THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
May 1st, 2013
Volume VII, Edition LXVI
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Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
May 1st, 2013
Volume VII, Edition LXVI
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What To Watch: Wednesday
- All eyes are on the Penske Racing appeal, which started at 9 AM at NASCAR's R&D Center in Concord, NC. There's no word yet on a verdict; as soon as there is, we'll have it for you right here on Frontstretch.com. Crew chiefs for both teams, Todd Gordon and Paul Wolfe, are in attendance along with Team Manager for both cars Travis Geisler, owner Roger Penske, and several other key players within the organization.
Pulling Apart Penske's Appeal: How It's Expected To Go Down
Pulling Apart Penske's Appeal: How It's Expected To Go Down
- Tire testing continues today at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for select Sprint Cup teams. Brad Keselowski, Mark Martin, Trevor Bayne, Kurt Busch, Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon are turning laps for the three manufacturers in hopes of perfecting a compound for the Brickyard 400 this summer. The big story to emerge Tuesday was speed; Gordon reported topping out at 214 miles an hour down the backstretch.
Top News
by Tom Bowles
by Tom Bowles
Richard Childress Crew Suspended, Fined After Arrest
Two crew members of Richard Childress Racing are facing suspensions after their role in a Nationwide Series Richmond melee. Thomas Costello and Michael Searce, each of whom was arrested by police late Friday night were fined $15,000 and suspended for four Nationwide Series events by NASCAR Thursday, citing "actions detrimental to stock car racing." Both men, who have been released from custody still face official court dates in Henrico Country for a physical confrontation with Nelson Piquet, Jr.'s crew, a fight that continued hours after the Brazilian kicked their driver, Brian Scott, in the groin to show his displeasure with an on-track incident.
Both drivers were also disciplined for their actions, placed on probation through June 26th along with crew chiefs Phil Gould (Scott's No. 2 car) and Chris Carrier (Piquet's No. 30). There was no official statement following the penalties, although Richard Childress did issue one on Saturday. "I didn't witness what took place last night outside of the race track," he said then. "Our team members were walking to their cars and words were exchanged with members from another team, which led to an altercation. I am still learning all the exact details and, because it did happen outside of the track, local authorities became involved. We are working with them to resolve this matter."
No points were deducted from any car owner or driver.
Michael Annett's Recovery Delayed
On the eve of NASCAR's return to restrictor plate racing, one of their drivers battling an injury from the last plate event will be sitting out a little while longer. Michael Annett, who broke his sternum in a late-race Nationwide Series crash at Daytona is now expected to sit out until at least Memorial Day Weekend at Charlotte. Initially expected to be out 6-8 weeks, that would push him out over 12 as doctors want to ensure his body is back to 100 percent.
"Physically, I still felt like I could have gotten in the car at Richmond, still feel like I can get in at Talladega," Annett said to NASCAR.com's David Caraviello. "He's not worrying about me physically being able to do it. It's just in case something goes wrong, if the plates and everything he's put in there aren't willing to withstand a hard hit like that. It's not so much keeping me out, because I can do it. It's in case something goes bad, it hasn't grown back enough to where it would be able to hold that."
"Physically, I still felt like I could have gotten in the car at Richmond, still feel like I can get in at Talladega," Annett said to NASCAR.com's David Caraviello. "He's not worrying about me physically being able to do it. It's just in case something goes wrong, if the plates and everything he's put in there aren't willing to withstand a hard hit like that. It's not so much keeping me out, because I can do it. It's in case something goes bad, it hasn't grown back enough to where it would be able to hold that."
Reed Sorenson, good friends with the driver has filled in the No. 43 while Annett continues to recover. Sponsorship has been announced for Sorenson, however at his regular ride at Key Motorsports for Charlotte and beyond, giving further indication that race, Memorial Day Weekend will be Annett's official return.
News 'N' Notes
- Scott Speed's No. 95 Ford plans to honor the victims of the West, TX fertilizer plant explosion at Talladega that killed 14 people. Special signage will be on the car, which is being co-sponsored by TrackingPoint and Jordan Truck Sales this weekend for the Cup event. "We will run with restricted engines at the Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, but I can promise you nobody on this race team will hold anything back," Speed said, whose team Leavine Family Racing is based in the Lone Star State. "Our race team has deep roots in Texas. Our car will be West, Texas, strong."
- Richmond's final TV ratings wound up showing a slight uptick from 2012. A 3.7 overnight, increasing three percent year-to-year made it the fifth of nine speedways to show an increase in viewership this season. However, its audience, with 6.1 million watching made it the least-viewed NASCAR race of the year, displacing April's Saturday night showdown at Texas Motor Speedway.
Have news for Tom and the Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at ashland10@mail.com with a promising lead or tip.
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Today's Featured Commentary
Awaiting The Big One: Improving Fan Safety At Talladega Superspeedway
WTF Wednesdays
WTF Wednesdays
by Ellen Richardson
As both the NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series head to their next set of restrictor plate races, at one of the more anticipated racing venues of the season, many may be holding their breath for the "Big One." Some of this anticipation is due to the usual excitement that surrounds Talladega Superspeedway, a track that's produced a record 88 lead changes during a race within the last three years. But the majority of those fans will also be waiting and wondering, with baited breath if recent reinforcements made to the crossover gate will truly keep them, cheering on their favorite drivers, safe from the milieu that could ensue.
Alabama's famous high-banked 2.66-mile oval has continued to be at the top of many fans' lists due to the speed and excitement from the spectacular crashes that often occur. Unfortunately, on occasion, these wrecks have also led to fan injuries. I don't know how many reading will remember Bobby Allison's wild crash in the 1987 Winston 500, but a cut tire caused his car to turn sideways and go airborne, ultimately slamming into the catchfence at over 200 miles per hour. This horrific crash tore out over 100 yards of fencing while parts of Allison's car went flying into the grandstand, injuring a handful of innocent spectators. It's the last time, likely ever cars would be allowed to average 210+ miles an hour around a racetrack.
Although I wish NASCAR officials would have been smart enough to listen to then car owners like Junior Johnson, who pleaded with them to restrict the speeds that these cars were getting up to prior to the start of this race, I am so glad that restrictor plates were placed on these cars following this incident. It was a temporary solution turned permanent fix, designed to keep the quality of racing high but the speeds within basic safety standards.
Still, the plates have been far from foolproof. Fast forward 20 years later and you have an incident between Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski on the final lap of the Aaron's 499. As Keselowski continued to push Edwards to the front of the pack, that fateful day in April 2009 he made a move to pass his drafting partner. When Edwards attempted to block, Keselowski continued to hold his line, tapping Edwards and sending the No. 99 spinning and gently lifting off the ground before it was hit again by Ryan Newman at nearly 200 miles an hour, sending it flying right into the catchfence.
Much like Allison's crash, Edwards' car tore across the fence and sent parts and pieces of both the car and fencing into the grandstands, injuring fans. One of the fans hurt was then 17-year-old Alabama native, Blake Bobbitt, who had to have her jaw wired shut following this incident. She has since recovered, even returning to see a race at Talladega that Fall. But that left safety on the minds of many once again; an engineering firm was consulted, who in turn advised track officials to extend the height of the catchfence from 14 to 22 feet.
Now, here we are four years later and looking at further fan injuries at a superspeedway following Kyle Larson's horrific crash on the final lap of the NASCAR Nationwide race, at Daytona International Speedway in February. While I realize that Daytona and Talladega are two entirely different tracks, are we starting to see a trend? Even if they're eerie coincidences, it's a bit worrisome how it's taking continued hospital visits for NASCAR to make necessary safety adjustments that should have been made prior to them happening at all.
As Brett Poirier pointed out in his recent column, following NASCAR's decision to reinforce the crossover gates at both Daytona and Talladega, "what about the parts that flew over the 22-foot fence at Daytona?" And that includes a tire that hit a man in the head! Raising the height of these metal protectors, which was done in 2009 was not a consideration this time around. So do repairs at these tracks actually correct a problem for fan safety, or is NASCAR placing a Band-Aid on a problem to make it seem like they have resolved an ongoing issue – knowing they really haven't. Is it "Look, we fixed it!!" when there's a cheap "fix" that really isn't one at all?
When a fan purchases a ticket for a race, they are signing up for a good time with family and friends, and these injuries in the stands shouldn't be a part of it. Drivers and pit crew members are aware of and prepared for the potential accidents and dangers that can occur as a result of this sport, but fans shouldn't be expected to be ready for the same. Maybe it is time that NASCAR took another approach and started asking fans and drivers what would make them feel safer at these superspeedway races? Would that be a better approach versus hiring expensive engineers, who may have never sat in the stands for one of these races, what they feel would keep fans safe and the impending lawsuits at a standstill?
Sadly, until there's a better solution safety trumps all else. My advice: don't buy tickets up close to the action at restrictor plate tracks, because it's only a matter of time before danger strikes again.
Sadly, until there's a better solution safety trumps all else. My advice: don't buy tickets up close to the action at restrictor plate tracks, because it's only a matter of time before danger strikes again.
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GOT A NASCAR QUESTION OR COMMENT? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
That's right; our Fan Q & A column is back once again in 2013. Send your question Summer Bedgood's way at summer.bedgood@frontstretch.com and if you're lucky, you'll get your name in print on Thursday when she does her weekly column. It's all part of our daily mission to give back to you – the fans that keep Frontstretch afloat!
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Tweet 'N' Greet
by Kevin Rutherford
Editor's Note: With the NASCAR Twitter community expanding by leaps and bounds, it remains a place for instantaneous news, reactions, and a whole lot of inside jokes. We understand if you don't want to join the Twitter community - but as a fan, it's important to know the news and info you're missing out on! That's why, every week, Kevin Rutherford will sort through the thousands of messages and give us a little taste of what's going on each Wednesday.
So, without further ado, here's a look at what those in NASCAR were thinking over the past seven days...
GOT A NASCAR QUESTION OR COMMENT? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
That's right; our Fan Q & A column is back once again in 2013. Send your question Summer Bedgood's way at summer.bedgood@frontstretch.com and if you're lucky, you'll get your name in print on Thursday when she does her weekly column. It's all part of our daily mission to give back to you – the fans that keep Frontstretch afloat!
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Tweet 'N' Greet
by Kevin Rutherford
Editor's Note: With the NASCAR Twitter community expanding by leaps and bounds, it remains a place for instantaneous news, reactions, and a whole lot of inside jokes. We understand if you don't want to join the Twitter community - but as a fan, it's important to know the news and info you're missing out on! That's why, every week, Kevin Rutherford will sort through the thousands of messages and give us a little taste of what's going on each Wednesday.
So, without further ado, here's a look at what those in NASCAR were thinking over the past seven days...
@TimCindric: @keselowski @joeylogano You guys would be proud of the effort here today regardless of how the decision goes. #appeal
@keselowski: Inner peace is easily achievable once you realize that sometimes all you can do is hope for the best and prepare for the worst. #appeal
@keselowski: Inner peace is easily achievable once you realize that sometimes all you can do is hope for the best and prepare for the worst. #appeal
@LewisFranck: Is it true that Clarence Darrow was resurrected to handle the appeal?
@55MarkMartin: It was fast at Indy today. 212 mph at end of the back stretch.
@dennyhamlin: I can not wait to get back in car.. The smell of fuel and tires Ahhh
@scottspeed: Name change! lol RT @Amanda_Speed: WARNING... I am in full on bitch mode today. So if u see me don't cross my path. pic.twitter.com/TWHPlY2REf
@BJewkes: Over past 24 hrs reporters sought/got comment on NASCAR's diversity efforts, of which we're very proud. We admire Jason Collins' courage
@bscottracing (Brian Scott): Hey @Nationwide do you guys insure family jewels? I need some coverage...
@NelsonPiquet: With that kick, no wonder I race cars and not play soccer. I look forward to moving on and racing again.
@bscottracing: I'm on probation for 2 months...SMH
@JakeSnakeCrum (Jake Crum): At the rate drivers are getting suspended, I should be in a @NASCAR_NNS ride @BMSupdates by August! Keep up the bad behavior boys!
@ClintBowyer: Fire has went out! I will leave with this one last time... Don't wear bib overalls when u have diarrhea!!! Love you guys!
@KurtBusch: My 1st #Daytona was #DaleEarnhardt's last. This is a day I'll never forget. Happy Birthday & #RIP. You made #Nascar what it is today. #respect
@AJDinger: "We have no food, we have no jobs.... OUR PETS HEADS ARE FALLING OFF!!!!!" Got to love this movie. Never gets old. (Dumb and Dumber)
@mw55: Great bday. Thanks friends. http://instagram.com/p/YvzqW7zfen/
@KevinHarvick: When a night ends like this it's been a good one!! pic.twitter.com/0Lh0WB3AjU
@keselowski (Brad Keselowski): Celebrating tonight's win @RIRInsider by Listening to some George Jones tonight. #RIP
@Kenny_Wallace: Thank You to @RAB_Racing for a Great effort, We started losing speed around lap 20 and I smelled Gear Grease, We BURNED a rear end up.
@jpmontoya: Very happy with yesterday's result. I keep telling u guys that our cars are quick this year.
@aric_almirola: Hell Yes! We worked our guts out to finish 8th. So freaking proud of my boys and everyone back @RPMotorsports. 3 top 10s in a row #rollin
@23SpeedRacer (Spencer Gallagher): Golf clap
Kevin Rutherford is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at kevin.rutherford@frontstretch.com. Follow him on Twitter at@Surfwax83.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
by Tom Bowles
Side By Side: Can A Single Car Team Find The Winner's Circle?
by Amy Henderson and Mike Neff
Pulling Apart Penske's Appeal: How It's Expected To Go Down
by Amy Henderson and Mike Neff
Pulling Apart Penske's Appeal: How It's Expected To Go Down
by Tom Bowles
by Toni Montgomery
compiled by Mike Mehedin
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: In 1991, Harry Gant won the Winston 500 at Talladega. It marked the first of five victories that year for the 51-year old Gant. However, there was some controversy towards the finish. What happened?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Monday's Answer:
Q: In 1986, Bobby Hillin, Jr. claimed his one and only career win at Talladega in the oppressively hot Talladega 500. Ricky Rudd is credited with a third-place finish, but he was not driving the car at the end of the race. Who was, and why?
A: Ricky Rudd had to take relief from Rusty Wallace during the race. This was because of a combination of the oppressive heat, and Rudd having the flu. Finding a reliable source for the temperature on that day in 1986 is actually quite difficult. However, the weather conditions shown on CBS' broadcast stated that it was 95 degrees with 90 percent humidity. According to the Farmer's Almanac, the high in nearby Anniston that day was 95, with a mean Dew Point of 75.5 degrees. That is pretty brutal heat, and having the flu would have only made it worse.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: If we mess up, you get the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
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Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- What's Vexing Vito by Vito Pugliese
-- Critic's Annex by Phil Allaway
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, the Line of the Week and more!
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Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
Mirror Driving by the Frontstretch Staff
Your favorite Frontstretch writers are back to discuss a variety of different subjects. Things are sure to get entertaining as they debate the latest and greatest in NASCAR!
Frontstretch Fan Q&A by Summer Bedgood
Summer takes on your NASCAR questions and answers them to the best of her ability. Be sure to send your questions in if there's something that's been nagging at you and you might see your name in print.
Tech Talk by Mike Neff
Mike has a Sprint Cup Series crew chief stop by to talk about the technical side of NASCAR. This week, Alan Gustafson shares his thoughts as the series gets ready to head to Talladega.
Fantasy Racing by Jeff Wolfe
Jeff brings fantasy racing back to Frontstretch this season. This week, he takes a look at your best bets for picking your roster out for Talladega.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
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©2013 Frontstretch.com
Talk back to the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Got something to say about an article you've seen in the newsletter? It's as easy as replying directly to this message or sending an email to editors@frontstretch.com. We'll take the best comments and publish them here!
©2013 Frontstretch.com
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