THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
June 19th, 2013
Volume VII, Edition CVIV
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Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
June 19th, 2013
Volume VII, Edition CVIV
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What to Watch: Wednesday
- All eyes in NASCAR will be on a celebration of fallen driver Jason Leffler's life. The former Sprint Cup, Nationwide, and Truck Series regular, killed in a crash at Bridgeport Speedway last Wednesday night will have services starting at 1:00 PM at Grace Covenant Church, 17301 Statesville Road in Cornelius, North Carolina. A number of top-level drivers, NASCAR personalities and crew members will be there in support of their fallen comrade, who passed away at the age of just 37.
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Top News
by Tom Bowles
by Tom Bowles
The site of NASCAR's Super Bowl is set to undergo its biggest renovation in decades. Tuesday, an announcement by Daytona International Speedway revealed that its parent company, International Speedway Corporation (ISC) has earmarked $375 to $400 million to make improvements to the racetrack. Work will begin this July, the day before NASCAR's annual Coke Zero 400 and be completed in time for the 2016 Daytona 500.
"We are truly creating history with this unprecedented endeavor," said ISC's Chief Executive Officer Lesa France Kennedy in announcing the switch. "I commend the board's decision to move forward on our plan to redevelop the Company's signature motorsports facility, thereby shaping the vision of Daytona for the next 50 years."
As part of the project, 11 new concourses will be built inside the speedway, allowing fans to congregate and watch without missing a minute of the action. The centerpiece of these "neighborhoods," according to track President Joie Chitwood III, will be titled the "World Center Of Racing" and celebrate the great history of competition at one of the sport's top facilities.
The frontstretch grandstand will also undergo major renovations, with each seat being repositioned, widened, and made more comfortable to maximize the fan experience. More restrooms and concession stands will also be constructed, along with a complete redesign of fan entrances. Finally, hospitality will turn cutting edge, with 53 repositioned suites giving corporate sponsors the comfort and capacity they desire for attendance.
On the flip side, these changes mean the end of the backstretch grandstands, which has seen its ticket sales suffer in recent years. The final seat total at Daytona, following the renovations is expected to decrease from 125,000 to just over 101,000. But what the track loses in quantity, it hopes to increase in quality while remaining one of the premier destinations for race fans across the country.
"The redevelopment of Daytona International Speedway reaffirms its status as the 'World Center of Racing' for years to come," said Ms. France Kennedy. "It is imperative that we build upon my grandfather's vision to create a world-class facility, with premium amenities to provide unparalleled experiences for our guests and partners. Doing so will ensure that the Daytona 500 and all our other events continue to drive business while serving as a significant economic engine for the region."
The money put towards these improvements is almost two-thirds of the $600 million ISC has earmarked for projects through 2017. Their hand on the decision was forced in May, when a bill in the Florida legislature was defeated which would have led to state tax breaks helping to subsidize the project.
Expansion, over time is also expected to include other areas of Speedway Boulevard with new malls, forms of entertainment and even a possible casino popping up with government approval.
Michigan Malaise: NASCAR TV Ratings Tank
Concern for NASCAR's television viewership increased this Tuesday with the lowest ratings for a Sprint Cup event, at Michigan in at least 17 years. The event, broadcast on TNT drew just a 2.8 in the Nielsens, down 13% from a year ago. Viewership of 4.5 million was also weak, slotting in as the third-lowest audience to watch a Sprint Cup race this year. Only Pocono, last week along with the Sprint All-Star Race in May drew less people.
For the year, TNT has seen a 13% decline in ratings over its two-race stint. Since the Daytona 500, which enjoyed a substantial increase on FOX over half of the following events have gone downward in their year-to-year comparisons.
No word in how the numbers will have an effect on the network re-upping their contract with the sport. Turner is set to begin negotiations next month on a six-race, annual Cup deal that expires following the conclusion of the 2014 season.
News 'N' Notes
- According to Todd Bodine's Twitter feed, he has been replaced at ThorSport as driver of the No. 13 Toyota. NASCAR K&N Driver Brett Moffitt is expected to take his place at Kentucky next week. The former CWTS champion had struggled behind the wheel this season, posting no top-10 finishes and two DNFs (both for wrecks) in seven starts with the team.
- Nationwide Series crew member Ryan Hess has been suspended indefinitely by NASCAR, a second time, for a substance abuse violation. Hess, whose team was not named at press time, failed a drug test on June 14th.
- Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle plan to meet Friday to clear up any miscommunication over Biffle's "refusal" to clear debris off Edwards' grill at Michigan. The request, on Lap 70 was supposedly never heard by Biffle while Edwards remains upset the No. 16 Ford wouldn't help out a teammate in danger of overheating. "I want us to be the best teammates we can be," Edwards said to ESPN.com Tuesday...
BONUS: What is going on in a strange lawsuit involving billionaire John Menard? Find Jenna Fryer's Tweet in our Tweet 'N' Greet for the Indianapolis Star link to find out.
Have news for Tom 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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Today's Featured Commentary
Will NASCAR's Televised Coverage Continue On A Downward Spiral?
WTF Wednesdays
by Ellen Richardson
As NASCAR and TNT wrap up another less-than-spectacular televised Sprint Cup race in Michigan, the series will head to a track that I consider one of the slowest and dullest of the season at Sonoma. Tack on TNT's continued not-too-exciting coverage, a personal opinion that I feel has contributed to a weaker audience and you have the perfect recipe for a Sunday afternoon nap.
But dropping numbers aren't stopping network executives from preparing to drop down some major cash on the conference room table. According to the Sports Business Daily, NASCAR is planning to begin its talks with ESPN and Turner next month to negotiate exclusive rights to 23 Sprint Cup races as well as the entire Nationwide Series schedule. Both Turner and ESPN have expressed excitement in retaining some sort of NASCAR coverage well into the future - if the price is right.
For too many fans, simply bringing them back to the bargaining table is wrong. I, personally have enjoyed a few of the Nationwide races on ESPN, but I can't help but wish that the commentators had more of the pep and pizazz that fans are treated to with FOX and SPEED (soon to be FOX Sports One). That also translates to Cup Series telecasts, struggling to bring in ratings along with the Chase. The network, through its SportsCenter and other properties has also struggled to translate the sport of stock car racing into its strong national following. This year, its half-hour NASCAR show, NASCAR Now has even been buried in a late-night time slot even Jimmy Kimmel and David Letterman wouldn't stay up for; coverage of Sprint Cup, outside of its July-to-November weekly window has been marginalized. And even those Nationwide races I mentioned are in jeopardy, willing to be thrown away at a moment's notice; ESPN has already announced that it is only interested in rights to about half of the Nationwide Series races going forward. That leaves the door open to other networks like TNT. WTF! Are you kidding me?
That "second choice" is more like 2,000 on my list. Is it me, or has anyone else continued to change the channel or turn the television off and leave the recording up to the DV-R, to allow for skimming through later, during TNT's coverage of the Sprint Cup Series races this season? It sure seems this way, considering TNT received the lowest television rating for Sunday's Quicken Loans 400 race at Michigan International Speedway since 1996. In fact, TNT has earned the lowest ratings of the Cup season thus far.
Despite all of the obvious red flags about these telecasts, NASCAR is once again running away from the thoughts and concerns of its once loyal fan base right to the almighty dollar. To prove my point, in order to further woo networks like TNT and ESPN, NASCAR plans to use FOX Sports' 33 percent increase in NASCAR Camping World Truck and Sprint Cup races this season as a casino chip to settle the deal for the remaining Sprint Cup races and entire Nationwide Series schedule.
Fortunately, there is a bright spot in what seems to be getting dimmer in this sport lately. As I have continued to point out, NASCAR is interested in the financial bottom line, which could push TNT right over the edge. If this scenario were to happen, the door would be wide open for another network to jump in at a cheaper price, or for FOX to potentially gain the exclusive rights to the Sprint Cup Series. Imagine having Darrell, Larry and Mike covering the entire Sprint Cup Series in 2015; yes, we'd have to put up with some "DW" bias but that has to be better than what the other two networks offer now.
The issue that I believe will remain is who will take over the remaining Nationwide schedule? Will FOX pick up the extra races as well, or could a competitor try their hand at gaining NASCAR viewers? How about NBC or CBS?
There will also be a large looming factor that has become what I consider the elephant in the room this season, especially when thinking about the Sprint Cup Series. The racing continues to be dull! While FOX's coverage has helped keep fans somewhat intrigued, the competition that fans came to know and love in the past isn't there anymore. I have to agree with my fellow Frontstretch.com commentator, S.D. Grady, that the current style of racing has become "more disappointment than reward."
As a result, I recommend NASCAR take a long, hard look at improving the actual product before trying to sell something that other networks have continued to watch sink.
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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...
@gbiffle (Greg Biffle): So proud of my team and how hard they have worked, @mpuccia16 called a great race.. Great day to win on Father's Day remember #LEFturn
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...
@gbiffle (Greg Biffle): So proud of my team and how hard they have worked, @mpuccia16 called a great race.. Great day to win on Father's Day remember #LEFturn
@KurtBusch: Congrats to the Bif! @gbiffle for a great run today. Happy for you bud
@mw55 (Michael Waltrip): I will always remember him as a smiling laid back good dude. I know he was doing exactly what he wanted. He told me that. RIP #LEFturn
@keselowski (Brad Keselowski): Really sad for Jason Leffler and his family. Thinking about his little boy...
@colinbraun: #RIPJasonLeffler - I cannot believe this - so stunned… what a loss… so sad…
@stenhousejr (Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.): Remember the good, fun times with #lefturn pic.twitter.com/JLb8shlxnm
@kaseykahne: Thinking about @JasonLeffler this morning. He was so excited to be racing 4 out of 5 nights this week. Doing what he loved! #LEFturn
@mc_driver (Michael McDowell): Hold your loved ones close. Every day is a gift from God. #PrayForCharlie pic.twitter.com/fDa8zqS2iH
@KyleBusch: Deeply saddened by the passing of @JasonLeffler tonight. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. #LEFturn
@landoncassill: On a plane to fly to a racetrack to drive race cars because this is what we do. We do this for a living.
@maxpapis: RIP @JasonLeffler we always loved your awesome attitude and funky hair and style
@LauraLingner: #LEFturn hats available for purchase at http://KaseyKahneStore.com to benefit Charlie Dean Leffler Trust. Please RT pic.twitter.com/uJmvrpDTlX
@ReganSmith: Man winning is fun! Thanks for all the comments and thanks to everybody @JRMotorsports for the fast race cars!
@DavidRagan: Congrats to @gbiffle and @FordRacing for the 1000 #nascar wins. That is a big deal for all of Ford!
@Team_Onion (Todd Bodine): The announcement of the week. Bodine out @KySpeedway @BrettMoffitt11 in!!!
@JamesBuescher: I am excited to announce that I will be making my first @NASCAR_NNS start of '13 this w/e at @roadamerica! Cant wait to turn left and right!
@BowlesJason: Really excited about this weekend's opportunity. Can't wait to get to Sonoma with @MWRteam @rchilders55 @RKMotors
@ReganSmith: Man winning is fun! Thanks for all the comments and thanks to everybody @JRMotorsports for the fast race cars!
@DavidRagan: Congrats to @gbiffle and @FordRacing for the 1000 #nascar wins. That is a big deal for all of Ford!
@Team_Onion (Todd Bodine): The announcement of the week. Bodine out @KySpeedway @BrettMoffitt11 in!!!
@JamesBuescher: I am excited to announce that I will be making my first @NASCAR_NNS start of '13 this w/e at @roadamerica! Cant wait to turn left and right!
@BowlesJason: Really excited about this weekend's opportunity. Can't wait to get to Sonoma with @MWRteam @rchilders55 @RKMotors
@jeff_gluck: To those who say road courses are boring…check out this reminder via @nascarcasm. So damn good. http://youtu.be/XkM3G00MAVM
@pkligerman (Parker Kligerman): Truth and Dare and with adults; A whole lotta truths, very little dares and tons of awkward stares. #growingUp
@RCRRacing: @KevinHarvick with great first pitch. Just a bit outside. pic.twitter.com/5TrYB3FAqP
@55MarkMartin: 1 of my favorites. RT @BlairMinton: I had to kick it old school for my run this morning, @55MarkMartin. #thechronic pic.twitter.com/R01lifUSvI
@ericmcclure: I love the looks we get when people see us together with all 4 kids. Then when they see Miranda is expecting the looks we get are priceless
@Kenny_Wallace: This message is for David Reutimann https://vine.co/v/hBQjFXgAbJU
@JennaFryer: Someone named Victor Gonzalez Jr. will be driving the No. 36 at Sonoma this weekend.
@JennaFryer: It's him! RT @VictorGonz Yes, That is me and Thanks!!
@scottspeed: Personal best golf round today with @AJDinger ... 74! pic.twitter.com/uoG40c2GSW
@AndyLally: Walking into a Subway instantly converts any body odor you or your clothes may have, bad or good, into onions... Forever.
@SergPena (Sergio Pena): I'm about 90% sure there's a monster in my washer / dryer that eats all my socks. It's the only logical explanation for why I'm missing them
Kevin Rutherford is an Assistant Editor 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:
Did You Notice? ... NASCAR's Gamble, New Talent And Drivers To Watch
by Huston Ladner
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: Sonoma has been witness to a number of unusual wrecks over the years. In qualifying for the 1994 Save Mart Supermarkets 300, Rich Woodland, Jr. fell victim to one of those strange crashes. What happened?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Tuesday's Answer:
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?
A: Kendall, driving the No. 42 Mello Yello Pontiac in place of Kyle Petty (Petty broke his leg in the Big One during the Winston 500 six weeks earlier) was battling hard with Mark Martin to hold on to his lead when the two drivers came together entering and exiting Turn 7 with four laps to go. Martin spun and backed into the tires while Kendall continued on. The incident can be seen here.
Kendall briefly maintained the lead, but cut his left front tire as a result of the contact with Martin. Kendall surrendered the lead to Davey Allison a little over half a lap later (setting up an infamous finish), then had to pit. He would finish 18th while Martin ended up ninth.
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 weekly storylines. Topics this week include the cost of safety innovations, Regan Smith's NNS success, and so much more.
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, former champion head wrench Darian Grubb stops by as the series heads off to Sonoma.
Fantasy Insider by Jeff Wolfe
Jeff brings fantasy racing back to Frontstretch this season. The week, he has your best bets as you fill out your roster for the road course.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth is back with all of the latest and greatest to come out of the Truck Series. This week, Beth takes an in-depth look at former champion Todd Bodine's release from ThorSport.Kendall briefly maintained the lead, but cut his left front tire as a result of the contact with Martin. Kendall surrendered the lead to Davey Allison a little over half a lap later (setting up an infamous finish), then had to pit. He would finish 18th while Martin ended up ninth.
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 weekly storylines. Topics this week include the cost of safety innovations, Regan Smith's NNS success, and so much more.
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, former champion head wrench Darian Grubb stops by as the series heads off to Sonoma.
Fantasy Insider by Jeff Wolfe
Jeff brings fantasy racing back to Frontstretch this season. The week, he has your best bets as you fill out your roster for the road course.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
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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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