THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
May 2nd, 2013
Volume VII, Edition LXVII
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Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
May 2nd, 2013
Volume VII, Edition LXVII
~~~~~~~~~~
What to Watch: Thursday
- The Aaron's Dream Weekend officially gets underway today with a three-hour practice session for the ARCA Racing Series starting at 10am CDT. Qualifying will follow later in the afternoon. Neither of the sessions will be televised. However, Timing and Scoring will be available at arcaracing.com.
Top News
by Phil Allaway and Tom Bowles
Penske Appeal Denied; Final Recourse Scheduled for May 7th
A three-member panel Wednesday unanimously upheld penalties assessed to Penske Racing after pre-race inspection at Texas Motor Speedway. Comprised of Pocono President Brandon Igdalsky, Bowman-Gray Operator Dale Pinilis and former NASCAR VP Paul Brooks, the trio determined the sanctioning body's evidence was enough to "convict" Penske to the tune of points lost, suspensions given and $200,000 in fines.
Roger Penske, in response has pledged to send a final appeal to National Stock Car Racing Commissioner John Middlebrook. That hearing will occur Tuesday, May 7th at NASCAR's Research and Development Center. Here's a quick list of what penalties are pending (everything but the points deductions will be deferred until after the final appeal):
No. 2 team
25 driver points lost (Brad Keselowski)
25 owner points lost (Roger Penske)
Six-race suspension for crew chief Paul Wolfe (plus the All-Star Race)
Six-race suspension for car chief Jerry Kelley (plus the All-Star Race)
Six-race suspension for team engineer Brian Wilson (plus the All-Star Race)
$100,000 fine (assessed to Wolfe)
No. 22 team
25 driver points lost (Joey Logano)
25 owner points lost (Roger Penske)
Six-race suspension for crew chief Todd Gordon (plus the All-Star Race)
Six-race suspension for car chief Raymond Fox III (plus the All-Star Race)
Six-race suspension for team engineer Samuel Stanley (plus the All-Star Race)
$100,000 fine (assessed to Gordon)
Both teams
Six-race suspension for team manager Travis Geisler (plus the All-Star Race)
Probation for all suspended crew members through December 31st
NASCAR's representation included Sprint Cup Director John Darby but not Vice President Robin Pemberton, who was whisked away to Florida on jury duty. Owner Roger Penske was in attendance to defend the allegations along with Team Manager Travis Geisler, Tim Cindric, Walt Czarnecki, crew chiefs Todd Gordon and Paul Wolfe along with several other key principles.
The National Stock Car Racing Commission issued a brief statement, vague in its reasoning behind their decision of "guilty."
"Upon hearing the testimony and carefully reviewing the facts," the three members said, "It was a unanimous decision by the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel to uphold the original penalties assessed by NASCAR."
"The Appellants have the right under Section 15 of the rule book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer."
Stacey Out At Talladega Due To Concussion
For KH Motorsports and driver Dexter Stacey, the hits just keep on coming. Friday night at Richmond, Stacey's car released rear-end grease onto the track early in the race. That got underneath the rear tires of Stacey's car, resulting in a hard crash into the Turn 1 wall which destroyed the No. 92. The crash and subsequent retirement from the race dropped the team out of the top 30 in Nationwide Series owner points, forcing them to get in the race on speed at a plate track after failing to qualify in their first attempt (Daytona).
Now, the team will need to press on without Stacey in the seat. The Apex Times is reporting that Stacey has been diagnosed with a concussion as a result of the crash, forcing him to the sidelines for an undetermined length of time. Tim Andrews, son of 1992 Winston Cup Champion Crew Chief Paul Andrews, has been tapped to drive this weekend in Talladega and beyond, if needed.
Andrews has 45 career starts in the Nationwide Series, but has finished only four of them. His best career finish is a 17th at Montreal last year. At Talladega, Andrews has two career starts, but also failed to finish either one. In 2011, Andrews ran 41st after parking the 2nd Chance Motorsports' No. 79 for owner Rick Russell. Last year, Andrews retired the Randy Hill Racing Ford just after halfway due to overheating issues. This time, he'll be expected to go the distance with a team that's got a best result of 23rd in its first year running full-time.
Entry List Update:
Note: These entries are accurate as of Wednesday night. However, they are still subject to change right up until race time.
Sprint Cup Series Aaron's 499: 44 cars entered
Drivers Ineligible to Earn Points:
No. 21 - Trevor Bayne for Wood Brothers Racing
No. 35 - Josh Wise for Front Row Motorsports
No. 51 - Regan Smith for Phoenix Racing
No. 81 - Elliott Sadler for Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 87 - Joe Nemechek for NEMCO Motorsports/JRR
Driver Changes:
No. 32 - Terry Labonte returns to the seat, replacing Timmy Hill. Labonte is running the restrictor plate races for the team and brings along the all-important champion's provisional.
No. 51 - Regan Smith returns to the seat, replacing AJ Allmendinger. The drivers are both running a limited schedule this season, sharing the seat along with Austin Dillon while pursuing full-time rides in other series.
No. 55 - Michael Waltrip returns to the seat, replacing Mark Martin. Waltrip is running a limited schedule of just the four restrictor plate races this season.
Drivers who must qualify in the top-36:
No. 81 - Elliott Sadler for Joe Gibbs Racing
Drivers Still at Risk of Failing to Qualify, but Have Provisionals:
No. 21 - Trevor Bayne for Wood Brothers Racing (41st in owners points)
No. 32 - Terry Labonte for FAS Lane Racing (39th in owners points, but has a Past Champion's Provisional if need be)
No. 87 - Joe Nemechek for NEMCO Motorsports/JRR (40th in owners points)
No. 95 - Scott Speed for Leavine Family Racing (43rd in owners points)
No. 98 - Michael McDowell for Phil Parsons Racing (42nd in owners points) -- will go the distance this week (has sponsorship)
Entered, but Already Withdrawn:
No. 19 - Mike Bliss for Humphrey-Smith Racing
Not Entered:
No. 52 - Brian Keselowski for Hamilton Means Racing
Nationwide Series Aaron's 312: 42 cars entered
Drivers Ineligible to Earn Points:
No. 1 - Kurt Busch for Phoenix Racing
No. 4 - Landon Cassill for JD Motorsports with Gary Keller
No. 5 - Kasey Kahne for JR Motorsports
No. 22 - Joey Logano for Penske Racing
No. 25 - John Wes Townley for Venturini Motorsports
No. 33 - Ty Dillon for Richard Childress Racing
No. 34 - Danica Patrick for Turner Scott Motorsports
No. 54 - Joey Coulter for Kyle Busch Motorsports/Joe Gibbs Racing
Driver Changes:
No. 00 - David Green is in the seat, replacing Michael McDowell. Jason White was originally entered; Green, in comparison brings along a champion's provisional to use if necessary.
No. 5 - Kasey Kahne returns to the seat, replacing Jeffrey Earnhardt. Kahne is running the majority of races in the car this season.
No. 22 - Joey Logano is in the seat, replacing Brad Keselowski. The Sprint Cup duo is teaming with Ryan Blaney to split the schedule in this car.
No. 24 - Jason White is in the seat, replacing Blake Koch. Koch was the full-time driver for this team but appears to be suffering from sponsorship issues.
No. 33 - Ty Dillon returns to the seat, replacing Kevin Harvick. Dillon is running a limited schedule to prepare for a full-time transition into the series in 2014.
No. 52 - Donnie Neuenberger returns to the seat, replacing Derek Thorn. Neuenberger brings sponsorship to Means and typically runs the restrictor plate races and Dover in the Nationwide Series.
No. 54 - Joey Coulter is in the seat, replacing Kyle Busch. Coulter runs full-time for Busch's team in Camping World Trucks.
No. 74 - Mike Harmon is in the seat, replacing Juan Carlos Blum. Harmon hopes to run the distance on Saturday.
No. 79 - Jeffrey Earnhardt returns to the seat, replacing Joey Gase. Earnhardt is the full-time driver in this seat, sponsorship permitting and comes back after running for JR Motorsports in a special, one-race deal at Richmond.
No. 92 - Tim Andrews is in the seat, replacing Dexter Stacey. See above (concussion issue for Stacey).
Drivers who must qualify on speed:
No. 00 - David Green for SR2 Motorsports (Has second crack at the Past Champions' Provisional)*
No. 1 - Kurt Busch for Phoenix Racing
No. 4 - Landon Cassill for JD Motorsports with Gary Keller
No. 10 - Jeff Green for TriStar Motorsports (Guaranteed to start via the Past Champions' Provisional)*
No. 15 - Stanton Barrett for Rick Ware Racing
No. 25 - John Wes Townley for Venturini Motorsports
No. 34 - Danica Patrick for Turner Scott Motorsports
No. 52 - Donnie Neuenberger for Jimmy Means Motorsports
No. 55 - Jamie Dick for Viva Motorsports
No. 85 - Bobby Gerhart for Bobby Gerhart Racing
No. 89 - Morgan Shepherd for Shepherd Motor Ventures
No. 92 - Tim Andrews for KH Motorsports
A three-member panel Wednesday unanimously upheld penalties assessed to Penske Racing after pre-race inspection at Texas Motor Speedway. Comprised of Pocono President Brandon Igdalsky, Bowman-Gray Operator Dale Pinilis and former NASCAR VP Paul Brooks, the trio determined the sanctioning body's evidence was enough to "convict" Penske to the tune of points lost, suspensions given and $200,000 in fines.
Roger Penske, in response has pledged to send a final appeal to National Stock Car Racing Commissioner John Middlebrook. That hearing will occur Tuesday, May 7th at NASCAR's Research and Development Center. Here's a quick list of what penalties are pending (everything but the points deductions will be deferred until after the final appeal):
No. 2 team
25 driver points lost (Brad Keselowski)
25 owner points lost (Roger Penske)
Six-race suspension for crew chief Paul Wolfe (plus the All-Star Race)
Six-race suspension for car chief Jerry Kelley (plus the All-Star Race)
Six-race suspension for team engineer Brian Wilson (plus the All-Star Race)
$100,000 fine (assessed to Wolfe)
No. 22 team
25 driver points lost (Joey Logano)
25 owner points lost (Roger Penske)
Six-race suspension for crew chief Todd Gordon (plus the All-Star Race)
Six-race suspension for car chief Raymond Fox III (plus the All-Star Race)
Six-race suspension for team engineer Samuel Stanley (plus the All-Star Race)
$100,000 fine (assessed to Gordon)
Both teams
Six-race suspension for team manager Travis Geisler (plus the All-Star Race)
Probation for all suspended crew members through December 31st
NASCAR's representation included Sprint Cup Director John Darby but not Vice President Robin Pemberton, who was whisked away to Florida on jury duty. Owner Roger Penske was in attendance to defend the allegations along with Team Manager Travis Geisler, Tim Cindric, Walt Czarnecki, crew chiefs Todd Gordon and Paul Wolfe along with several other key principles.
The National Stock Car Racing Commission issued a brief statement, vague in its reasoning behind their decision of "guilty."
"Upon hearing the testimony and carefully reviewing the facts," the three members said, "It was a unanimous decision by the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel to uphold the original penalties assessed by NASCAR."
"The Appellants have the right under Section 15 of the rule book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer."
Stacey Out At Talladega Due To Concussion
For KH Motorsports and driver Dexter Stacey, the hits just keep on coming. Friday night at Richmond, Stacey's car released rear-end grease onto the track early in the race. That got underneath the rear tires of Stacey's car, resulting in a hard crash into the Turn 1 wall which destroyed the No. 92. The crash and subsequent retirement from the race dropped the team out of the top 30 in Nationwide Series owner points, forcing them to get in the race on speed at a plate track after failing to qualify in their first attempt (Daytona).
Now, the team will need to press on without Stacey in the seat. The Apex Times is reporting that Stacey has been diagnosed with a concussion as a result of the crash, forcing him to the sidelines for an undetermined length of time. Tim Andrews, son of 1992 Winston Cup Champion Crew Chief Paul Andrews, has been tapped to drive this weekend in Talladega and beyond, if needed.
Andrews has 45 career starts in the Nationwide Series, but has finished only four of them. His best career finish is a 17th at Montreal last year. At Talladega, Andrews has two career starts, but also failed to finish either one. In 2011, Andrews ran 41st after parking the 2nd Chance Motorsports' No. 79 for owner Rick Russell. Last year, Andrews retired the Randy Hill Racing Ford just after halfway due to overheating issues. This time, he'll be expected to go the distance with a team that's got a best result of 23rd in its first year running full-time.
Entry List Update:
Note: These entries are accurate as of Wednesday night. However, they are still subject to change right up until race time.
Sprint Cup Series Aaron's 499: 44 cars entered
Drivers Ineligible to Earn Points:
No. 21 - Trevor Bayne for Wood Brothers Racing
No. 35 - Josh Wise for Front Row Motorsports
No. 51 - Regan Smith for Phoenix Racing
No. 81 - Elliott Sadler for Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 87 - Joe Nemechek for NEMCO Motorsports/JRR
Driver Changes:
No. 32 - Terry Labonte returns to the seat, replacing Timmy Hill. Labonte is running the restrictor plate races for the team and brings along the all-important champion's provisional.
No. 51 - Regan Smith returns to the seat, replacing AJ Allmendinger. The drivers are both running a limited schedule this season, sharing the seat along with Austin Dillon while pursuing full-time rides in other series.
No. 55 - Michael Waltrip returns to the seat, replacing Mark Martin. Waltrip is running a limited schedule of just the four restrictor plate races this season.
Drivers who must qualify in the top-36:
No. 81 - Elliott Sadler for Joe Gibbs Racing
Drivers Still at Risk of Failing to Qualify, but Have Provisionals:
No. 21 - Trevor Bayne for Wood Brothers Racing (41st in owners points)
No. 32 - Terry Labonte for FAS Lane Racing (39th in owners points, but has a Past Champion's Provisional if need be)
No. 87 - Joe Nemechek for NEMCO Motorsports/JRR (40th in owners points)
No. 95 - Scott Speed for Leavine Family Racing (43rd in owners points)
No. 98 - Michael McDowell for Phil Parsons Racing (42nd in owners points) -- will go the distance this week (has sponsorship)
Entered, but Already Withdrawn:
No. 19 - Mike Bliss for Humphrey-Smith Racing
Not Entered:
No. 52 - Brian Keselowski for Hamilton Means Racing
Nationwide Series Aaron's 312: 42 cars entered
Drivers Ineligible to Earn Points:
No. 1 - Kurt Busch for Phoenix Racing
No. 4 - Landon Cassill for JD Motorsports with Gary Keller
No. 5 - Kasey Kahne for JR Motorsports
No. 22 - Joey Logano for Penske Racing
No. 25 - John Wes Townley for Venturini Motorsports
No. 33 - Ty Dillon for Richard Childress Racing
No. 34 - Danica Patrick for Turner Scott Motorsports
No. 54 - Joey Coulter for Kyle Busch Motorsports/Joe Gibbs Racing
Driver Changes:
No. 00 - David Green is in the seat, replacing Michael McDowell. Jason White was originally entered; Green, in comparison brings along a champion's provisional to use if necessary.
No. 5 - Kasey Kahne returns to the seat, replacing Jeffrey Earnhardt. Kahne is running the majority of races in the car this season.
No. 22 - Joey Logano is in the seat, replacing Brad Keselowski. The Sprint Cup duo is teaming with Ryan Blaney to split the schedule in this car.
No. 24 - Jason White is in the seat, replacing Blake Koch. Koch was the full-time driver for this team but appears to be suffering from sponsorship issues.
No. 33 - Ty Dillon returns to the seat, replacing Kevin Harvick. Dillon is running a limited schedule to prepare for a full-time transition into the series in 2014.
No. 52 - Donnie Neuenberger returns to the seat, replacing Derek Thorn. Neuenberger brings sponsorship to Means and typically runs the restrictor plate races and Dover in the Nationwide Series.
No. 54 - Joey Coulter is in the seat, replacing Kyle Busch. Coulter runs full-time for Busch's team in Camping World Trucks.
No. 74 - Mike Harmon is in the seat, replacing Juan Carlos Blum. Harmon hopes to run the distance on Saturday.
No. 79 - Jeffrey Earnhardt returns to the seat, replacing Joey Gase. Earnhardt is the full-time driver in this seat, sponsorship permitting and comes back after running for JR Motorsports in a special, one-race deal at Richmond.
No. 92 - Tim Andrews is in the seat, replacing Dexter Stacey. See above (concussion issue for Stacey).
Drivers who must qualify on speed:
No. 00 - David Green for SR2 Motorsports (Has second crack at the Past Champions' Provisional)*
No. 1 - Kurt Busch for Phoenix Racing
No. 4 - Landon Cassill for JD Motorsports with Gary Keller
No. 10 - Jeff Green for TriStar Motorsports (Guaranteed to start via the Past Champions' Provisional)*
No. 15 - Stanton Barrett for Rick Ware Racing
No. 25 - John Wes Townley for Venturini Motorsports
No. 34 - Danica Patrick for Turner Scott Motorsports
No. 52 - Donnie Neuenberger for Jimmy Means Motorsports
No. 55 - Jamie Dick for Viva Motorsports
No. 85 - Bobby Gerhart for Bobby Gerhart Racing
No. 89 - Morgan Shepherd for Shepherd Motor Ventures
No. 92 - Tim Andrews for KH Motorsports
Entered, but Already Withdrawn:
No. 27 - SR2 Motorsports
No. 42 - JJ Yeley for The Motorsports Group, LLC
No. 46 - Chase Miller for The Motorsports Group, LLC
No. 47 - Scott Riggs for The Motorsports Group, LLC
Not Entered:
No. 8 - Scott Lagasse, Jr. for Tommy Baldwin Racing/TeamSLR
No. 16 - Ryan Reed for Roush Fenway Racing
No. 17 - Tanner Berryhill for Vision Racing
No. 29 - Kenny Wallace for RAB Racing with Brack Maggard
No. 98 - Kevin Swindell for Biagi-DenBeste Racing
No. 27 - SR2 Motorsports
No. 42 - JJ Yeley for The Motorsports Group, LLC
No. 46 - Chase Miller for The Motorsports Group, LLC
No. 47 - Scott Riggs for The Motorsports Group, LLC
Not Entered:
No. 8 - Scott Lagasse, Jr. for Tommy Baldwin Racing/TeamSLR
No. 16 - Ryan Reed for Roush Fenway Racing
No. 17 - Tanner Berryhill for Vision Racing
No. 29 - Kenny Wallace for RAB Racing with Brack Maggard
No. 98 - Kevin Swindell for Biagi-DenBeste Racing
*- Expected to Start-and-Park
ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards International Motorsports Hall of Fame 250: 37 cars entered
Driver Changes:
No. 10 - Cody McMahan is in the seat, replacing Blake Hillard.
No. 15 - John Wes Townley returns to the seat, replacing Kyle Benjamin.
No. 22 - Korbin Forrester is in the seat, replacing Anderson Bowen.
No. 34 - Darrell Basham returns to the seat, replacing Jason Basham.
No. 40 - Galen Hassler returns to the seat, replacing Nick Tucker.
No. 55 - Caleb Armstrong is in the seat, replacing John Wes Townley.
No. 69 - John Ferrier is in the seat, replacing Travis Swaim.
Notable Entries:
No. 5 - Bobby Gerhart for Bobby Gerhart Racing
No. 15 - John Wes Townley for Venturini Motorsports
No. 19 - Donnie Neuenberger
No. 23 - Spencer Gallagher for Gallagher Motorsports
No. 25 - Justin Boston for Venturini Motorsports
No. 32 - Mason Mingus for Win-Tron Racing
No. 35 - Milka Duno for Venturini Motorsports
No. 44 - Frank Kimmel for ThorSport Racing
No. 55 - Caleb Armstrong for Venturini Motorsports
No. 66 - Mark Thompson for Venturini Motorsports
No. 68 - Will Kimmel for Kimmel Racing
No. 77 - Tom Hessert for Cunningham Racing
No. 82 - Sean Corr for Empire Racing
No. 90 - Grant Enfinger for Bixman Racing
No. 92 - Brennan Newberry for NTS Motorsports
Entered, but Already Withdrawn:
No. 7 - Brent Cross
No. 27 - Barry Fitzgerald
Not Entered:
No. 09 - Charles Evans, Jr.
No. 11 - Kyle Weatherman for Fast Track Racing
No. 52 - Brett Hudson
No. 70 - Mark Meunier for Tucker Racing
No. 80 - Brian Finney for Finney Motorsports
Izod IndyCar Series Sao Paulo Indy 300: 25 cars entered
Driver Changes: None
Entries:
No. 1 - Ryan Hunter-Reay for Andretti Autosport
No. 3 - Helio Castroneves for Team Penske
No. 4 - JR Hildebrand for Panther Racing
No. 5 - EJ Viso for Team Venezuela/Andretti Autosport/HVM
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 Technology
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 - Ana Beatriz for Dale Coyne Racing
No. 19 - Justin Wilson for Dale Coyne Racing
No. 20 - Ed Carpenter for Ed Carpenter Racing
No. 22 - Oriol Servia for Panther-DRR
No. 25 - Marco Andretti for Andretti Autosport
No. 27 - James Hinchcliffe for Andretti Autosport
No. 55 - Tristan Vautier for Schmidt Peterson Motorsports
No. 67 - Josef Newgarden for Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing
No. 77 - Simon Pagenaud for Schmidt-Hamilton Motorsports
No. 78 - Simona de Silvestro for KV Racing Technology
No. 83 - Charlie Kimball for Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing
No. 98 - Alex Tagliani for Bryan Herta Autosport with Curb-Agajanian
Not Entered:
No. 2 - AJ Allmendinger for Team Penske
No. 17 - Mike Conway for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing
News and Notes
- Goodyear wrapped up a two-day tire test on Wednesday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. As has been the norm this season, speeds have been up significantly. Rodney Childers noted on Twitter that lap times were in the low 48-second bracket, flirting with Casey Mears' track record of 186.293 miles an hour, set in 2004.
- Michael McDowell will be going the distance on Sunday after Curb Records stepped up their support of his No. 98 Ford. Featuring their Bobby Bones Show on the hood, an award-winning country music program that airs in Austin on 96.7 their effort will allow Phil Parsons Racing to "compete" in just their second race of 2013. McDowell earned a top-10 finish in the Daytona 500, the first plate race of 2013 but has start-and-parked in each event he's entered since.
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.
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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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Today's Featured Commentary
Penske Penalty, Gibbs' Glib, and Hope for Hamlin
What's Vexing Vito
by Vito Pugliese
Penske Racing lost its appeal on Wednesday to drop or at least reduce the penalty assessed to the No. 2 and 22 teams, following unapproved rear end housings discovered in pre-race inspection at Texas Motor Speedway. Following the decision Wednesday, they are appealing to John Middlebrook, Chief Appellate Officer of the National Stock Car Racing Commission. The final appeal will be made on May 7th, so the Penske teams will remain intact through Talladega this weekend.
"I can't make any comments, it's clear we have a process and I'm better off to wait to see that conclude," Penske said following the hearing with NASCAR. "All I can say about the process is it's fair and equitable. We had an opportunity to explain our case in detail. We will move onto the next step."
You may remember it was Middlebrook who overturned the penalty imposed on NASCAR to Jimmie Johnson following C-pillar modifications to the No. 48 at Daytona in February of 2012, which weren't exactly in "the spirit of the rule" either. That bodes well for Penske, Joey Logano, and Brad Keselowski, who face the prospect of being without their crew chiefs, car chiefs, or team manager for the next six weeks during the critical Summer Stretch. Oddly enough, Keselowski didn't exactly mince words last year when asked about Middlebrook overturning the fine of the Hendrick Motorsports driver.
"I'm sure there are a lot of different opinions and I'm never short of an opinion. With this particular one, I just don't find it interesting and don't have an opinion on it," he said. "I didn't join the sport to be a race car driver and argue court cases. I want to go fast, turn left and win races. Things of that nature haven't really excited me."
I'm guessing he'll have an opinion on it on May 7th – particularly if it is not overturned. You may recall Keselowski made some comments regarding the rear end configurations of the HMS cars last year, and implying it may have been the No. 48 team who brought to NASCAR's attention the issues with the Penske cars that led to the fines, suspensions, and the No. 22 car nearly missing the start of the race at Texas.
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With that said, there is another team up for an appeal as well – Joe Gibbs Racing. Following Matt Kenseth's win at Kansas, one of the connecting rods on the No. 20 Toyotas was found to be lighter than the minimum by 2.7 grams. The average weight of all of the rods was more than the minimum, but that one mistake proved costly, to the tune of 50 points, $200,000 and six-week suspensions galore. Shortly thereafter, Toyota Racing Development (TRD) announced that they ended up pulling three engines destined for the No. 15 MWR entry of Clint Bowyer, citing similar connecting rod weight discrepancies. Lee White of Toyota has explained that they aren't able to weigh all of the rods, and that they are outsourced from Germany.
Uh, okay. You build $50,000 race engines for the world's largest automaker, competing in the largest racing series in North America, but don't weigh and balance them? This company is the same one, keep in mind that blew $1 billion on a decade-long campaign in Formula One, but they don't weigh parts for their stock car engines?
Judging by the severity of the penalty, I'd say there is something else at play here. My first thought was connecting rods of different weights may be used to offset harmonics within the engine to eke out another horsepower or two. Might it be a metallurgical malfeasance that went awry, causing a discrepancy in weight, but not wanting to tip off other teams in an effort to start a weight war in the engine rooms?
Let's not forget, this penalty isn't the first time that Joe Gibbs Racing has run afoul of NASCAR with regards to testing, inspection, and engine parts.
Following a Nationwide race at Michigan, in 2008 NASCAR corralled the top-finishing cars of each brand to test the power output on a chassis dyno. They found the JGR cars to be way short on power – and to have had ¼ magnets placed under the accelerator pedals, so they wouldn't reveal the actual horsepower they were producing. Again at Michigan, in 2011, they were caught with heavy oil pans – 25 lbs heavy – as well as modifications to the front cross member to affect handling and weight distribution.
Nothing wrong with building a better mousetrap, but JGR isn't a team with a spotless record. It's no worse or better than any other team, and I would expect NASCAR to rule as such.
**********
Denny Hamlin says he plans to start the race at Talladega this weekend – though he has yet to be cleared by NASCAR to race. His motivation to get back in the car at this point is not a surprise. Yeah, we get it… he's a racer, being out of the car makes him sick, it sucks watching some other guy drive (and wreck) your vehicle – but didn't he just say last week that his pain threshold on a scale of 1-10 is a 7, and he may require surgery if things don't move along? Clambering in and out of the car, bending at obtuse angles with a helmet on probably won't help, and neither would getting in an accident, which at Talladega – where cars sometimes almost get in the crowd and the entire field can get wiped out in one corner – could very well happen in the early laps.
In 2009, a good portion of the field was involved in a wreck on lap 6, involving even cars planning to start-and-park the event. Consider the new car doesn't exactly have a whole lot of spoiler on it, and that the field was dicey at Daytona in February. Starting is not without its own inherent dangers and risk.
Right now, Hamlin sits 29th in points, 127 behind Kevin Harvick in tenth – who just won a race. 127 points under the current system is about 560 points under the old system. You're not going to make up that kind of ground racing under the new format, and quite honestly, there is no need to – given you remain in the top 20 in points. The best thing about The Chase for a driver who may miss a few races is that there are two spots reserved for wins. His biggest threats to contend with for wins in that position are Jeff Gordon in 14th, Matt Kenseth in 13th (who will almost certainly be in the Top 10, pending penalty appeal or otherwise), Kevin Harvick in tenth, and teammate Kyle Busch in seventh. Outside of that, maybe Kurt Busch (who currently resides in 20th), or coincidentally, Joey Logano could play a factor.
Starting the race – any race – at this point, just to get out, some may say is both tactically and strategically unsound. His best bet is to lay down, rest, heal, rehab, and get ready for tracks he has won at and is always a factor: Pocono, Michigan, Loudon, Bristol, and Richmond. Win two of those, and you're almost a shoe-in. But the only problem is, those efforts are a waste unless he has just enough to sneak inside that top 20. Talladega may be his best shot, as well as the Coca-Cola 600 to stop the bleeding if things drag on to help pull off some sort of points-salvaging operation.
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.
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Editor's Note: The Critic's Annex will return next week with a look at NBC Sports Network's telecast of the Sao Paulo Indy 300.
Editor's Note: The Critic's Annex will return next week with a look at NBC Sports Network's telecast of the Sao Paulo Indy 300.
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Frontstretch Line of the Week
From NASCAR Writer Power Rankings: Top 15 After Richmond I
"The only driver to complete every lap this season is…Paul Menard. What a Debbie Downer: that's like saying you've got an A-List Celebrity hosting your awards show and then you trot out [Ken Jeong] from The Hangover. (Don't worry – he's one of the top candidates to host NASCAR's season-ending banquet this Fall)."- Tom Bowles, on Paul Menard's season up to this point.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Happiness Is... NASCAR's Newest Brand Of Racing Analysis
by P. Huston Ladner
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Frontstretch Line of the Week
From NASCAR Writer Power Rankings: Top 15 After Richmond I
"The only driver to complete every lap this season is…Paul Menard. What a Debbie Downer: that's like saying you've got an A-List Celebrity hosting your awards show and then you trot out [Ken Jeong] from The Hangover. (Don't worry – he's one of the top candidates to host NASCAR's season-ending banquet this Fall)."- Tom Bowles, on Paul Menard's season up to this point.
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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:
Happiness Is... NASCAR's Newest Brand Of Racing Analysis
by P. Huston Ladner
Tech Talk: Alan Gustafson Tells Jeff Gordon's Talladega Tale
by Mike Neff
Fantasy Insider: Serving Up A Hot Plate At Talladega
by Mike Neff
Fantasy Insider: Serving Up A Hot Plate At Talladega
by Jeff Wolfe
by Summer Bedgood
Mirror Driving: Where Do Penske, Piquet, Scott, And Hamlin Go From Here?
by the Frontstretch Staff
Truckin' Thursdays: Matt Crafton on ThorSport's Recent Success
by Beth Lunkenheimer
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: With David Green at the wheel, Buz McCall's American Equipment Racing had an excellent year in 1996, winning races and competing for the championship. However, the team's debut Busch season in 1995 was marked by a revolving door in the driver's seat and constant issues. Talladega was no different. What befell the No. 95 Caterpillar Chevrolet on the high banks?
Check back Friday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Wednesday's Answer:
Wednesday's Answer:
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?
A: The race came down to fuel mileage and Gant won by stretching his fuel to the finish (the margin of victory was a healthy 11 seconds). Quasi-teammate (but not really) Rick Mast was right behind Gant for the last few laps, all but pushing him around the track at one point. Regardless, Gant was able to make it to the line and claim his win. Here's a clip of the finish.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 Justin Tucker
-- In Case You Missed It by Beth Lunkenheimer
-- Frontstretch Folio: Talladega by Beth Lunkenheimer
-- Keepin' It Short by Mike Neff
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, trivia, and more!
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Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
Four Burning Questions: Talladega by Matt Stallknecht
Matt gets your engines revved up for 2013 with a preview of this weekend's Aaron's 499
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 ahead of Saturday's Aaron's 312.
Voices From the Heartland by Jeff Meyer
Our Tennessee transplant returns with another interesting take on recent events.
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Talk back to the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Got something to say about an article you've seen in the newsletter? It's as easy as replying directly to this message or sending an email to editors@frontstretch.com. We'll take the best comments and publish them here!
©2013 Frontstretch.com
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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