THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
July 24th, 2013
Volume VII, Edition CXXXV
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Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
July 24th, 2013
Volume VII, Edition CXXXV
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What to Watch For: Eldora Speedway
- NASCAR announced a very different qualifying format to be used for tonight's event. All entered trucks will take place in a two-lap qualifying session to determine their starting spots in one of five heat races. The top 20 will be guaranteed to start the main event and will be assigned in four packs to each heat race. The rest of the drivers will have to race their way in through their eight-lap heat race, and if they don't make it, they'll enter the last chance qualifier to set the field of 30 drivers. The 150 lap race will run in three segments of 60, 50 and 40 laps before crowning the inaugural winner.
Qualifying: 5:00 PM ET on SPEED
Heat Races: 7:00 PM ET on SPEED
Heat Races: 7:00 PM ET on SPEED
Main Event: 9:35 ET on SPEED
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Top News
by Beth Lunkenheimer and Tom BowlesNASCAR Announces Landmark Television Deal With NBC Sports
ESPN and Turner/TNT, beginning in 2015 will no longer broadcast live NASCAR races. That's what was unveiled yesterday, during a landmark announcement in which NASCAR announced NBC Sports has acquired the final 20 Sprint Cup events of the NASCAR schedule, along with 19 in the Nationwide Series. The deal, for 10 years and valued at $4.4 billion was reportedly almost 50 percent more than what the other two networks were willing to pay, knocking them out of a sport they've covered consistently for the past eight seasons. In TNT's case, they've had at least one NASCAR race on their air since the beginning of the national television contracts in 2001.
"ESPN has enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial relationship with NASCAR," said John Skipper, President of the network in a statement. "We have tremendous respect for the France family, the drivers and all in the sport and wish them well. We will continue to serve NASCAR fans through SportsCenter and our other news platforms as we continue to enhance our industry-leading collection of quality assets."
"We are looking forward to the start of our Sprint Cup season and will continue with our deep commitment to the highest quality coverage."
The new agreement means FOX will have 13 Sprint Cup events, NBC 20 with the remaining three races up for grabs. FOX, along with their FOX Sports 1 network is expected to pick up those remaining races, returning the sport to more of a 2001-06 coverage format. NBC will only put seven Cup races on their main network, however, moving the remaining 13 events to the fledgling NBC Sports Network -- which also houses both Formula 1 and the IndyCar Series.
"We are thrilled to be back," said NBC Sports Chairman Mark Lazarus Tuesday. "When NBC was involved with NASCAR from 2001 to 2006, it was a very good experience for NBC, the rich history of NASCAR. We think that the stakeholders at NASCAR, led by Brian as well as the teams, the owners, the tracks, the drivers, will all welcome us back with open arms based on previous history and experience."
There's no word yet, this early on which on and off-air talent may make their way over to NBC Sports Network once the current contracts expire in 2014. NBC is expected to use several of their broadcast races, in the Fall as a lead-in for their popular Sunday Night Football NFL game.
Larson, Dillon Lead Eldora Practices
Kyle Larson and Austin Dillon led the Camping World Truck Series' two practice sessions on Tuesday at Eldora Speedway. Larson posted a top speed of 91.626 mph in the first session, followed by Dave Blaney and his son Ryan. Austin and Ty Dillon rounded out the top 5. Brendan Gaughan ran sixth quickest follwed by John Wes Townley and Scott Bloomquist. Ron Hornaday, Jr. and Dakoda Armstrong rounded out the top 10. John Wes Townley, Jeb Burton, Ron Hornaday, Jr., Darrell Wallace, Jr., Max Gresham and Bryan Silas all suffered spins through the session.
Austin Dillon topped the charts in the second session with the significantly lower top speed of 83.164 mph. Ty Dillon ran second quickest, follwed by Kyle Larson. Ken Schrader and Tracy Hines rounded out the top 5. Ryan Newman posted the sixth fastest time, followed by Dave Blaney. Ron Hornaday, Jr., Ryan Blaney and Jeb Burton rounded out the top 10.
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.
The move rustled some feathers, particularly among fans of the 0.686-mile Lucas Oil track, formerly known as the Indianapolis Raceway Park. Regarded as putting on some of the best shows of the season, the track had lost its main NASCAR events to the behemoth known as Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Perhaps you've heard of it.
The salt in the wound was the resulting race, the Indiana 250, which bored, bored and bored some more. Brad Keselowski won the 100-lap race, which was touted as history in the making by ESPN analysts, given the track's prestigious past. No one could pass, a Cup driver won and the fans that actually made it out to the track (and there were a lot of empty seats) didn't seem to care a whole lot.
Meanwhile, Lucas Oil Raceway sat without a NASCAR race, taking away the beating and banging that made the Friday and Saturday night that weekend so much fun. I count myself lucky to have made it to a few of the Nationwide and Truck races there, and they were easily some of the best NASCAR races I've witnessed.
A year later, the makeup of the week has changed. But is it for the better?
It's interesting, because who have you heard talk about the Brickyard 400 or its Saturday counterpart both this week and in the past few weeks? Did you forget the series were even traveling to Indianapolis? I sure did.
That's because of the inaugural Mudsummer Classic, held about 100 miles east of Indianapolis in the small, small town of Rossburg, Ohio. Eldora Speedway is the place and the Camping World Truck Series on dirt is the race.
Instead of a week of could've-beens and back-in-my-days, NASCAR could actually be in for a new tradition, one that may end up a blessing rather than something wholly negative after leaving Indianapolis Raceway Park.
The Mudsummer Classic has an insane amount of hype leading up to tonight's event, stemming from NASCAR's absence from dirt in its main three series over the past few decades. No one knows what's going to happen and how the trucks will react, especially in race conditions, but one thing's for sure: it'll be entertaining.
If the Eldora race, which is sold out, ends up a hit all across the board, it's worth wondering if the event could pave the way for more dirt racing across NASCAR's three top series.
Perhaps a Nationwide race at Eldora?
Given the week on which the Truck race falls, it's admittedly a bit much to expect the Sprint Cup Series to disown its Brickyard 400 to come dirt racing, but what about a Nationwide race on the track the same week? It's not like the series has any major ties to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, nor do the majority fans seem enamored with the concept of having a race on the historic track.
Picture it: Trucks at Eldora Wednesday or Thursday, Nationwide the next day, and then Cup takes Indianapolis for the Brickyard 400.
Might just be one of NASCAR's bigger weeks for racing. Maybe this whole 'losing IRP' thing might not end up so bad after all.
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.
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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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.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Kyle Larson and Austin Dillon led the Camping World Truck Series' two practice sessions on Tuesday at Eldora Speedway. Larson posted a top speed of 91.626 mph in the first session, followed by Dave Blaney and his son Ryan. Austin and Ty Dillon rounded out the top 5. Brendan Gaughan ran sixth quickest follwed by John Wes Townley and Scott Bloomquist. Ron Hornaday, Jr. and Dakoda Armstrong rounded out the top 10. John Wes Townley, Jeb Burton, Ron Hornaday, Jr., Darrell Wallace, Jr., Max Gresham and Bryan Silas all suffered spins through the session.
Austin Dillon topped the charts in the second session with the significantly lower top speed of 83.164 mph. Ty Dillon ran second quickest, follwed by Kyle Larson. Ken Schrader and Tracy Hines rounded out the top 5. Ryan Newman posted the sixth fastest time, followed by Dave Blaney. Ron Hornaday, Jr., Ryan Blaney and Jeb Burton rounded out the top 10.
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
ADVERTISEMENT
Race fans, do you love Frontstretch.com's coverage of NASCAR's top 3 series, IndyCar, Formula One and Short Track Racing? Do you want to read even more about your favorite sport? Then check out the industry's newest racing publication, Motorsport Illustrated News!, which is available both in print and in digital format! As one of our loyal readers, you'll receive 15% off any subscription when you use the coupon code fs2013.
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Today's Featured Commentary
Two Years After Losing Lucas Oil Raceway, Hope Looms
WTF Wednesdays
by Kevin Rutherford
One year ago marked the beginning of a new era in NASCAR. For the first time, the Nationwide Series ventured to Indianapolis, Ind., rather than nearby Clermont, on the same weekend as the Brickyard 400. The Camping World Truck Series, also a regular visitor to Clermont's Lucas Oil Raceway that weekend, sat out entirely.
The move rustled some feathers, particularly among fans of the 0.686-mile Lucas Oil track, formerly known as the Indianapolis Raceway Park. Regarded as putting on some of the best shows of the season, the track had lost its main NASCAR events to the behemoth known as Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Perhaps you've heard of it.
The salt in the wound was the resulting race, the Indiana 250, which bored, bored and bored some more. Brad Keselowski won the 100-lap race, which was touted as history in the making by ESPN analysts, given the track's prestigious past. No one could pass, a Cup driver won and the fans that actually made it out to the track (and there were a lot of empty seats) didn't seem to care a whole lot.
Meanwhile, Lucas Oil Raceway sat without a NASCAR race, taking away the beating and banging that made the Friday and Saturday night that weekend so much fun. I count myself lucky to have made it to a few of the Nationwide and Truck races there, and they were easily some of the best NASCAR races I've witnessed.
A year later, the makeup of the week has changed. But is it for the better?
It's interesting, because who have you heard talk about the Brickyard 400 or its Saturday counterpart both this week and in the past few weeks? Did you forget the series were even traveling to Indianapolis? I sure did.
That's because of the inaugural Mudsummer Classic, held about 100 miles east of Indianapolis in the small, small town of Rossburg, Ohio. Eldora Speedway is the place and the Camping World Truck Series on dirt is the race.
Instead of a week of could've-beens and back-in-my-days, NASCAR could actually be in for a new tradition, one that may end up a blessing rather than something wholly negative after leaving Indianapolis Raceway Park.
The Mudsummer Classic has an insane amount of hype leading up to tonight's event, stemming from NASCAR's absence from dirt in its main three series over the past few decades. No one knows what's going to happen and how the trucks will react, especially in race conditions, but one thing's for sure: it'll be entertaining.
If the Eldora race, which is sold out, ends up a hit all across the board, it's worth wondering if the event could pave the way for more dirt racing across NASCAR's three top series.
Perhaps a Nationwide race at Eldora?
Given the week on which the Truck race falls, it's admittedly a bit much to expect the Sprint Cup Series to disown its Brickyard 400 to come dirt racing, but what about a Nationwide race on the track the same week? It's not like the series has any major ties to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, nor do the majority fans seem enamored with the concept of having a race on the historic track.
Picture it: Trucks at Eldora Wednesday or Thursday, Nationwide the next day, and then Cup takes Indianapolis for the Brickyard 400.
Might just be one of NASCAR's bigger weeks for racing. Maybe this whole 'losing IRP' thing might not end up so bad after all.
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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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...
@DavidStremme: Want to say thanks to Earl Baltes for taking care of @EldoraSpeedway for so many years and for tony taking it to the next level. #NASCAR
@AndyLally: Just a quick question. How do you wash water proof clothes?
@ericmcclure: Note 2 all guys: when ur 8 1/2 mo pregnant wife tries on an outfit & asks how it looks..don't say "turn to the side.".......oops
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...
@joeylogano: We made it worth going there this weekend. 1-2 finish for @penskeracing Hard work pays off
@KyleBusch: How bout I just sit this 1 out? RT @ridgrunner24: Wish that the #NNS regulers would put @KyleBusch in the wall so we can get a diff #Winner
@CoreyLaJoie: It's awesome when hard work, long nights, and early mornings pay off. THANKS to everyone who was a part of it. 🏁🏆☝pic.twitter.com/i3mnQiZgzL
@RyanBlaney22: That was unfortunate. For the second time. Thanks @cunningham_race and @penskeracing for the chances.
@ReganSmith: Well that was brutal, but we already know what happened. Sorry to my fans and @JRMotorsports fans, we will do better for you next week
@keselowski (Brad Keselowski): No cup drivers. "@WinstonCupFan: @keselowski @NASCAR_NNS @espn what do you think is the reason for the empty stands?"
@DavidStremme: Want to say thanks to Earl Baltes for taking care of @EldoraSpeedway for so many years and for tony taking it to the next level. #NASCAR
@Kenny_Wallace: Dirt Racing Tip to all my #NASCAR friends; "Wear the shittiest black shoes you have🏁"
@ColeWhitt: twitpic.com/d496zn getting ready to head this beast to Indy! #ballinonabudget #trucking #howbaddoyouwantit
@Josh_Wise: I finished 393 out of over 2k. I'm gonna call that a top 10 in my rookie debut :) time was 5hr 21min but lost 10-15min on swim from current
@DavidRagan: Congrats to my teammate @Josh_Wise for doing some major work today. Swim, bike, and running makes me tired just thinking about it. #HardWork
@tannerberryhill: This is how I mentally prepare to make races. #aintscared pic.twitter.com/ZVzYG3qvmW
@scottspeed: And a quick online poll... The D bag that took us out... A - Steve Arpin or B - the puma car (can't spell his name lol)
@jlracing (Justin Lofton): Answer me this: on a Sunday night leaving Vegas why does TSA only have one lane open for security?
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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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.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Open-Wheel Wednesday: And I'm Feeling Good
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: For a period of time in the 1970's, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway ditched the pace car during cautions in favor of a different format to keep the field in check. What was this system, and how did it work?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Tuesday's Answer:
Q: In 1998, fans were still adjusting to the 4.0 liter production-based V8 engines at Indianapolis. Attrition was high as well. Mechanical issues knocked a number of drivers out, along with several incidents. Jim Guthrie was injured in a crash just shy of the one-quarter mark. What happened?
by Mike Neff
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: For a period of time in the 1970's, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway ditched the pace car during cautions in favor of a different format to keep the field in check. What was this system, and how did it work?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Tuesday's Answer:
Q: In 1998, fans were still adjusting to the 4.0 liter production-based V8 engines at Indianapolis. Attrition was high as well. Mechanical issues knocked a number of drivers out, along with several incidents. Jim Guthrie was injured in a crash just shy of the one-quarter mark. What happened?
A: Sam Schmidt was cut off by Davey Hamilton entering Turn 3 and spun into the outside wall. Mark Dismore, Roberto Guerrero, Brian Roe and Stan Wattles got collected as well. Guthrie attempted a move through the grass to avoid the crash, but hit a piece of debris and lost control. Guthrie ended up in the wall hard, then hit Schmidt's No. 99. The crash can be seen here.
Guthrie suffered serious injuries in the crash, but did return after missing a couple of races at Dover. However, he only made three more IRL starts before hanging it up. More recently, however, Guthrie has turned to drifting in Formula Drift with some success.
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 NBC, RCR potentially expanding to four teams, Eldora and 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.
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 Indianapolis.
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 will take a look at one of the biggest stories to come out of the inaugural event at Eldora Speedway.
Fifth Column TBDGuthrie suffered serious injuries in the crash, but did return after missing a couple of races at Dover. However, he only made three more IRL starts before hanging it up. More recently, however, Guthrie has turned to drifting in Formula Drift with some success.
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!
~~~~~~~~~~
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 NBC, RCR potentially expanding to four teams, Eldora and 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.
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 Indianapolis.
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 will take a look at one of the biggest stories to come out of the inaugural event at Eldora Speedway.
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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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