THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
June 4th, 2013
Volume VII, Edition XCVII
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
June 4th, 2013
Volume VII, Edition XCVII
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What to Watch For: Tuesday
- Tuesday is traditionally penalty day in NASCAR and Penske Racing could be hit with another one on the No. 2 after Brad Keselowski's Miller Lite Ford measured too low in the front end in post-race inspection. Normally, this is grounds for a six-point penalty, but with a number of people on the team, including crew chief Paul Wolfe currently on probation from Texas, suspensions could happen once again.
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Top News
by Tom Bowles
Whitt, Hackenbracht Switch Roles For Weekend
Chad Whitt, following a 16th-place finish with TriStar Motorsports in his debut has earned himself a second opportunity. Driving their No. 44 Toyota, he'll slide behind the wheel this weekend at Iowa while previously signed driver Chad Hackenbracht goes elsewhere. Hackenbracht, who will take over the ride in a limited schedule later in 2013 has also signed a multi-race deal with Kyle Busch Motorsports in the Truck Series. He'll debut in the No. 51 Truck, replacing Busch instead at Texas on Friday night.
Hackenbracht, who was initially planning on "double dipping" was admonished by NASCAR due to his inexperience and potential for missing the driver's meeting while going back and forth between racetracks. That left the opening for Whitt, a former full-timer in the Nationwide Series who's been searching for a ride in 2013 after being let go by JR Motorsports. He had been working at TriStar as a mechanic before this substitution opportunity came up pre-Dover; he responded with the best finish for the team so far this season.
One of the Nationwide Series' longtime veterans will strap back behind the wheel again this weekend at Iowa. Kenny Wallace, driving for RAB Racing announced a two-race sponsorship deal from U.S. Cellular this week that will also apply to the second race at the 7/8th-mile oval on August 3rd.
"In an effort to show our continued support for the U.S. Cellular 250, we decided to steer our involvement with Kenny to the race track," said Kathy Hust, Mid-Central Region Vice President for U.S. Cellular in a press release. "We look forward to seeing his #29 car with U.S. Cellular logos zoom around Iowa Speedway's track."
"In an effort to show our continued support for the U.S. Cellular 250, we decided to steer our involvement with Kenny to the race track," said Kathy Hust, Mid-Central Region Vice President for U.S. Cellular in a press release. "We look forward to seeing his #29 car with U.S. Cellular logos zoom around Iowa Speedway's track."
Wallace, 49, has raced twice this season with a best finish of 29th at Charlotte. Brother Mike is a full-timer in this division, driving for JD Motorsports in the No. 01 Chevrolet.
News 'N' Notes
- The Monster Mile failed to dial up Monster TV ratings for FOX. Dover posted just a 3.5 overnight, down three percent from last year and the lowest for the Spring race since a rainout back in 2007. That means four of the final five races on FOX suffered ratings decreases; the other one, Darlington remained stagnant. Overall, it was a disappointing year for the network as heavy gains in the Daytona 500 petered out over the rest of the 13-race schedule; overall viewership will likely remain flat with 2012 numbers.
- NASCAR, early Tuesday is claiming Brad Keselowski's crew chief, Paul Wolfe, will likely escape additional discipline for the No. 2 car coming in too low during post-race inspection. Officials have been quoted in multiple publications as saying since the infraction was due to a parts failure, not a gray area-type violation it's a different area of the rulebook and the crew chief will not be held accountable for additional crimes while on probation.
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
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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
Opening the Floodgates at Dover: Not Handling Fan Security in NASCAR
Sitting In The Stands: A Fan's View
by S.D. Grady
What?
It's a story that makes you scratch your head, especially with the stands filled to just 40-50 percent capacity on Sunday. To cover their collective asses, Dover then issued an apology to the fans that things didn't go quite the way they should have and the track would do better next time.
Well done! Not.
Look, we've all been in those crazy long lines waiting to enter a major sporting or entertainment venue. If I'm heading to Fenway Park, I know not to bring anything but myself unless I want the close attention of an intimidating security guard. While a few beach balls usually make their way past the moat dragons, I am fairly certain that between the metal detectors and professional security guards at the gates, I am sitting in a reasonably safe environment. Lots of folks are stopped for a frisk and a more detailed perusal of pocket lint.
At a NASCAR track, not so much. Even after the decision to closely inspect bags came into play due to the 9/11 wake-up call, I know for a fact that with a little timing and minimal effort, sneaking contraband into almost any track isn't that difficult, even to this day. Umbrellas always pop up during rain delays. I see glass bottles at almost every event. I've never seen a metal detector at any gate, nor have I actually seen any fan frisked. So sneaking a weapon onto the property just can't be that hard. In fact, when I pause at the table to open my cooler, the 17-year-old decked out in a track T-Shirt "looking in my bag" is usually more interested in the gossip she's exchanging with a friend. If she was faced with a 9mm staring her in the face...what would she do?
No, despite the long list of things you can't bring to the track, I cannot for one moment truly believe that any kind of serious security has been enacted at any venue I've visited over the past twelve years.
Is it needed? Despite the fact I love my personal freedom, and despise even the gentle intrusion into my cooler on race day, I have to say yes. The Boston Marathon bombings reminded us of that fact far too well.
If you're going to have security checkpoints, they should be accomplishing something. They shouldn't be manned by the local high school softball team. Standards must be maintained, even when the lines are long. I'm sorry, deciding that the whole process is taking too long and we should just abandon ship completely undermines the point of the security gates.
There were lots of things wrong at Dover's gates on Sunday, but the intention to thoroughly inspect every bag entering the venue wasn't one of them. And NASCAR fans shouldn't expect the half-assed attempts at security that many of the tracks employ to continue.
It's on us fans, too, to ensure everybody has a great time on race day. By arriving early, adhering to the list of permissible items and cooperating with track staff, it can make the security check bearable.
On the other hand, when Dover decided to make some changes to their procedures, they needed to communicate that to the fans. Our staffer, Jeff Wolfe, who went as a fan to attend with his son said it was the worst he's ever seen at Dover. I've been twice and can't recall the checkpoint being any different from any other track, perhaps even with shorter lines. I can't recall having my backpack/cooler thoroughly checked.
But it wasn't just Dover that screwed up on Sunday. It's also the pattern of indifference that every NASCAR track has employed over the past decade and the fans for coming to expect such useless bag inspections at the gate that must shoulder some of the blame, as well.
We need to fix this problem, one way or the other. Either leave off with the inspections all together, and let the hordes bring whatever they want. Every fan can then elect if they wish to venture out without Big Brother. Or decide that security means security and get together on procedures that are not only effective, but efficient.
Let's hope this irritating snafu is all the wake-up call NASCAR needs to make some serious decisions, and soon. I don't want to see another Boston Bombing happen at a race and for that to be the impetus for the changes required.
Kyle Larson Stat
Series: Nationwide
Track: Dover
Car: No. 32 Vizio/Hulu Chevrolet
Qualified: 15th
Finished: 10th (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 him on Twitter at @laregna.
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Numbers Game: FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks
by Tom Bowles
1
1
The number of top-5 finishes for Brad Keselowski since starting the season with four straight. He was fifth at Dover, the best run for him and his team since a third at Bristol in March.
2
Top-5 finishes for Juan Pablo Montoya this season after Dover's second-place finish. That's also the number of top-5 results he scored in 2011 & 2012 combined.
3
3
The number of DNFs and wins for Matt Kenseth this season. He's had two engine failures, including Sunday at Dover and wrecked out one time (Bristol - March).
4
4
Cautions for debris or "fluid" on the track at Dover Sunday, one more than the number for actual on-track incidents (three).
5
5
Straight races led by Kurt Busch. It's a record for his Furniture Row Racing team and his best streak since driving for Roger Penske back in 2011.
5
5
DNFs for Travis Kvapil this season after blowing an engine at Dover. He's gone behind the wall for repairs in all but four races this season.
6
The number of consecutive top-20 finishes for rookie Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. after running 13th on Sunday. The freshman has quietly been no lower than 18th since contending to win Kansas back in April.
7
7
The number of races since Danica Patrick has had a lead-lap finish. She was 24th Sunday, nearly wrecked twice in the first 25 laps before making an unscheduled stop for handling issues and wound up four laps off the pace. The last time the GoDaddy car was on the lead lap was Martinsville in April; she finished 12th.
18
The number of Dover races since Jimmie Johnson finished lower than 16th. He was 17th in the FedEx 400, his worst result at the Monster Mile since crashing out and winding up 32nd in the Spring of 2004.
24
Laps led by Tony Stewart this season before winning the race at Dover. He only led three laps en route to victory Sunday.
480
480
Number of laps led by Kyle Busch the last three races out of a possible 1,167. That's 41.1 percent of all laps run; he's failed to win any of those events.
1,461
Laps led by Martin Truex, Jr. since his lone Cup Series win, at Dover back in the Spring of 2007. He paced the field for two circuits Sunday before blowing his engine about three-quarters of the way through the event.
$120,863
$120,863
Money won by 36th-place Ryan Newman after wrecking out with David Gilliland with a little over 100 laps to go in Dover.
$114,365
$114,365
Money won by ninth-place Mark Martin, who ran the whole distance at Dover and finished on the lead lap.
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:
Love Him Or Hate Him: Jimmie Johnson Still Is The Class Of NASCAR
by Brett Poirier
Who's Hot / Who's Not In Sprint Cup: Dover-Pocono Edition
by Brad Morgan
Going By The Numbers: Imagining The NNS Without Cup Regulars
by Kevin Rutherford
Five Points to Ponder: TRD And Keselowski Trip While 'Dinger Runs Into Trouble
by Danny Peters
Couch Potato Tuesday: SPEED's Monster Coverage
by Phil Allaway
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: In the 1991 Miller Genuine Draft 500 at Pocono, a rash of early cautions kept the field bunched together. When that happens, something usually has to give. Ernie Irvan didn't really give an inch to anyone in Turn 3. What happened because of this move?
Check back Wednesday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Monday's Answer:
Q: The 1993 Champion Spark Plug 500 marked Jeff Gordon's very first trip to Pocono Raceway. However, it was not a happy journey. What happened to Gordon early on in the race that ruined his day?
A: Gordon qualified very well in his DuPont Chevrolet, but ended up on the outside of Turn 3 after eventual race winner Kyle Petty made a passing maneuver an early restart. Hut Stricklin tried to follow Petty past, but contact between the two resulted in Gordon spinning out and backing hard into the outside wall. The crash can be seen here.
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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 frontstretcheditors@googlegroups.com for details.
~~~~~~~~~~~
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Love Him Or Hate Him: Jimmie Johnson Still Is The Class Of NASCAR
by Brett Poirier
Who's Hot / Who's Not In Sprint Cup: Dover-Pocono Edition
by Brad Morgan
Going By The Numbers: Imagining The NNS Without Cup Regulars
by Kevin Rutherford
Five Points to Ponder: TRD And Keselowski Trip While 'Dinger Runs Into Trouble
by Danny Peters
Couch Potato Tuesday: SPEED's Monster Coverage
by Phil Allaway
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: In the 1991 Miller Genuine Draft 500 at Pocono, a rash of early cautions kept the field bunched together. When that happens, something usually has to give. Ernie Irvan didn't really give an inch to anyone in Turn 3. What happened because of this move?
Check back Wednesday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Monday's Answer:
Q: The 1993 Champion Spark Plug 500 marked Jeff Gordon's very first trip to Pocono Raceway. However, it was not a happy journey. What happened to Gordon early on in the race that ruined his day?
A: Gordon qualified very well in his DuPont Chevrolet, but ended up on the outside of Turn 3 after eventual race winner Kyle Petty made a passing maneuver an early restart. Hut Stricklin tried to follow Petty past, but contact between the two resulted in Gordon spinning out and backing hard into the outside wall. The crash can be seen here.
Gordon went behind the wall for repairs and eventually returned to the race. He would finish in 28th, 87 laps down. Stricklin had to stop for front end repairs after the contact and eventually finished a lap down in 13th.
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
-- 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 underdogs deserve their place in the sun, too? Tom grades their seasons, talks restart procedure and more in this weekly list of small but important observations about the sport.
Side By Side: Denny Hamlin and the Chase by Kevin Rutherford and Jeff Wolfe
After his injury on the final lap of the Auto Club 400, this has been one of the bigger ongoing stories in the Sprint Cup Series. This week, we're going to just put it out there. After a dismal showing at Dover, will Denny Hamlin make the Chase in 2013? We'll have both sides of the issue available for your pleasure.
Beyond the Cockpit: Travis Pastrana as told to Mike Neff
Mike Neff sits down with the former Rally America Champion and X-Games Gold Medalist to talk about his continuing transition to racing in NASCAR full-time.
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 Toni Montgomery
Toni's on the docket for this week and Belle Isle's doubleheader is on the agenda. Did IndyCar have a breakthrough weekend with this format or are there still major changes to be made? She'll have a breakdown of what worked and what didn't out in Michigan.
NASCAR Power Rankings: Top 15 After Dover compiled by Michael Mehedin
Jimmie Johnson's restart blunder cost him the chance at another 48 special. However, he still has a 30-point lead over Carl Edwards in second. 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 Pocono 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. -----------------------------
Talk back to the Frontstretch Newsletter!
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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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