Tuesday, June 18, 2013

The Frontstretch Newsletter: June 18th, 2013

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

June 18th, 2013
Volume VII, Edition CVIII
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What to Watch For: Tuesday
- Daytona International Speedway will have a special announcement at 11 AM regarding the racetrack. President Joie Chitwood III will be front and center; recently, the 2.5-mile oval suffered a setback when state funding was not granted for proposed renovations initially presented during February's Daytona 500. The future of that construction work is expected to be addressed, with plans to remove the backstretch grandstands, cut down seating and complete renovations within the next three years.
 
- David Ragan will be going "old school" this morning, adding "hauler driver" to his NASCAR resume as he co-drives the Front Row Motorsports No. 34 rig out to Sonoma. Ragan, who recently got his Commercial Driver's License jumped at the unique opportunity to share the work with full-timer Mike Smith. "I've always had a fascination with big trucks," he said. "I thought it would be fun to take a trip across the country on the open roads and see everything, and at the same time get to spend some time with my truck driver."

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Top News
by Tom Bowles

Arrest Warrants Issued For Mike Harmon, Business Partner
 
A NASCAR driver/owner, along with his business partner are in deeper trouble with the law after police claim evidence links them to Jennifer Jo Cobb's missing hauler and equipment. Warrants Monday were issued to arrest Mike Harmon, who co-owns the No. 74 Nationwide Series team along with financial associate David Novak.
 
According to authorities, two cars and five trucks were retrieved from Harmon's garages in late May, all of which are believed to be Cobb's. That's led to felony breaking-and-entering charges, along with larceny for mechanical parts and pieces that total well into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. A hauler, which was stolen from Cobb's shop was also reportedly seen on the Harmon property, with video evidence corroborating it. Both men have repeatedly denied the charges, however, claiming the female owner/driver was the one who owed them and other debtors after failing to pay up on transactions related to her No. 10, self-owned Truck Series operation.
 
"I've never stolen so much as a piece of bubble gum," said Harmon last month when questioned by North Carolina's WBTV. "To be arrested for a felony is ridiculous."
 
Harmon has since turned himself in to Cleveland County authorities, posting a $10,000 bond to earn his release while Novak remains "at large" at press time. Cobb plans to continue competing on the Truck level, while Harmon was listed in the No. 74 for the Nationwide Series race at Road America this Saturday.
 
Josh Wise, Front Row Motorsports Get Unique Sponsor
 
Josh Wise, in his second year running the Sprint Cup circuit will get true "sophomore" support from an education of higher learning. Carson-Newman University has entered into an agreement with Front Row Motorsports to sponsor the No. 35 car, a one-race deal at the Bristol night race which ensures the fledgling third Ford in their fleet will try and go the distance.
 
It's the first university-based sponsorship for Wise, a special partnership for owner Bob Jenkins who happens to be a Tennessee native. As expected, the university itself is excited to dip its toe into stock car racing, holding a special VIP event the week before the race that will take place on its Jefferson City campus.
 
"To be able to partner with Mr. Jenkins and his organization in showcasing Christian higher education on a national stage - well, it just doesn't get much better than that," Carson-Newman President Randall O'Brien said in a press release.
 
"One of the most gratifying parts of running a Sprint Cup team is bringing new partners into the sport," added Jenkins. "And when it's an organization as respected as Carson-Newman, it's even better. Throw in that it's one of the biggest races of the year and that's going to make it a pretty special weekend."
 
After start-and-parking in 29 of 30 races last year, Wise has run the distance in 11 of 15 events so far in 2013. He's posted a best finish of 19th, at Talladega while running a respectable 26th, four laps off the pace at Bristol this Spring.

News 'N' Notes

- A report by the Associated Press confirmed Monday Jason Leffler had no life insurance policy. While certain provisions were made for his 5-year-old son, Charlie Dean, the driver was unable to afford the expensive premiums for race drivers most companies often charge. That makes public contributions more important, with the family strongly denying they're soliciting to "make a quick buck."
 
"He absolutely bent over backward to do whatever was best for Charlie," said Chris Leffler, executor of the drivers' will in an interview with the AP's Jenna Fryer. "He probably could have held on to a lot more in the divorce.  But he sacrificed, did without, and has done whatever necessary to make sure Charlie is taken care of.  I've seen a little bit of what's been insinuated and it's disappointing."
 
For those interesting in helping the cause, the trust fund being managed by Leffler's friends and family is listed below.
 
The Charlie Dean Leffler Discretionary Trust
c/o SunTrust Bank
232 Williamson Road
Mooresville, NC 28117
 
- Any new sponsor for Dale Earnhardt, Jr. won't come before the July 4th race weekend at Daytona. Owner Rick Hendrick confirmed over the weekend the team was in serious discussions with a company new to the sport and that the deal would be for "multiple years." However, with the National Guard funding only at 20 of 38 total races time is of the essence. The military sponsorship was originally not scheduled for Daytona but will likely be switched around in order to accommodate the timing of any new funding. At the moment, Earnhardt has backing for 25 of those 38 events (including the sport's two exhibitions). That would take him through the August Michigan event before new financing would have to be secured.
 
- Sunday at Michigan, Hendrick also confirmed the company was looking at putting 17-year-old Chase Elliott into a Nationwide Series ride as soon as 2014. The youngster, running a limited schedule in the Truck Series this season has already scored two top-5 finishes, running no lower than sixth in three career starts. Son of racing legend Bill, he's signed a long-term deal with Hendrick and is rumored to be the long-term heir apparent to Jeff Gordon in the No. 24.
 
- Add Great Clips to the list of businesses increasing their backing of Hendrick Motorsports. Fox Sports is reporting the company will become the primary sponsor of Kasey Kahne's No. 5 Cup car for 10 races next season, up from the three they're backing the car in 2013.  Kahne has been backed by the haircut corporation for several years in the Nationwide Series.

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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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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Today's Featured Commentary
How Much Disappointment Can a NASCAR Fan Take?
Sitting In The Stands: A Fan's View
by S.D. Grady

With every drop of the green, the fans rise to their feet hoping for the best outcome to the race.  When that comes to pass, it usually means their particular driver pulls into Victory Lane after a few hours.  How awesome is that?  There's confetti, balloons, booze, cameras and lots of really happy people.  The fan's hard-earned affection pays off in a big way.  But it doesn't always work out that way.  After all, this NASCAR fan must be pretty optimistic to start with. She cheers for one guy out of 43 to snare the checkers.  It's not like a stick and ball sport where the odds are one out of two on any given day.  All of the NASCAR teams line up on the grid, ready to be judged on the same playing field and prepared for fate to have her way with them.  That fan keeps his eye on her driver and hopes.
 
However, if we're only watching one driver, there is plenty of depression likely to come to play during the race.  To stave off certain sadness, I prefer to keep my options open and follow many different storylines come Sunday afternoon. 
Did the generous adoration approach help at all this past Sunday as the Cup drivers took to Michigan?  Uh, no.  Not at all. How many different teams -- and their cheering sections -- suffered?  It was horrid.  Just awful.
 
You knew the day wasn't going to go well when, on just lap 7 Bobby Labonte (abruptly reassigned to the No. 51 after AJ Allmendinger's sudden elevation to his No. 47) spun out and took out Jeff Gordon on the way.  Two veterans done for the day.  In fact, the No. 24 did in all four corners in the altercation.  Really?  I mean...???  I know the Hendrick garage would work on rebuilding Gordon's Chevy, but that just sapped the energy right out of the afternoon.
 
Next, the cameras gladly focused on the primer black No. 78 machine.  You have to admit, the elder Busch has been showing really well lately... and he's been keeping his trap shut.  It would be nice to finally have a Cinderella story for the beleaguered 2004 Champion.  But once again, nope!  Not happening.  Kurt executed a very nice accident.
 
Jamie McMurray then showed up.  Would the No. 1 find some luck at the furiously fast two-mile track?  A story not featuring the usual suspects was being offered up to us!  Only to be taken away.  Sigh.  Kasey Kahne then teased us with the possibility of him further solidifying his run for a top spot in the Chase.  Except ... he blew a tire and tried to burn up his car all at once.
 
How about Dale Jr., then?  He was running the Man of Steel paint job.  The Dark Knight certainly gave him fine fortune last year.  And the car was black with white numbers.  Yeah.  See?  Leading and all that?
 
Never mind.  Earnhardt's engine blew up, sending out tons of speedy dry and ruining many a race fan's day.
 
We couldn't take any more.  No more hopes dashed.  We just had to settle in and pray the race would actually end before dark.  Greg Biffle edged his way into the front and stayed there.  Strong and steady, the lead opened up into a typical day in the Irish Hills.  Fine.  The No. 16 has certainly earned his laurels recently; showing up on camera more often than not.  And it's a Ford.  It's always nice to see the home team win when we're near Detroit.   But you know, having a single car drive around the track with nobody giving him any challenge at all is just... well, look at what Pocono was like last week!
 
So, when suddenly Jimmie Johnson -- yes, also known as the weekly victor -- started to make his late-race charge to the front, that little fan voice started to perk up again.  It was possible we'd have something that resembled a race come the final laps.  Thank goodness!  The day was saved!  Johnson picked off Kyle Busch and Harvick, swept high into the corners and held his momentum down the straight.  This ending was gonna be good!
 
And then, his tire went flat.  As did all the excitement.  Again.
 
Well, damn.
 
Yes, seeing Biffle hoist his trophy was cool and Harvick did show up at the last second.  We harvested a small reward for all the spent emotion.  But still, the whole afternoon was more disappointment than reward.  How absolutely typical.
Next week, I'm going to break out.  I've had it.  The NHRA is coming to my neighborhood.  Even though I'm practically clueless on who runs where in that circuit, and won't totally understand what's happening on track, at least my heart won't be crushed more than a half-dozen times in a single afternoon.
 
Kyle Larson Stat
 
Series: Nationwide Series
Track: Michigan International Speedway
Car: No. 32 Cessna Chevrolet
Qualified: 11th
Finished: 2nd (lead lap)
Points Standings: 9th

Want to follow Kyle Larson yourself?

Twitter: @KyleLarsonRacin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KyleLarsonRacing
Website (under construction): http://kylelarsonracing.com/
Looking for a little history? Try... http://kylelarsonracing.net/

S.D. Grady is a Senior Editor for Frontstretch. She can be reached via e-mail at sonya.grady@frontstretch.com. Follow her on Twitter at @laregna and on her Facebook page (she's an author, too!) at https://www.facebook.com/Author.SDGrady.
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Numbers Game: Quicken Loans 400 
by Tom Bowles

0
Top 5s by Paul Menard this season. He's the only driver currently in Chase position without one.
 
1
DNFs by Phoenix Racing in 15 races this year.  Bobby Labonte was the culprit, this time in his first start with the team; he spun out on Lap 5 of 200, damaging his future prospects in Cup with an almost-certain release from JTG Daugherty Racing in November.
 
2
Engine failures in the last four races for Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s No. 88 team.  They had zero DNFs for motor problems in the previous three years.
 
3
Top-15 finishes for Danica Patrick in the Cup Series after her 13th-place run at Michigan.  By comparison, fellow rookie (and boyfriend) Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. has five.
 
4
Straight top-10 finishes by Tony Stewart (fifth at Michigan).  He only had one when the streak began.
 
5
Top-20 finishes for AJ Allmendinger in six Sprint Cup starts this season – all of them in underfunded equipment.  The 'Dinger ran 19th in his first run with JTG-Daugherty's No. 47 Toyota.
 
5.0
Average finish for Kevin Harvick in the last five races, including a win in the Coca-Cola 600.  He's moved from 12th to fourth in points during that stretch.
 
6
Chevys currently in position to make the Chase: Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Kasey Kahne, Tony Stewart, Paul Menard, and Kevin Harvick.  That's as many as Toyota and Ford combined.
 
7
Starts for Austin Dillon in the Cup Series after Sunday's race, in which he scored a career-best 11th-place finish.  The Nationwide Series full-timer will run a full schedule for Richard Childress Racing next year.
 
8
The number of cautions Sunday.  It's the third straight race at Michigan – all of the ones since the track was repaved – where we've had the same amount of yellow flags.
 
9
Top 10s for Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Kyle Busch, who joined the club after running fourth at Michigan.  That tops all Sprint Cup drivers.
 
10
Laps led by Brad Keselowski in the last 11 races. He was shut out of first-place again on Sunday, running out of gas late and coming home 12th.
 
13
Wins by Roush Fenway Racing all-time in the Cup Series at Michigan.  That's more for them than any other track on the circuit.
 
42
The distance between 10th-place Tony Stewart and 21st-place Jamie McMurray in the current standings.  Any one of the 12 drivers in between could sneak into Chase position, through points after Sonoma.
 
48
Laps led by Greg Biffle at Michigan, the most of any driver.
 
583
Laps led by Jimmie Johnson without a victory at Michigan.  It's the most laps led at any track where he is currently winless on the Cup circuit.

Tom Bowles is the Editor-In-Chief of Frontstretch. He can be reached via e-mail at tom.bowles@frontstretch.com.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:

Death Visits NASCAR Less Often Now, But Still Is Present At Local Tracks
by Brett Poirier

Who's Hot / Who's Not In Sprint Cup: Michigan-Sonoma Edition
by Brad Morgan


Going By The Numbers: Going By the Numbers: Need a Road Course Ringer? Here's Who Not to Call
by Kevin Rutherford

Five Points to Ponder: NASCAR's Midwestern Malaise, Manufacturer Malfunctions And More
by P. Huston Ladner

Couch Potato Tuesday: Michigan Meant Progress, Not Perfection For TNT
by Phil Allaway


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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:

Q:  In 1991, Tommy Kendall was in position to claim the victory in the Save Mart Supermarkets 300 at Sears Point.  However, it was just not meant to be.  What caused him to lose the race?

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

Monday's Answer:


Q:  Sonoma Raceway has gone through no less than four different names and a number of configurations over the years.  However, there was one big change that occurred immediately prior to the Cup Series traveling to Sonoma for the first time in 1989.  What was it?

A:  Then-Sears Point Raceway renovated the pit lane in order to switch the side of pit road in which the crews lined up on from the side closest to the track to the side closer to the hillside.  Teams still entered pit road in the same fashion that they do today.  Such a move likely would have allowed for more space for work, in addition to allowing crews to go to the garage without crossing a hot pit lane to do so.  Here's a clip of a pit stop during a GTO/GTU race at Sears Point from 1988 in order to show the old setup.

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 Tom Bowles
-- WTF Wednesday by Ellen Richardson
-- Tweet 'N' Greet by Kevin Rutherford
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!

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Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:


Did You Notice? by Tom Bowles
Did You Notice... the reduction of seat capacity? Tom looks at the latest thought process behind Daytona's big renovations, the difficulties for road course ringers and more in his list of small but important observations around the NASCAR circuit.

Side By Side: The Ringers by TBA
This week, we discuss drivers on road courses.  Some teams will have "ringers" in the seat this weekend at Sonoma and Road America.  In today's NASCAR, can a one-race sub pull off a road course win?  We'll have both sides of the issue available for your pleasure.

Frontstretch Top 10 by the Frontstretch Staff
Your favorite writers are back with their Wednesday dose of NASCAR humor that leaves you laughing. Don't miss out!

Open-Wheel Wednesday by P. Huston Ladner
Huston takes a look at the Izod IndyCar Series ahead of this week's visit to Iowa Speedway for the Iowa Corn Indy 250.

NASCAR Power Rankings: Top 15 After Michigan compiled by Michael Mehedin
Jimmie Johnson was baring down on the lead late Sunday before having tire issues.  However, did he maintain number one on our power rankings list? Experts you love from across the web, not just Frontstretch rank the drivers heading into Sonoma as our weekly top 15 poll comes up for a vote once again.

Happiness Is... by P. Huston Ladner
Don't let your life sink into the pits. Huston looks at the bright side of racing stories we've seen in the past seven days.
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