all the post-race analysis you need following a pair of IZOD IndyCar Series events from Belle Isle.

-----------------------------

Talk back to the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Got something to say about an article you've seen in the newsletter? It's as easy as replying directly to this message or sending an email to editors@frontstretch.com. We'll take the best comments and publish them here!
©2013 Frontstretch.com

--
--
Feel free to forward this newsletter if you have any friends who loves
NASCAR and great NASCAR commentary. They can subscribe to the Frontstetch by visiting http://www.frontstretch.com/notice/9557/.
 
If you want to stop your Frontstretch Newsletter subscription, we're sorry
to see you go. Just send an email to
TheFrontstretch+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com from the address that you
recieve the Frontstretch Newsletter.
 
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "The Frontstretch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to thefrontstretch+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
 
 

The Frontstretch Newsletter: May 30th, 2013

THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
May 30th, 2013
Volume VII, Edition XCIII
~~~~~~~~~~

What to Watch: Thursday

- The race weekend in Dover gets underway today with two practice sessions for the Camping World Truck Series.  The 34 trucks will take to the track from 2:30-3:45pm EDT and from 4:15-5:30pm EDT.  Neither practice session will be televised.

Top News
by Phil Allaway

Smithfield Foods Being Purchased?

The Associated Press is reporting that North Carolina-based Smithfield Foods, the primary sponsor for Richard Petty Motorsports, has agreed to sell itself to Shuanghai International Holdings Ltd., a Chinese company that invests in food processing companies.  The purchase price is $4.72 billion dollars, or $34 per share, which was a significant premium on the Smithfield Foods stock price at the time of the announcement.  Since the announcement was made public, the stock's price has increased 29 percent to $33.35 a share.

Even though the move has been agreed to by both Smithfield and Shuanghai's boards, the deal still has to be agreed to by Smithfield Foods' shareholders since Smithfield Foods is a publicly-traded company.  In addition, since the deal involves the sale of an American corporation to a foreign entity, the U.S. Government has to approve the deal.  That process will take at least a couple of months. 

If the deal goes through, Smithfield Foods' current production facilities in the United States will remain open and all existing contracts will be honored.  No food will be imported into the United States from China.  Instead, some pork products will likely be exported overseas to be sold in China, a place that has seen scandal after scandal in recent years due to tainted food.

In the United States, Smithfield Foods products are sold under the Smithfield name, in addition to Armour, Gwaltney, John Morrell, Farmland, and Eckrich, among others.  It is currently unclear if this deal will have any effect on Smithfield Foods' sponsorship of the No. 43.

Parade Magazine to Sponsor McMurray at Dover

Earnhardt Ganassi Racing announced on Wednesday that they have entered into a partnership with the Parade Media Group.  As part of an advertising campaign to promote the rebranding of Parade's magazine and digital assets, Parade will sponsor the No. 1 Chevrolet in a one-race deal this weekend in Dover.

Officials from Earnhardt Ganassi Racing are pleased to be in business with Parade.

"We are pleased to announce this partnership opportunity," said Steve Lauletta, President of Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates.  "Parade is a longstanding and recognizable brand, so to partner the No. 1 magazine in America with the No. 1 Chevrolet on the massive stage of NASCAR just made sense.  We are thrilled to be associated with Parade."

Parade is very happy to be onboard with Earnhardt Ganassi Racing for Dover.

"Parade jumped at the chance to sponsor the No. 1 car in the June 2 race benefiting Autism Speaks," said Maggie Murphy, Parade's Editoral Director.  "[We didn't do it] just because it's a fantastic idea to team one of America's most popular sports and America's most widely read publication, but also because of the connection to Autism Speaks.  Parade has done extensive reporting on issues surrounding autism, which are inspired, in part, by my own niece's struggle with autism.  We can't wait to see Jamie McMurray put the Parade Chevrolet through its paces, give voice to Autism Speaks and drive to victory!"

Parade Magazine's new look will launch on Sunday, June 2, which just so happens to coincide with the FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks.  The magazine, which launched in 1941. is currently distributed in 670 Sunday edition newspapers like the Times Union of Albany, New York.  They are probably best known for their yearly look into the incomes of workers in various industries.

Vehicles Belonging to Jennifer Jo Cobb Seized From Harmon

WBTV is reporting that Rowan County Sheriff's Deputies raided Mike Harmon's race shop in Mooresville, North Carolina, and a storage facility in Catawba County on Tuesday.  Among the evidence seized were seven race vehicles (two race cars and five race trucks) that deputies believe were stolen from Cobb by Harmon at the end of 2012.

As of yet, Harmon has not been charged with any additional crimes in relation to the seizure.  Harmon is currently out on bond after being arrested under suspicion of stealing Cobb's hauler.  In addition, Harmon is currently without his cell phone, which was seized by authorities as part of the investigation.

For his part, Harmon has professed innocence, while at the same time claiming that there is a lot more to the story.  There are civil court proceedings ongoing between Cobb and Harmon in regards to past issues.  After Harmon was originally arrested, he referenced eventually getting his day in federal court in regards to his past legal issues.

Entry List Update:
Note: These entries are accurate as of Wednesday night.  However, they are still subject to change.

Sprint Cup Series FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks: 43 cars entered

Drivers Ineligible to Earn Points:
No. 19 - Mike Bliss for Humphrey-Smith Racing
No. 35 - Josh Wise for Front Row Motorsports
No. 51 - Austin Dillon for Phoenix Racing
No. 87 - Joe Nemechek for NEMCO Motorsports/JRR

Driver Changes:
No. 51 - Austin Dillon returns to the seat, replacing Regan Smith.

Since there are only 43 entries, no one will fail to qualify.

Not Entered:
No. 21- Trevor Bayne for Wood Brothers Racing
No. 95- Scott Speed for Leavine Family Racing

Nationwide Series 5-Hour Energy 200: 38 cars entered

Drivers Ineligible to Earn Points:
No. 5- Kasey Kahne for JR Motorsports
No. 18- Matt Kenseth for Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 22- Joey Logano for Penske Racing
No. 23- Harrison Rhodes for R3 Motorsports/Rick Ware Racing
No. 33- Ty Dillon for Richard Childress Racing
No. 42- JJ Yeley for The Motorsports Group, LLC
No. 54- Kyle Busch for Kyle Busch Motorsports/Joe Gibbs Racing

Driver Changes:
No. 00- Blake Koch returns to the seat, replacing Bryan Silas.
No. 23- Harrison Rhodes returns to the seat, replacing Robert Richardson, Jr.
No. 33- Ty Dillon returns to the seat, replacing Kevin Harvick.
No. 44- Cole Whitt is in the seat, replacing Hal Martin.
No. 52- Joey Gase returns to the seat, replacing Kevin Lepage.
No. 70- Tony Raines returns to the seat, replacing Johanna Long.
No. 74- Mike Harmon returns to the seat, replacing Juan Carlos Blum.
No. 79- Jeffrey Earnhardt returns to the seat, replacing Kyle Fowler.

Since there are only 38 entries, no one will fail to qualify.  However, these teams must still qualify on speed:
No. 00- Blake Koch for SR2 Motorsports
No. 10- Jeff Green for TriStar Motorsports (Guaranteed to start via the Past Champions' Provisional)*
No. 18- Matt Kenseth for Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 42- JJ Yeley for The Motorsports Group, LLC*
No. 52- Joey Gase for Jimmy Means Motorsports
No. 70- Tony Raines for ML Motorsports
No. 89- Morgan Shepherd for Shepherd Motor Ventures
No. 92- Dexter Stacey for KH Motorsports

Not Entered:
No. 16- Chris Buescher for Roush Fenway Racing
No. 17- Tanner Berryhill for Vision Racing
No. 21- Dakoda Armstrong for Richard Childress Racing
No. 25- John Wes Townley for Venturini Motorsports
No. 29- Kenny Wallace for RAB Racing with Brack Maggard
No. 37- Matt DiBenedetto for Vision Racing
No. 55- Jamie Dick for Viva Motorsports
No. 66- Steven Wallace for Rusty Wallace Racing
No. 98- Kevin Swindell for Biagi-DenBeste Racing

Camping World Truck Series Lucas Oil 200: 35 trucks entered

Drivers Ineligible to Earn Points:
No. 51- Kyle Busch for Kyle Busch Motorsports

Driver Changes:
No. 0- Clay Greenfield returns to the seat, replacing Scott Saunders.
No. 07- CJ Faison is in the seat, replacing Chris Cockrum.  This will be Faison's Camping World Truck Series debut.
No. 84- Chris Fontaine returns to the seat, replacing Mike Harmon.

Since there are only 35 entries, no one will fail to qualify.  However, these teams must still qualify on speed:
No. 0- Clay Greenfield for JJC Racing*
No. 10- Jennifer Jo Cobb for JJC Racing
No. 27- Jeff Agnew for Hillman Racing
No. 57- Norm Benning for Norm Benning Racing
No. 59- Kyle Martel for Martel Racing
No. 75- Caleb Holman for Henderson Motorsports
No. 84- Chris Fontaine for Chris Fontaine, Inc.
No. 93- Chris Jones for RSS Racing*
No. 94- Chase Elliott for Hendrick Motorsports
No. 99- Bryan Silas for T3R2

*- Expected to Start-and-Park

Entered, but Already Withdrawn:
No. 6- Danny Efland for Eddie Sharp Racing

Not Entered:
No. 01- Jake Crum for Jake Crum Motorsports
No. 02- Tyler Young for Young's Motorsports
No. 2- Brad Keselowski for Brad Keselowski Racing
No. 28- Blake Koch for FDNY Racing
No. 50- MAKE Motorsports
No. 92- Scott Riggs for RBR Enterprises

Izod IndyCar Series Chevrolet Duals in Detroit presented by Quicken Loans: 25 cars entered

Number Change:
Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing No. 21 changes back to No. 67.

Driver Changes:
No. 18- Mike Conway is in the seat, replacing Ana Beatriz.

Entries:
No. 1- Ryan Hunter-Reay for Andretti Autosport
No. 2- AJ Allmendinger for Team Penske
No. 3- Helio Castroneves for Team Penske
No. 4- JR Hildebrand for Panther Racing
No. 5- E.J. Viso for Andretti Autosport
No. 6- Sebastian Saavedra for Dragon Racing
No. 7- Sebastien Bourdais for Dragon Racing
No. 9- Scott Dixon for Target Chip Ganassi Racing
No. 10- Dario Franchitti for Target Chip Ganassi Racing
No. 11- Tony Kanaan for KV Racing Technologies
No. 12- Will Power for Team Penske
No. 14- Takuma Sato for A.J. Foyt Enterprises
No. 15- Graham Rahal for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing
No. 16- James Jakes for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing
No. 18- Mike Conway for Dale Coyne Racing
No. 19- Justin Wilson for Dale Coyne Racing
No. 20- Ed Carpenter for Ed Carpenter Racing
No. 25- Marco Andretti for Andretti Autosport
No. 27- James Hinchcliffe for Andretti Autosport
No. 55- Tristan Vautier for Schmidt Peterson Racing
No. 67- Josef Newgarden for Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing
No. 77- Simon Pagenaud for Schmidt Hamilton Racing
No. 78- Simona de Silvestro for KV Racing Technologies
No. 83- Charlie Kimball for Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing
No. 98- Alex Tagliani for Bryan Herta Autosport with Curb-Agajanian

Not Entered:
No. 8- Ryan Briscoe for Chip Ganassi Racing
No. 17- Michel Jourdain, Jr. for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing
No. 22- Oriol Servia for Panther-DRR
No. 26- Carlos Munoz for Andretti Autosport
No. 41- Conor Daly for A.J. Foyt Enterprises
No. 60- Townsend Bell for Panther Racing
No. 63- Pippa Mann for Dale Coyne Racing
No. 81- Katherine Legge for Schmidt Peterson Racing
No. 91- Buddy Lazier for Lazier Partners Racing

Rolex Sports Car Series Chevrolet Grand-Am 200 at Belle Isle: 26 cars entered (13 DP, 10 GT, 3 GX)

Daytona Prototype Entries:
No. 01- Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas for Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates
No. 2- Ryan Dalziel and Alex Popow for Starworks Motorsport
No. 3- Pedro Lamy, Stephane Sarrazin and Enzo Potolicchio for 8Star Motorsports
No. 5- Joao Barbosa and Christian Fittipaldi for Action Express Racing
No. 6- Antonio Pizzonia and Gustavo Yacaman for Michael Shank Racing
No. 8- Brendon Hartley and Scott Mayer for Starworks Motorsport
No. 9- Brian and Burt Frisselle for Action Express Racing
No. 10- Max Angelelli and Jordan Taylor for Wayne Taylor Racing
No. 42- Dane Cameron and Wayne Nonnamaker for Team Sahlen
No. 43- Joe and Will Nonnamaker for Team Sahlen
No. 60- John Pew and Michael Valiante for Michael Shank Racing
No. 90- Ricky Taylor and Richard Westbrook for Spirit of Daytona Racing
No. 99- Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty for GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing

Grand Touring (GT) Entries:
No. 18- Tomy Drissi for Muehlner Motorsports America
No. 31- Eric Curran and Boris Said for Marsh Racing
No. 44- Andy Lally and John Potter for Magnus Racing
No. 57- John Edwards and Robin Liddell for Stevenson Motorsports
No. 61- Max Papis and Jeff Segal for R. Ferri/AIM Autosport
No. 63- Alessandro Balzan and Jeff Westphal for Scuderia Corsa
No. 69- Emil Assentato and Anthony Lazzaro for AIM Autosport Team FXDD
No. 73- Patrick Lindsey and Patrick Long for Park Place Motorsports
No. 93- Michael Marsal and Gunter Schaldach for Turner Motorsport
No. 94- Bill Auberlen and Paul Dalla Lana for Turner Motorsport

Grand Touring Experimental (GX) Entries:
No. 00- Joel Miller and Tristan Nunez for Yellow Dragon Racing/SpeedSource
No. 38- Dr. Jim Norman and Spencer Pumpelly for BGB Motorsports
No. 70- Tom Long and Sylvain Tremblay for SpeedSource

Not Entered:
No. 59- Andrew Davis and Leh Keen for Brumos Racing
No. 71- Jason Hart and John McCutchen for Park Place Motorsports

Have news for Phil and the Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com with a promising lead or tip.

~~~~~~~~~~
Got NASCAR-related questions or comments?
Send them Summer Bedgood's way at summer.bedgood@frontstretch.com; and, if you're lucky, you'll get your name in print when she does her weekly column answering back to you – the fans that keep Frontstretch afloat. Frontstretch Fan Q & A will run on Thursdays with a whole new set of Fan Questions and Answers!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today's Featured Commentary
Quick Hits for May 30th
What's Vexing Vito
by Vito Pugliese

After the lap 327 incident at Charlotte Motor Speedway Sunday night that collected Aric Almirola, Mark Martin, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., Bobby Labonte, Casey Mears and Jeff Gordon, Almirola mentioned during a radio interview that Mark Martin must have had a "Senior moment…" after the No. 55 and 43 cars made contact.  If by "senior", you mean, "experience", then yeah, sure.  Turning right approaching a left hand turn through the dog-leg portion of race track usually ends poorly, as evidenced by this similar incident between Kyle Petty and Ted Musgrave in the 1996 Coca-Cola 600.

Ironically, check out Musgrave's then-teammate Martin slaloming through the carnage.

If you check out the replay, you'll see Almirola nearly put a tire in the grass, then turn right in the middle of the dog leg to get the proper entrance to Turn 1.  Martin, whose No. 55 was damaged by the dangling camera cables early in the event was not up to speed most of the night, likely would have given him the spot had he just held his line going into Turn 1 – as he had done with pretty much anybody else throughout his career.  Check out the cars behind them trying to get the correct line into Turn One – they're all lined up with the No. 55, not the 43.

With this past incident with Almirola, and the wreck with Kasey Kahne a few weeks ago in Richmond, what other drivers that Martin recommended for rides pile into him next?

In fairness to both drivers, the incident between the 55 and 43 is best described by the quote of NASCAR quotes, courtesy of the owner of Almirola's car: "Jes one uh them racin' deals..."

**********

Speaking of those dangling cables, this should be reason enough to do away with that stupid camera that does nothing but induce vertigo and give you the impression of what a bird flying the opposite direction would see.  Between this and the gyro cam, how is FOX able to consistently find new ways to ruin proven technology?  Stop with the goofy camera angles, and just study a tape from Ken Squier and company from CBS back in the mid 1980's.  Mike Joy was there and part of the action, he should be able to help everyone out.

**********

Equally disturbing following the camera cables that fell down, was the lack of awareness by NASCAR and track officials to throw a caution flag and cease racing, and remove the debris from the grandstands.  It was not until fans began hurling objects onto the track in an effort to gain attention to what was going on did a yellow come out.  Check out this video recorded by a fan where the cables fell – and his reaction to holding a handful of wires while cars drive near it approaching 200mph.

What could go wrong?  Only at a NASCAR race.  At least some things haven't changed.  What needs to change however is greater attention to the garbage hanging over the fence, over the fans, and what is ending up on the track.  NASCAR fans have a saying: If a car part ends up in the stands, free souvenir.  If broadcasting equipment is raining down and getting tangled up in race cars and people, well then that's where I draw the line.

On a personal note, this is the second time this year where fans have been injured where I had been sitting at the race a year before.  If this is going to be a recurring trend, I'll be sure to post my location for the next few events this year, so you know where to avoid in 2014.

Vito Pugliese is a Senior Writer/Assistant Editor for Frontstretch. He can be reached via e-mail at vito.pugliese@frontstretch.com. Follow him on Twitter at @VitoPugliese.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Critic's Annex: Indianapolis 500

by Phil Allaway

Hello race fans, welcome back to the Critic's Annex, where we take an additional look at motorsports-related programming.  Last week, I promised that I'd take a look at NBC's telecast from Monaco.  However, that was before we had the wire issues.  The editing staff agreed that the overall length of Tuesday's Couch Potato Tuesday was just too long

Late Sunday morning, ESPN came on-air with their annual coverage from Indianapolis, which dates back nearly 50 years.  There was only one change to the on-air lineup, that being the replacement of Brent Musberger with Lindsay Czarniak in the telecast.  When ESPN made that announcement, I thought that it was a great idea.  Yes, Musberger has a couple of decades of TV experience on Czarniak, but he also doesn't know jack about motorsports.  Even though Czarniak has little experience with the IZOD IndyCar Series, she brings plenty of motorsports experience from her time with Turner Sports and SPEED.  She did a good job.

One of the primary features shown during the pre-race show was a Jeremy Schaap-narrated piece on the infamous "Andretti Curse," the fabled bad luck that the Andretti family has suffered from at Indianapolis for most of the last 40 years.  For those viewers who aren't all that familiar with IndyCar racing, or Indianapolis, it stands as a pretty good primer.  We had sound bites from Marco, Michael, John, Mario and Jeff Andretti, whom I honestly can't remember hearing much about on television in the last 20 years.  A fair amount of time was given to Jeff's big crash from the 1992 Indianapolis 500.  However, I think they might have made that wreck out to be a little worse than it actually was.  Yes, Jeff broke both his legs in the crash and was never really the same afterwards.  Yes, Mario was in the Field Hospital because he had wrecked earlier in the race and ended up being a mental wreck after learning that Jeff crashed.  However, no one ever made it sound like Jeff's life was in danger back then.  Not ABC, not Dr. Henry Bock, who ran the Field Hospital at the time and who can be seen in the linked clip.  Also, that wasn't even the worst hit of that variety in 1992.  Nelson Piquet had a slightly worse version of that crash in practice.  In that crash, Piquet's helmet appeared to hit the wall.

Another piece was focused on James Hinchcliffe and how he dubbed himself "The Mayor."  Ultimately, he created the whole idea of "Hinchtown" as an interesting idea for his own website so that he could stand out.  It was an interesting look at an up-and-coming star in the sport.  I think viewers just discovering Hinchcliffe would come out of the piece with a favorable opinion of him.

We saw a piece that chronicled the search for Dario Franchitti's very first go-kart from back in 1977.  Ultimately, Franchitti's father, George, found it, restored it and gave it to Dario as a 40th birthday present.  It was a touching piece, I guess.  Dario had a huge smile on his face.  Another feature had Tony Kanaan and Helio Castroneves talking about growing up together at the track in Brazil as kids.  This has been re-run on SportsCenter since the race ran.  Basically, we now know that Kanaan, Castroneves and Rubens Barrichello are basically contemporaries of each other and hung out together.

Finally, on the negative side, there was a piece that talked about the inherent risks of racing at high speeds.  However, it ended up being an excuse to show a bunch of wrecks and effects.  That was gauche.  ESPN could have done without it.

ESPN once again returned the trio of Marty Reid, Scott Goodyear and Eddie Cheever to the booth.  Cheever is still part-time in the booth.  During the race Sunday, I read some comments on Twitter that inferred that ESPN was trying to recreate the Bobby Unser-Sam Posey booth dynamic with Goodyear and Cheever.  I don't think that's happening.  Neither analyst is bombastic enough (or rude enough) to match Unser.  Cheever just appeared to be sure of himself as an analyst.  He's relatively boring to listen to, and just doesn't do it for me.  Goodyear has a lot more experience in the booth, but is ultimately neutral to the experience.

Then we have Marty Reid, who has had his good and bad moments over the past few years.  I will say this, he was very enthusiastic about the action on-track Sunday.  For that matter, so was Goodyear.

Unfortunately for us viewers, we weren't seeing the whole story.  I suppose we've been spoiled with the Liniger Group-produced telecasts on the NBC Sports Network so far this season.  ESPN has a somewhat similar method to covering IZOD IndyCar Series races as they do with NASCAR races.  As a result, the coverage tends to stay pretty close to the front of the field.  If something happens outside of the lead pack, good luck figuring out what the deuce happened.  As a result, I don't know if I'm really looking forward to ESPN's telecasts from Detroit this weekend.  We'll just have to see how they work.

For instance, I have no clue how the heck Josef Newgarden ended up nine laps down in 28th.  I'm assuming that he had some kind of mechanical issue.  Unfortunately, the team doesn't seem to know what happened to the car, either. However, it doesn't excuse ESPN from basically not informing us of what was going on (especially since Newgarden was in clear contention to win the last race before Indianapolis).  Those dudes at Century 21 must be ticked. 

Also of note, Pippa Mann apparently dropped out due to hitting the wall somewhere on track.  Dr. Jerry Punch was going to interview her about it, but Takuma Sato spun out and drew a caution just as he was going to do it.  Standard procedure is to cover the live event (the Sato spin), then allow Punch to get back to the interview he was doing.  I don't recall ESPN even getting back to Mann.  Also of note, I don't think they ever identified Mann as the driver who cut off Sebastian Saavedra, which put him out of the race.  I identified her as the culprit by making use of my DVR.  She has since admitted fault for that wreck.

Once again, ESPN made their 12 in-car cameras available via online streaming on ESPN3.  Since my laptop doesn't want me to take advantage of that anymore, I used my phone to try it out.  All the channels worked picture-wise, but I had sound issues on almost every channel.  I don't know about you guys, but if I'm going to watch those in-car streams, I'd like to hear the car.  Sometimes, I got no sound at all, sometimes just the radio (uncensored for your pleasure), sometimes, I got everything.  That is something that ESPN needs to work out for the future.

Since the race was run at an all-time record speed, there was plenty of time for post-race coverage.  In that time, ESPN provided viewers with six drivers, the winning co-car owner (Jimmy Vasser), Kanaan's wife, Lauren, and a couple of dignitaries.  There was also a check of the unofficial results and an airing of Kanaan's kiss of the bricks before leaving the air.  The interviews that we did get were pretty good.  However, I do have some thoughts.

One, as you probably know by now, the race ended under yellow due to Dario Franchitti's crash shortly after the final restart.  We didn't see a replay of that for 25 minutes.  Right as they were going to show us what happened, they cut to an interview with Marco Andretti, forcing viewers to wait even longer.  What the heck?  We know he was ok, just show what happened and get it over with.  Terrible decision there.  Also, there were no point standings shown.  I don't get the point of that.  I suppose ESPN was trying to promote the race as a standalone event.  Of course, that's a stupid idea since they have the rights to air multiple races, including next weekend.  Oh, and just in case you're wondering, Marco Andretti took the points lead on Sunday.

Sunday's Indianapolis 500 was a great race that was full of action.  Everyone involved seemed to love it, from the fans at the track to the broadcasters, and everyone in-between.  Pre-race coverage was pretty good at times, albeit geared more towards beginners.  Race coverage brought the whole telecast down.  I'm sorry, you can't use the "keep it at the front at all costs" coverage strategy anymore.  This isn't 1974.  People want more than that today.

That's it for this week.  I still plan to cover NBC's Monaco telecast in this space.  Look for it tomorrow.  Next week, I will cover the split races this weekend for the Izod IndyCar Series at Belle Isle Park in Detroit.  Have fun this weekend.

Phil Allaway is the Newsletter Manager and a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.  He can be reached via e-mail at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ADVERTISEMENT
Race fans, do you love Frontstretch.com's coverage of NASCAR's top 3 series, IndyCar, Formula One and Short Track Racing? Do you want to read even more about your favorite sport? Then check out the industry's newest racing publication, Motorsport Illustrated News!, which is available both in print and in digital format! As one of our loyal readers, you'll receive 15% off any subscription when you use the coupon code fs2013.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Frontstretch Line of the Week

From IndyCar Round Table: What Did We Really Think Of The Indy 500?

"At this point, Indy just needs not to muck things up. Celebrate TK's win. Keep all the backroom chatter out of the press." - Huston Ladner, on what IndyCar needs to do in order to keep any goodwill after Sunday's Indianapolis 500.
~~~~~~~~~~

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:

Tech Talk: Shane Wilson Shakes Down Dover
by Mike Neff

Say It Ain't So, Bruton: Leaving Las Vegas
by Mark Howell

Fantasy Insider: Dover Dictates Championship Hopefuls

by Jeff Wolfe

NASCAR Mailbox: Rain, Re-signing, and Relationships
by Summer Bedgood

Truckin' Thursdays: Does Friday Equal First-Time Winner?
by Beth Lunkenheimer

~~~~~~~~~~

FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:

Q:  The 1995 Miller Genuine Draft 500 at Dover was the first race on the one-mile high-banked oval after it was concreted.  Let's just say that the race didn't start out all that well.  What happened?

Check back Friday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!

Wednesday's Answer:

Q:  The 1987 Budweiser 500 at Dover, won by Davey Allison, was plagued by a number of engine failures.  Why was this so?

A:  Race day at Dover back in 1987 was hot and humid.  High temperatures reached the low 90's, along with a dewpoint in the 70's.  That equals oppressive weather.  Multiple teams suffered from overheating issues.  Here's Bobby Allison having issues on pit road, with Dick Berggren reporting.  Of course, that's only one example.  There are many other instances of similar issues.

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:
-- Top News from Justin Tucker
-- In Case You Missed It by Beth Lunkenheimer
-- Frontstretch Folio: Dover by Beth Lunkenheimer
-- Keepin' It Short by Mike Neff
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, trivia, and more!

~~~~~~~~~~

Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:

Four Burning Questions: Dover by Matt Stallknecht
Matt will get your engines revved up for 2013 with a preview of this weekend's FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks at Dover International Speedway.

IndyCar Preview by P. Huston Ladner

Coming off of an excellent Indianapolis 500, Huston previews this weekend's return to a revamped Belle Isle Park circuit for the first doubleheader weekend of the season.

Holding A Pretty Wheel by Amy Henderson
Amy returns this week with another intriguing Friday commentary.

Nuts For Nationwide by Kevin Rutherford
Kevin has another interesting look at the Nationwide Series as they take a week off prior to the 5-Hour Energy 200 at Dover International Speedway.

Voices From the Heartland by Jeff Meyer
Our Tennessee transplant returns with another interesting take on recent events.

Driver Diary: Michael Annett as told to Toni Montgomery

The driver of the Nationwide Series No. 43 Pilot Travel Centers Ford returns to talk about his return to the track.

-----------------------------
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!

Comment of the Day:
From Maurice Blackwelder:

I enjoyed the Indy race much more than I did the cup race.  It seems like the winner of many NASCAR races are the ones who are first off pit road after a caution in the closing laps of the race.  The 600 was boring and I rarely describe a race that way.  The Nationwide race and the Cup race at Talladega was pitiful excuse for a race for many reasons.  NASCAR should have ended both races because of lack of daylight.  I live an hour south of Talladega and could see the darkness approaching as the race continued on.

Many people blame Brian France for the ever increasing problems NASCAR is having, but I think the management under him should carry much of the blame as well.  Indy racing in years past has learned from NASCAR, and now I think they can learn a few things from Indy.

©2013 Frontstretch.com

--
--
Feel free to forward this newsletter if you have any friends who loves
NASCAR and great NASCAR commentary. They can subscribe to the Frontstetch by visiting http://www.frontstretch.com/notice/9557/.
 
If you want to stop your Frontstretch Newsletter subscription, we're sorry
to see you go. Just send an email to
TheFrontstretch+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com from the address that you
recieve the Frontstretch Newsletter.
 
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "The Frontstretch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to thefrontstretch+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.