THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
July 11th, 2013
Volume VII, Edition CXXV
~~~~~~~~~~
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
July 11th, 2013
Volume VII, Edition CXXV
~~~~~~~~~~
What to Watch: Thursday
- The NASCAR race weekend in Loudon, New Hampshire does not officially get underway until tomorrow. However, the Global Rallycross Championship (GRC) will hold a round of their championship today at New Hampshire Motor Speedway as the quaternary series of record. Action starts at 5:30pm. The event will be covered live on ESPN3.com.
by Phil Allaway
Marcos Ambrose to Enter Mid-Ohio
Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM) announced on Wednesday that Marcos Ambrose will enter the inaugural Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, scheduled to be run on August 17th. Ambrose will drive a No. 9 Stanley Ford as a teammate to full-time driver Michael Annett.
Ambrose is very excited about the upcoming Mid-Ohio event.
"This will be a new challenge for everyone in the Nationwide Series and I'm thankful for Stanley and Richard Petty Motorsports working together to give me this opportunity," Ambrose said. ""I missed racing in the Nationwide Series last season, but Mid-Ohio will be a great way to come back. We have Stanley supporting us the entire weekend and we want to give them a win."
Ambrose being entered in the Mid-Ohio event will make him an instantaneous favorite to win the whole thing. He has four career victories in the Nationwide Series, all of which on road courses (three at Watkins Glen, plus one at Montreal). That number could easily be seven wins. Ambrose effectively had the first three races at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve won, but found new ways to lose them each year (getting dumped by Robby Gordon in 2007, a pit road speeding penalty in 2008 and blowing the chicane on the final lap in 2009). He also has seven top-5 finishes in 11 career Nationwide road course races.
Sponsorship Announced for Mudsummer Classic
On Wednesday, Eldora Speedway announced that 1-800 CarCash will serve as the primary sponsor of the inauguaral Mudsummer Classic for the Camping World Truck Series at the high-banked dirt track. The race, which is scheduled for July 24th, will officially be known as the CarCash Mudsummer Classic presented by CNBC Prime's The Profit.
Eldora Speedway Owner Tony Stewart is very happy to have 1-800 CarCash onboard.
"Being a small business in rural Ohio, we're proud Marcus recognized Eldora as the ideal venue to showcase both CarCash and the premiere episode of 'The Profit'," Stewart said. "As one of the most anticipated sports events of 2013, having CarCash become the title sponsor of the Mudsummer Classic is an example of Marcus' entrepreneurial spirit, and people can see more of it on 'The Profit', his new show on CNBC Prime."
Lemonis is also very happy to expand his reach in the Camping World Truck Series and promote his upcoming reality show.
"As CEO of Camping World, we've seen the value in motorsports marketing, and the inaugural NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Eldora Speedway provides an excellent opportunity for CarCash to promote its brand and for me to promote 'The Profit' on CNBC Prime," Lemonis said. "The first dirt race in a national NASCAR series in 42 years is definitely unique, and what we're doing on 'The Profit' is unique, too. It's the perfect way to showcase CarCash and to spread the word about 'The Profit'."
CarCash is a company that is designed around creating a hassle-free experience that will allow consumers to sell their own vehicles online at the highest possible price. It is run by Marcus Lemonis, Chairman and CEO of Camping World. The Profit, which is also sponsoring Saturday's Nationwide race in New Hampshire, is an upcoming reality series scheduled to premiere on CNBC on July 30th (CNBC Prime is a new branding that the network is using for prime-time programming, which will include documentaries and reality shows). On that show, Lemonis searches for small businesses to acquire and turnaround. 1-800 CarCash will be the focus of the premiere episode.
Entry List Update:
Note: These entries are accurate as of Wednesday night. However, they are still subject to change.
Sprint Cup Series Camping World RV Sales 301: 43 cars entered
Drivers Ineligible to Earn Points:
No. 19- Mike Bliss for Humphrey-Smith Racing
No. 35- Josh Wise for Front Row Motorsports
No. 52- Morgan Shepherd for BK Motorsports
No. 55- Brian Vickers for Michael Waltrip Racing
No. 87- Joe Nemechek for NEMCO Motorsports/JRR
Driver Changes:
No. 32- Ken Schrader returns to the seat, replacing Terry Labonte.
No. 52- Morgan Shepherd is in the seat, replacing Paulie Harraka.
No. 55- Brian Vickers returns to the seat, replacing Michael Waltrip.
Since there are only 43 cars entered, no one will fail to qualify.
Not Entered:
No. 21- Trevor Bayne for Wood Brothers Racing
Nationwide Series CNBC's Prime the Profit 200: 43 cars entered
Drivers Ineligible to Earn Points:
No. 5- Kasey Kahne for JR Motorsports
No. 18- Matt Kenseth for Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 22- Joey Logano for Penske Racing
No. 33- Paul Menard for Richard Childress Racing
No. 44- Chad Hackenbracht for TriStar Motorsports
No. 46- JJ Yeley for The Motorsports Group, LLC
No. 54- Kyle Busch for Kyle Busch Motorsports/Joe Gibbs Racing
Driver Changes:
No. 5- Kasey Kahne returns to the seat, replacing Brad Sweet.
No. 8- Ryan Preece is in the seat, replacing Scott Lagasse, Jr. If he qualifies, Preece will be making his Nationwide Series debut.
No. 23- Stanton Barrett returns to the seat, replacing Robert Richardson, Jr.
No. 24- Brett Butler is in the seat, replacing Jason White. This will be Butler's Nationwide Series debut.
No. 33- Paul Menard returns to the seat, replacing Ty Dillon.
No. 44- Chad Hackenbracht is in the seat, replacing Cole Whitt. This will be Hackenbracht's Nationwide Series debut.
No. 70- Tony Raines returns to the seat, replacing Jeff Green. Raines qualified the No. 70 in Daytona, but Green replaced him for the race after encountering issues with his No. 10 in qualifying.
Drivers who must qualify on speed:
No. 00- Blake Koch for SR2 Motorsports
No. 8- Ryan Preece for Tommy Baldwin Racing/TeamSLR
No. 10- Jeff Green for TriStar Motorsports (Guaranteed to start via the Past Champions' Provisional)*
No. 15- Carl Long for Rick Ware Racing
No. 16- Billy Johnson for Roush Fenway Racing
No. 18- Matt Kenseth for Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 42- Josh Wise for The Motorsports Group, LLC*
No. 46- JJ Yeley for The Motorsports Group, LLC*
No. 52- Joey Gase for Jimmy Means Motorsports
No. 55- Jamie Dick for Viva Motorsports
No. 74- Mike Harmon for Mike Harmon Racing
No. 89- Morgan Shepherd for Shepherd Motor Ventures
No. 92- Dexter Stacey for KH Motorsports
Not Entered:
No. 1- Kurt Busch for Phoenix Racing
No. 34- James Buescher for Turner Scott Motorsports
No. 85- Bobby Gerhart for Bobby Gerhart Motorsports
No. 98- Kevin Swindell for Biagi-DenBeste Racing
Camping World Truck Series American Ethanol 200 presented by Enogen: 35 trucks entered
Drivers Ineligible to Earn Points:
No. 97- Steven Wallace for Adrian Carriers Racing
Driver Changes:
No. 07- Josh Reaume is in the seat, replacing Todd Peck. This will be Reaume's Camping World Truck Series debut.
No. 13- Frank Kimmel is in the seat, replacing Brett Moffitt.
No. 19- Ross Chastain returns to the seat, replacing Brad Keselowski.
No. 39- Ryan Sieg returns to the seat, replacing Ryan Lynch.
No. 51- Erik Jones returns to the seat, replacing Kyle Busch.
No. 81- Jimmy Weller is in the seat, replacing CJ Faison. This will be Weller's Camping World Truck Series debut.
No. 84- An unknown driver will be in the seat, replacing Danny Efland.
No. 93- Chris Jones returns to the seat, replacing Ryan Sieg.
Since there are only 35 trucks entered, no one will fail to qualify. However, these teams still have to qualify on speed:
No. 0- Chris Lafferty for JJC Racing*
No. 02- Tyler Young for Young's Motorsports
No. 10- Jennifer Jo Cobb for JJC Racing
No. 27- Jeff Agnew for Hillman Racing
No. 57- Norm Benning for Norm Benning Racing
No. 63- Justin Jennings for MB Motorsports
No. 84- Unknown driver for Chris Fontaine, Inc./Mike Harmon Racing
No. 93- Chris Jones for RSS Racing*
No. 94- Chase Elliott for Hendrick Motorsports
No. 97- Steven Wallace for Adrian Carriers Racing
Not Entered:
No. 30- Cale Gale for Turner Scott Motorsports
No. 38- RSS Racing
No. 75- Clay Greenfield for Norm Benning Racing
No. 92- Scott Riggs for RBR Enterprises
Izod IndyCar Series Honda Indy Toronto: 24 cars entered
Driver Changes:
No. 18- Mike Conway returns to the seat, replacing Pippa Mann.
Entries:
No. 1- Ryan Hunter-Reay for Andretti Autosport
No. 3- Helio Castroneves for Team Penske
No. 4- Ryan Briscoe for Panther Racing
No. 5- EJ Viso for Andretti Autosport/Team Venezuela
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 Technologies
No. 12- Will Power for Team Penske
No. 14- Takuma Sato for AJ Foyt Enterprises
No. 15- Graham Rahal for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing
No. 16- James Jakes for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing
No. 18- Mike Conway for Dale Coyne Racing
No. 19- Justin Wilson for Dale Coyne Racing
No. 20- Ed Carpenter for Ed Carpenter Racing
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 Racing
No. 83- Charlie Kimball for Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing
No. 98- Alex Tagliani for Bryan Herta Autosport with Curb-Agajanian
News n' Notes:
- Ryan Truex tweeted on Wednesday that he is hoping to make his debut in the Nationwide Series with Richard Petty Motorsports at Bristol Motor Speedway in August. However, the team is currently searching for sponsorship in order to make that happen.
- Michael Shank Racing announced that AJ Allmendinger will rejoin the team in their No. 60 Ford Riley DPG3 for the Brickyard Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 26. The race serves as the eighth race on the Rolex Sports Car Series schedule and the final race of the North American Endurance Championship.
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!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today's Featured Commentary
Grandstand Genocide, Daytona Duldrums, and Psycho Phone Calls
~~~~~~~~~~
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!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today's Featured Commentary
Grandstand Genocide, Daytona Duldrums, and Psycho Phone Calls
What's Vexing Vito
by Vito Pugliese
NASCAR announced Wednesday that the 16 Sprint Cup teams and 15 Nationwide teams that were found to have unapproved roof flap spacers at Daytona this past week, will not face penalties by NASCAR. Vice President of competition Robin Pemberton commenting on the issue with Dave Moody and Angie Skinner in SiriusXM NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway, felt that it was an issue that they could work with the manufacturer of the pieces to help better the item, as some machining is sometimes needed to ensure that the pieces fit and function as intended. If you recall, the issue was the spacers being a few ounces (i.e., 3oz) lighter than the minimum. It used to be when we'd come to plate tracks, somebody would show up with something cool…like a sliding intake manifold insert, a trick exhaust set up, or some aero-cheating attempt to squeeze a half a mile per hour out of the car.
I remember Dale Earnhardt and Mike Skinner blowing engines once in qualifying, from running super thin oils at a low level. As much as everyone raves about the new Gen-6 car, it has removed a lot of the romance out of racing. Gone are the days of legend, such as Junior Johnson's car failing inspection for having a fuel tank just a hair over 22 gallons. He installed a 28 gallon tank, and it passed inspection the second time through. First, it was a couple of Kenseth's connecting rods being a tick off, now we're fretting over washers in the roof? It's like trying to get excited about fuel economy, sensible shoes, or talking to your neighbor about his stupid lawn.
**********
When have we ever had such an anti-climactic race at Daytona? Oh that's right…FEBRUARY. Daytona was always the track that emphasized handling between it and Talladega, but you'd be hard pressed to show how Daytona was better than Dega this year. Whatever the aero issue with the new car, it's not working. Or the 48 ramming Marcos Ambrose down into his teammate Kasey Kahne, which apparently nobody picked up on. Might it be time to strap the wicker bill to the roof like we had in the early 2000s? If you were into pack racing, that was about as good as it got back then – even if the DEI cars would just up and walk away from everyone.
**********
So International Speedway Corporation (ISC) – the group that owns tracks such as Daytona, Darlington, Michigan, Kansas, Talladega, etc. – will be reducing the size of its tracks in the coming years, beyond what has already been done already since the boon years of NASCAR are well in the rearview mirror. The thinking is that less seats means more demand, and that 100,000 people at a track is plenty – particularly if they are paying the long dollar for a good seat. Jeff Gluck of USA Today expounded upon this in an article this week, making a number of compelling points.
One thing he failed to mention though as to how this may backfire: comfort.
There is nothing – and I mean NOTHING – worse, than having to sit next to some fat sweaty guy at a racetrack, with his shirt off on a 90-dgree summer day. I mean what other way to thoroughly ruin an experience and scar a first-time fan from ever going again, than packing in like sardines for four hours, on top of one another. Sure, full stands look great on TV, but you know what looks worse? Empty stands from people not wanting to pay $100 to be inconvenienced and grossed out. Michigan International Speedway did away with some seats a few years ago, but they also had the good sense to widen out the existing seats. Yeah, I know…we're all fat in Michigan, whatever. Try watching a race, managing a cooler, and not having to climb over 50 people to go to the bathroom or buy a $4.00 hotdog without totally losing your mind after slapping down top dollar for a ticket, money for gas, lodging, food, and carving out a couple of days of travel – then praying that it doesn't rain and get delayed or cancelled.
For a series that is battling a lack of on-track action, interesting stories, Danica's hoopla having run its course, as well as the newness having worn off the – ahem – sexy Gen-6 car (because what's hotter than a Camry…), there seems to be a commitment to doing anything it can to not only shoot itself in the foot, but completely empty the magazine in the process.
**********
So now it has come to people calling into radio programs and wishing Jimmie Johnson would get into some horrific accident? Earlier this week, a caller phoned The Afternoon Drive on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, and wished bad juju upon JJ, for being a, "smart Alec" and winning so much. The shock over her comments I felt was a little over-played. Nobody wants to see anybody get hurt – particularly on the weekend 13 years ago when Kenny Irwin, Jr. was killed at New Hampshire – and 20 years ago when Davey Allison died in a helicopter accident. Race fans have been wishing horrible things upon winning drivers for years.
Many people forget the vitriol that was spewed forth towards Jeff Gordon back in the late 1990's. I remember walking through the infield at MIS and seeing things that were not fit for print here, and would likely get you arrested for a hate crime today. At the height of his unpopularity, Darrell Waltrip once expressed his frustration with why fans hated him so much, and wished they would come down to see him at an autograph session at a shopping center so they could meet him and get to know him. The next day in the paper it read, "Waltrip Challenges Fans To Meet Him In Parking Lot Behind Store." Even worse was when Sterling Marlin was receiving death threats following the accident that killed Dale Earnhardt, even months after it happened – and he barely had anything to do with it.
Even if the sport seems a bit lost, rest assured there are still some bat-$hit crazy NASCAR fans out there, as passionate as ever about their favorite driver, car make, and sport.
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.
NASCAR announced Wednesday that the 16 Sprint Cup teams and 15 Nationwide teams that were found to have unapproved roof flap spacers at Daytona this past week, will not face penalties by NASCAR. Vice President of competition Robin Pemberton commenting on the issue with Dave Moody and Angie Skinner in SiriusXM NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway, felt that it was an issue that they could work with the manufacturer of the pieces to help better the item, as some machining is sometimes needed to ensure that the pieces fit and function as intended. If you recall, the issue was the spacers being a few ounces (i.e., 3oz) lighter than the minimum. It used to be when we'd come to plate tracks, somebody would show up with something cool…like a sliding intake manifold insert, a trick exhaust set up, or some aero-cheating attempt to squeeze a half a mile per hour out of the car.
I remember Dale Earnhardt and Mike Skinner blowing engines once in qualifying, from running super thin oils at a low level. As much as everyone raves about the new Gen-6 car, it has removed a lot of the romance out of racing. Gone are the days of legend, such as Junior Johnson's car failing inspection for having a fuel tank just a hair over 22 gallons. He installed a 28 gallon tank, and it passed inspection the second time through. First, it was a couple of Kenseth's connecting rods being a tick off, now we're fretting over washers in the roof? It's like trying to get excited about fuel economy, sensible shoes, or talking to your neighbor about his stupid lawn.
**********
When have we ever had such an anti-climactic race at Daytona? Oh that's right…FEBRUARY. Daytona was always the track that emphasized handling between it and Talladega, but you'd be hard pressed to show how Daytona was better than Dega this year. Whatever the aero issue with the new car, it's not working. Or the 48 ramming Marcos Ambrose down into his teammate Kasey Kahne, which apparently nobody picked up on. Might it be time to strap the wicker bill to the roof like we had in the early 2000s? If you were into pack racing, that was about as good as it got back then – even if the DEI cars would just up and walk away from everyone.
**********
So International Speedway Corporation (ISC) – the group that owns tracks such as Daytona, Darlington, Michigan, Kansas, Talladega, etc. – will be reducing the size of its tracks in the coming years, beyond what has already been done already since the boon years of NASCAR are well in the rearview mirror. The thinking is that less seats means more demand, and that 100,000 people at a track is plenty – particularly if they are paying the long dollar for a good seat. Jeff Gluck of USA Today expounded upon this in an article this week, making a number of compelling points.
One thing he failed to mention though as to how this may backfire: comfort.
There is nothing – and I mean NOTHING – worse, than having to sit next to some fat sweaty guy at a racetrack, with his shirt off on a 90-dgree summer day. I mean what other way to thoroughly ruin an experience and scar a first-time fan from ever going again, than packing in like sardines for four hours, on top of one another. Sure, full stands look great on TV, but you know what looks worse? Empty stands from people not wanting to pay $100 to be inconvenienced and grossed out. Michigan International Speedway did away with some seats a few years ago, but they also had the good sense to widen out the existing seats. Yeah, I know…we're all fat in Michigan, whatever. Try watching a race, managing a cooler, and not having to climb over 50 people to go to the bathroom or buy a $4.00 hotdog without totally losing your mind after slapping down top dollar for a ticket, money for gas, lodging, food, and carving out a couple of days of travel – then praying that it doesn't rain and get delayed or cancelled.
For a series that is battling a lack of on-track action, interesting stories, Danica's hoopla having run its course, as well as the newness having worn off the – ahem – sexy Gen-6 car (because what's hotter than a Camry…), there seems to be a commitment to doing anything it can to not only shoot itself in the foot, but completely empty the magazine in the process.
**********
So now it has come to people calling into radio programs and wishing Jimmie Johnson would get into some horrific accident? Earlier this week, a caller phoned The Afternoon Drive on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, and wished bad juju upon JJ, for being a, "smart Alec" and winning so much. The shock over her comments I felt was a little over-played. Nobody wants to see anybody get hurt – particularly on the weekend 13 years ago when Kenny Irwin, Jr. was killed at New Hampshire – and 20 years ago when Davey Allison died in a helicopter accident. Race fans have been wishing horrible things upon winning drivers for years.
Many people forget the vitriol that was spewed forth towards Jeff Gordon back in the late 1990's. I remember walking through the infield at MIS and seeing things that were not fit for print here, and would likely get you arrested for a hate crime today. At the height of his unpopularity, Darrell Waltrip once expressed his frustration with why fans hated him so much, and wished they would come down to see him at an autograph session at a shopping center so they could meet him and get to know him. The next day in the paper it read, "Waltrip Challenges Fans To Meet Him In Parking Lot Behind Store." Even worse was when Sterling Marlin was receiving death threats following the accident that killed Dale Earnhardt, even months after it happened – and he barely had anything to do with it.
Even if the sport seems a bit lost, rest assured there are still some bat-$hit crazy NASCAR fans out there, as passionate as ever about their favorite driver, car make, and sport.
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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The Critic's Annex: Daytona and Pocono Thoughts
by Phil Allaway
Hello, race fans. Welcome back to the Critic's Annex, which is normally where I take an additional look at motorsports-related programming. However, since I was in Daytona last weekend covering the Coke Zero 400, I could not bring you my normal write-up. Luckily for my readers, just because I'm in the Media Center at a race does not mean I don't pay attention to what's being provided to viewers. I still took notes on TNT's telecast and still timed the commercial breaks.
Also this week, I'm going to talk a little about ESPN's telecast of Sunday's Pocono IndyCar 400 and give some listings for the rest of the week. Hope you enjoy.
Coke Zero 400
The Sprint Cup Series was back in action Saturday night at Daytona International Speedway. 400 miles were on tap, and Jimmie Johnson spanked the field like no one not named Dale Earnhardt, Jr. has in a long time. How did TNT do? Let's take a look.
The primary feature of TNT's Countdown to Green presented by Kelley Blue Book was a sit down interview with the person that Kyle Petty just can't seem to stop talking about these days, Danica Patrick. Honestly, I don't think we learned all that much from here this time around. Personally, I just find her to be a boring interview. That pre-dates her time in NASCAR.
Joey Meier (Brad Keselowski's spotter) talked about how one of his relatives competed in the final beach race in Daytona back in 1958. It was an interesting look at a much different time in NASCAR history. I thought that TNT did a good job with it.
TNT's All-Access feature this week followed Carl Edwards around. Fairly interesting chap. I was surprised that the rain delay in Kentucky was skipped. I know, some of my readers might ask "Who wants to see anything having to do with a rain delay?" My rebuttal to that is that following around drivers and/or team members during such a delay can give viewers a better idea of what these people are like. Even regular driver interviews during rain delays can do that. One particular interview with Dale Earnhardt, Jr. that ESPN's Dr. Jerry Punch conducted is an example of that.
Once the piece started, we saw the usual radio chatter from the race, and a look at Edwards' pit crew practicing. The team apparently has a policy of seeking out former college and/or professional athletes to serve on the pit crew, which can definitely be helpful. Viewers also got to see Edwards' private plane, and the not-so-private lavatory on it. No thanks. I don't like the idea of just a curtain separating me from other people in a cramped cockpit when nature calls. Finally, we see Edwards in the gym, pumping iron in order to maintain his chiseled physique. That doesn't surprise me at all. Overall, I think TNT missed out on some things that could have been covered. The pieces are starting to run to a specific form, and I don't believe that was the original grandmaster plan. They're not unique.
Also of note, Petty was having a lot of trouble getting his thoughts across during Countdown to Green. Not really sure why that was so.
During the race, TNT apparently debuted gyroscopic cameras in a couple of cars. I don't believe that they promoted them at all, and if they did, it was nothing like what FOX did earlier this season. They were just there. It sounded really nice back in January and February, but now, I think of it as kind of gimmicky. It doesn't add much to the race, and can make viewers a little dizzy at times, especially at a track like Bristol. I suppose it was better that they didn't pimp it out.
Of course, gyro cams were not the main issue that viewers were griping about on Saturday night. Once again, commercial breaks (notably, the placement of them) were a serious issue. According to my unofficial stopwatch, there were nearly 33 minutes' worth of commercials that aired during green flag action. One of the wrecks, plus a good amount of side-by-side and three-wide racing occurred during these breaks. It seemed at times like the good racing was simply not seen by fans. It bites. In the Media Center, we're not necessarily bound by TNT's commercials because we also have access to Sprint Vision. As a result, we can see things happen before they're shown on TNT, and they don't take commercial breaks. I should also note that my setup last weekend was not necessarily ideal for Sprint Vision viewing. The nearest screen for Sprint Vision was behind me, while the nearest for TNT was to my right. I did have a timing and scoring monitor straight ahead, though.
TNT's primary move to provide extra coverage to viewers was to go the final 30 laps of the race commercial-free. That's nice and all, but not all the way true. On Lap 142, there was a side-by-side commercial for Coke Zero. Coke Zero obviously sponsored the race, and also sponsored the in-car cameras in Patrick's car. I was sitting in the Media Center watching this and thought, "Wait a minute. You've been sitting on this setup for five weeks, and you're just now pulling it out for 30 seconds?" What's with you, man? Are your advertisers really that restrictive that they won't even consider helping you potentially increase the number of viewers that see your ads?
The sad truth of it all is that TNT's side-by-side setup might be the best one that we've seen…for race fans. I doubt that advertisers are going to like getting pushed to the small box all that much, but it was a nice setup.
Post-race coverage was actually quite decent. TNT provided viewers with seven post-race interviews, plus checks of the unofficial results and point standings before they left the air.
Overall, TNT's broadcast left a lot to be desired. There were the issues that I've already mentioned above, but they also just seemed to be slow on the gun in noticing things on track, like Paul Menard's blown engine that occurred in the middle of a Through the Field segment. In addition, Michael Waltrip spun out on pit road during the fourth caution. I have no clue why or how it happened. TNT never showed a replay. They simply mentioned that Waltrip had spun out and left it at that. Using Frontstretch's Twitter page, I asked Waltrip what happened to cause that, but he never responded. Seems to think it was pretty cool, but no answers as to what happened. TNT can do better. I hope they can this weekend in Loudon for the final week of the Summer Series.
Pocono IndyCar 400
On Sunday afternoon, the Izod IndyCar Series made their long-awaited return to Pocono Raceway for the first IndyCar race on the scalene triangle since 1989. How did ESPN do with the telecast? Let's take a look.
ESPN provided viewers with a very short, but decent pre-race show. In the roughly seven minutes before the National Anthem, ESPN provided viewers with four pre-race interviews and a little bit of pre-race analysis from the broadcast booth. Later, during the first caution, there was a taped interview aired with Jeff Gordon, who apparently made the trip to Pocono from Daytona to take in the race with his son, Leo.
The four drivers that were interviewed during pre-race (Marco Andretti, Ryan Hunter-Reay, James Hinchcliffe and Tony Kanaan) ultimately factored heavily into the telecast, but for different reasons. Andretti and Kanaan were at the front of the field for much of the race, so they got plenty of coverage. Probably too much, knowing what ultimately happened.
Hunter-Reay got taken out on pit road by Takuma Sato in a crash that can only be described as bizarre. Never seen anything like it.
Hinchcliffe's race lasted about as long as a typical spin on Press Your Luck before he crashed. Afterwards, Hinchcliffe joined Marty Reid, Scott Goodyear and Eddie Cheever in the broadcast booth for the second half of the race. Here, the ESPN trio actively tried to involve Hinchcliffe in the telecast, and I think Hinchcliffe did a good job. He brought a good perspective to the booth that helped viewers to better understand what caused Takuma Sato to, for lack of better words, run over Hunter-Reay on pit road (it wasn't outright complete stupidity). Hinchcliffe is a well-spoken driver and quite the asset for the series. Yesterday, I described Hinchcliffe on my personal Facebook page as a "zanier Jimmie Johnson," mainly because the two drivers look a little alike.
The aforementioned four drivers got so much coverage that ESPN seemed to miss out on a number of stories. A definite one that they missed was Josef Newgarden's run up from 15th to finish fifth. I think they mentioned Newgarden three times during the telecast, and that included his post-race interview. Jamie Little even referenced the fact that they didn't cover Newgarden much during the race. I will state for the record that I value Little's honesty here. However, I would prefer that Little never have to say that to a driver that finished in the top-5. It makes it look like ESPN's not doing their job. Newgarden took it all in stride, but I have to believe he was thinking something along the lines of "You really didn't cover us even though we finished fifth? What the deuce?"
I'd argue that ESPN also under covered the drivers who ultimately went 1-2-3 (Scott Dixon, Charlie Kimball and Dario Franchitti) as well. Hard to believe, but I think it's true. Everything was about Andretti Autosport and how important it was for one of the team's cars to win since they were 24 miles (straight-line distance, more like 35 by car) from the home of the Andretti's in Nazareth.
Since the race ended so quickly, there was a lot of time for post-race coverage. ESPN provided viewers with ten post-race driver interviews, plus interviews with the winning car owner (Chip Ganassi) and the winning wife (Emma Dixon). Still don't know why they do that. I've got nothing against Emma Dixon, but what does she do for the race team? Or is she just there to cheer on Scott? Regardless, I feel that she shouldn't be the first interview after the checkers. In addition to the dozen interviews, ESPN also checked the unofficial results and points standings before they left the air
Overall, ESPN regressed a bit into their old habits after a good telecast in Iowa. Intensely focusing on a small group of drivers will almost always bite you in the end.
That's it for this week. Since I didn't do my weekly critique for the website, I'm going to give you some listings for the upcoming weekend.
Thursday, July 11
Time Telecast Network
5:30pm-7:30pm Global RallyCross Championship Sylvania SilverStar sXe GRC: Day 1 ESPN3.com$
6:00-7:00pm NASCAR RaceHub SPEED
Friday, July 12
Time Telecast Network
1:00am-1:30am NASCAR Now ESPN 2
12:00pm-1:30pm Sprint Cup Series Practice No. 1 SPEED
1:30-3:00pm Nationwide Series Happy Hour SPEED
3:30-5:30pm Sprint Cup Series Qualifying SPEED
4:30-5:30pm Firestone Indy Lights: Toronto Race 1 NBC Sports Network*
5:30-6:00pm SPEED Center SPEED
5:30-7:00pm Izod IndyCar Series Qualifying NBC Sports Network
Saturday, July 13
Time Telecast Network
11:00am-12:30pm Sprint Cup Series Happy Hour SPEED
12:30-1:00pm Trackside SPEED
1:00-3:00pm Whelen Modified Tour Town Fair Tire 100 SPEED
2:00-3:00pm Firestone Indy Lights: Toronto Race 2 NBC Sports Network
3:00-3:30pm NASCAR Countdown ABC
3:00-6:00pm Izod IndyCar Series Honda Indy Toronto: Race 1 NBC Sports Network
6:30-7:00pm SPEED Center SPEED
7:00-8:00pm Camping World Truck Series Qualifying SPEED*
7:30-9:00pm Global RallyCross Championship Sylvania SilverStar sXe GRC: Day 2 ESPN
8:00-8:30pm NCWTS Setup SPEED
8:30-11:00pm Camping World Truck Series American Ethanol 200 SPEED
Sunday, July 14
Time Telecast Network
9:00am-10:00am NASCAR Now, Pre-Race ESPN 2
9:30-10:00am SPEED Center, Pre-Race SPEED
10:00am-12:00pm NASCAR RaceDay Fueled by Sunoco SPEED
12:00-1:00pm Countdown to Green presented by Kelley Blue Book TNT
1:00-3:00pm V8 Supercar Championship Series Sucrogen Townsville 400 SPEED*/
1:00-4:30pm Sprint Cup Series Camping World RV Sales 301 TNT
3:00-6:00pm Izod IndyCar Series Honda Indy Toronto: Race 2 NBC Sports Network
~4:30-5:00pm NASCAR Victory Lane SPEED
7:00-8:00pm SPEED Center, Post-Race SPEED
8:00-8:30pm Wind Tunnel SPEED
*- Tape-Delayed
/- Highlighted coverage
Also this week, I'm going to talk a little about ESPN's telecast of Sunday's Pocono IndyCar 400 and give some listings for the rest of the week. Hope you enjoy.
Coke Zero 400
The Sprint Cup Series was back in action Saturday night at Daytona International Speedway. 400 miles were on tap, and Jimmie Johnson spanked the field like no one not named Dale Earnhardt, Jr. has in a long time. How did TNT do? Let's take a look.
The primary feature of TNT's Countdown to Green presented by Kelley Blue Book was a sit down interview with the person that Kyle Petty just can't seem to stop talking about these days, Danica Patrick. Honestly, I don't think we learned all that much from here this time around. Personally, I just find her to be a boring interview. That pre-dates her time in NASCAR.
Joey Meier (Brad Keselowski's spotter) talked about how one of his relatives competed in the final beach race in Daytona back in 1958. It was an interesting look at a much different time in NASCAR history. I thought that TNT did a good job with it.
TNT's All-Access feature this week followed Carl Edwards around. Fairly interesting chap. I was surprised that the rain delay in Kentucky was skipped. I know, some of my readers might ask "Who wants to see anything having to do with a rain delay?" My rebuttal to that is that following around drivers and/or team members during such a delay can give viewers a better idea of what these people are like. Even regular driver interviews during rain delays can do that. One particular interview with Dale Earnhardt, Jr. that ESPN's Dr. Jerry Punch conducted is an example of that.
Once the piece started, we saw the usual radio chatter from the race, and a look at Edwards' pit crew practicing. The team apparently has a policy of seeking out former college and/or professional athletes to serve on the pit crew, which can definitely be helpful. Viewers also got to see Edwards' private plane, and the not-so-private lavatory on it. No thanks. I don't like the idea of just a curtain separating me from other people in a cramped cockpit when nature calls. Finally, we see Edwards in the gym, pumping iron in order to maintain his chiseled physique. That doesn't surprise me at all. Overall, I think TNT missed out on some things that could have been covered. The pieces are starting to run to a specific form, and I don't believe that was the original grandmaster plan. They're not unique.
Also of note, Petty was having a lot of trouble getting his thoughts across during Countdown to Green. Not really sure why that was so.
During the race, TNT apparently debuted gyroscopic cameras in a couple of cars. I don't believe that they promoted them at all, and if they did, it was nothing like what FOX did earlier this season. They were just there. It sounded really nice back in January and February, but now, I think of it as kind of gimmicky. It doesn't add much to the race, and can make viewers a little dizzy at times, especially at a track like Bristol. I suppose it was better that they didn't pimp it out.
Of course, gyro cams were not the main issue that viewers were griping about on Saturday night. Once again, commercial breaks (notably, the placement of them) were a serious issue. According to my unofficial stopwatch, there were nearly 33 minutes' worth of commercials that aired during green flag action. One of the wrecks, plus a good amount of side-by-side and three-wide racing occurred during these breaks. It seemed at times like the good racing was simply not seen by fans. It bites. In the Media Center, we're not necessarily bound by TNT's commercials because we also have access to Sprint Vision. As a result, we can see things happen before they're shown on TNT, and they don't take commercial breaks. I should also note that my setup last weekend was not necessarily ideal for Sprint Vision viewing. The nearest screen for Sprint Vision was behind me, while the nearest for TNT was to my right. I did have a timing and scoring monitor straight ahead, though.
TNT's primary move to provide extra coverage to viewers was to go the final 30 laps of the race commercial-free. That's nice and all, but not all the way true. On Lap 142, there was a side-by-side commercial for Coke Zero. Coke Zero obviously sponsored the race, and also sponsored the in-car cameras in Patrick's car. I was sitting in the Media Center watching this and thought, "Wait a minute. You've been sitting on this setup for five weeks, and you're just now pulling it out for 30 seconds?" What's with you, man? Are your advertisers really that restrictive that they won't even consider helping you potentially increase the number of viewers that see your ads?
The sad truth of it all is that TNT's side-by-side setup might be the best one that we've seen…for race fans. I doubt that advertisers are going to like getting pushed to the small box all that much, but it was a nice setup.
Post-race coverage was actually quite decent. TNT provided viewers with seven post-race interviews, plus checks of the unofficial results and point standings before they left the air.
Overall, TNT's broadcast left a lot to be desired. There were the issues that I've already mentioned above, but they also just seemed to be slow on the gun in noticing things on track, like Paul Menard's blown engine that occurred in the middle of a Through the Field segment. In addition, Michael Waltrip spun out on pit road during the fourth caution. I have no clue why or how it happened. TNT never showed a replay. They simply mentioned that Waltrip had spun out and left it at that. Using Frontstretch's Twitter page, I asked Waltrip what happened to cause that, but he never responded. Seems to think it was pretty cool, but no answers as to what happened. TNT can do better. I hope they can this weekend in Loudon for the final week of the Summer Series.
Pocono IndyCar 400
On Sunday afternoon, the Izod IndyCar Series made their long-awaited return to Pocono Raceway for the first IndyCar race on the scalene triangle since 1989. How did ESPN do with the telecast? Let's take a look.
ESPN provided viewers with a very short, but decent pre-race show. In the roughly seven minutes before the National Anthem, ESPN provided viewers with four pre-race interviews and a little bit of pre-race analysis from the broadcast booth. Later, during the first caution, there was a taped interview aired with Jeff Gordon, who apparently made the trip to Pocono from Daytona to take in the race with his son, Leo.
The four drivers that were interviewed during pre-race (Marco Andretti, Ryan Hunter-Reay, James Hinchcliffe and Tony Kanaan) ultimately factored heavily into the telecast, but for different reasons. Andretti and Kanaan were at the front of the field for much of the race, so they got plenty of coverage. Probably too much, knowing what ultimately happened.
Hunter-Reay got taken out on pit road by Takuma Sato in a crash that can only be described as bizarre. Never seen anything like it.
Hinchcliffe's race lasted about as long as a typical spin on Press Your Luck before he crashed. Afterwards, Hinchcliffe joined Marty Reid, Scott Goodyear and Eddie Cheever in the broadcast booth for the second half of the race. Here, the ESPN trio actively tried to involve Hinchcliffe in the telecast, and I think Hinchcliffe did a good job. He brought a good perspective to the booth that helped viewers to better understand what caused Takuma Sato to, for lack of better words, run over Hunter-Reay on pit road (it wasn't outright complete stupidity). Hinchcliffe is a well-spoken driver and quite the asset for the series. Yesterday, I described Hinchcliffe on my personal Facebook page as a "zanier Jimmie Johnson," mainly because the two drivers look a little alike.
The aforementioned four drivers got so much coverage that ESPN seemed to miss out on a number of stories. A definite one that they missed was Josef Newgarden's run up from 15th to finish fifth. I think they mentioned Newgarden three times during the telecast, and that included his post-race interview. Jamie Little even referenced the fact that they didn't cover Newgarden much during the race. I will state for the record that I value Little's honesty here. However, I would prefer that Little never have to say that to a driver that finished in the top-5. It makes it look like ESPN's not doing their job. Newgarden took it all in stride, but I have to believe he was thinking something along the lines of "You really didn't cover us even though we finished fifth? What the deuce?"
I'd argue that ESPN also under covered the drivers who ultimately went 1-2-3 (Scott Dixon, Charlie Kimball and Dario Franchitti) as well. Hard to believe, but I think it's true. Everything was about Andretti Autosport and how important it was for one of the team's cars to win since they were 24 miles (straight-line distance, more like 35 by car) from the home of the Andretti's in Nazareth.
Since the race ended so quickly, there was a lot of time for post-race coverage. ESPN provided viewers with ten post-race driver interviews, plus interviews with the winning car owner (Chip Ganassi) and the winning wife (Emma Dixon). Still don't know why they do that. I've got nothing against Emma Dixon, but what does she do for the race team? Or is she just there to cheer on Scott? Regardless, I feel that she shouldn't be the first interview after the checkers. In addition to the dozen interviews, ESPN also checked the unofficial results and points standings before they left the air
Overall, ESPN regressed a bit into their old habits after a good telecast in Iowa. Intensely focusing on a small group of drivers will almost always bite you in the end.
That's it for this week. Since I didn't do my weekly critique for the website, I'm going to give you some listings for the upcoming weekend.
Thursday, July 11
Time Telecast Network
5:30pm-7:30pm Global RallyCross Championship Sylvania SilverStar sXe GRC: Day 1 ESPN3.com$
6:00-7:00pm NASCAR RaceHub SPEED
Friday, July 12
Time Telecast Network
1:00am-1:30am NASCAR Now ESPN 2
12:00pm-1:30pm Sprint Cup Series Practice No. 1 SPEED
1:30-3:00pm Nationwide Series Happy Hour SPEED
3:30-5:30pm Sprint Cup Series Qualifying SPEED
4:30-5:30pm Firestone Indy Lights: Toronto Race 1 NBC Sports Network*
5:30-6:00pm SPEED Center SPEED
5:30-7:00pm Izod IndyCar Series Qualifying NBC Sports Network
Saturday, July 13
Time Telecast Network
11:00am-12:30pm Sprint Cup Series Happy Hour SPEED
12:30-1:00pm Trackside SPEED
1:00-3:00pm Whelen Modified Tour Town Fair Tire 100 SPEED
2:00-3:00pm Firestone Indy Lights: Toronto Race 2 NBC Sports Network
3:00-3:30pm NASCAR Countdown ABC
3:00-6:00pm Izod IndyCar Series Honda Indy Toronto: Race 1 NBC Sports Network
6:30-7:00pm SPEED Center SPEED
7:00-8:00pm Camping World Truck Series Qualifying SPEED*
7:30-9:00pm Global RallyCross Championship Sylvania SilverStar sXe GRC: Day 2 ESPN
8:00-8:30pm NCWTS Setup SPEED
8:30-11:00pm Camping World Truck Series American Ethanol 200 SPEED
Sunday, July 14
Time Telecast Network
9:00am-10:00am NASCAR Now, Pre-Race ESPN 2
9:30-10:00am SPEED Center, Pre-Race SPEED
10:00am-12:00pm NASCAR RaceDay Fueled by Sunoco SPEED
12:00-1:00pm Countdown to Green presented by Kelley Blue Book TNT
1:00-3:00pm V8 Supercar Championship Series Sucrogen Townsville 400 SPEED*/
1:00-4:30pm Sprint Cup Series Camping World RV Sales 301 TNT
3:00-6:00pm Izod IndyCar Series Honda Indy Toronto: Race 2 NBC Sports Network
~4:30-5:00pm NASCAR Victory Lane SPEED
7:00-8:00pm SPEED Center, Post-Race SPEED
8:00-8:30pm Wind Tunnel SPEED
*- Tape-Delayed
/- Highlighted coverage
~- Approximate start time
$- Available via password-protected online streaming. Check with your programming and/or internet service provider for availability.
Next week, I'll be back with more critiques, both here in the Newsletter, and at Frontstretch. Until then, enjoy this weekend's action in Loudon, Toronto and Newton.
Next week, I'll be back with more critiques, both here in the Newsletter, and at Frontstretch. Until then, enjoy this weekend's action in Loudon, Toronto and Newton.
Phil Allaway is the Newsletter Manager and a Senior Writer for Frontstretch. He can be reached via e-mail at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Frontstretch Line of the Week
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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Frontstretch Line of the Week
"One mistake proves fatal. Busch, while maturing, is still a few steps away from a meltdown with the right combination. While crew chief Todd Berrier is highly trusted, he's also going to have to do everything right against the resources of larger organizations. I believe it can happen… but don't be fooled. The margin of error, for everyone involved with this team, is miniscule." - Tom Bowles on what might keep Kurt Busch out of the Chase.
~~~~~~~~~~
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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:
by Jeff Wolfe
NASCAR Mailbox: Penalties, Seating Capacity, and Pit Crews
by Summer Bedgood
Truckin' Thursdays: Introducing Brennan Newberry
by Beth Lunkenheimer
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: Later in the same 2001 race, Ron Hornaday took a very unusual ride on the backstretch. What happened?
Check back Friday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Wednesday's Answer:
Wednesday's Answer:
Q: In the 2001 New England 300, Elliott Sadler and Joe Nemechek barely even got underway before their races went right in the toilet. What happened?
A: Essentially, Nemechek and Sadler went for the same place at the same time and collided. The contact was hard enough that it broke the steering on Sadler's car, resulting in the Motorcraft Ford going hard into the wall, right-front first. Nemechek spun and hit the wall drivers' side first. The crash can be seen here.
Both drivers ended up behind the wall for repairs, but later returned to the race. Sadler was credited with a 40th-place finish, while Nemechek finished 41st.
~~~~~~~~~~
Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Justin Tucker
-- In Case You Missed It by Beth Lunkenheimer
-- Frontstretch Folio: Loudon by Beth Lunkenheimer
-- Keepin' It Short by Mike Neff
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, trivia, and more!
~~~~~~~~~~
Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
Four Burning Questions: Loudon by Matt Stallknecht
Matt will get your engines revved up for 2013 with a preview of this weekend's Camping World RV Sales 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Justin Tucker
-- In Case You Missed It by Beth Lunkenheimer
-- Frontstretch Folio: Loudon by Beth Lunkenheimer
-- Keepin' It Short by Mike Neff
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, trivia, and more!
~~~~~~~~~~
Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
Four Burning Questions: Loudon by Matt Stallknecht
Matt will get your engines revved up for 2013 with a preview of this weekend's Camping World RV Sales 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
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 prior to the CNBC Prime's The Profit 200 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Voices From the Heartland by Jeff Meyer
Our Tennessee transplant returns with another interesting take on recent events.
Frontstretch Foto Funnies by the Frontstretch Staff
Pictures can lead to a thousand laughs; join us in our weekly dose of humor that comes from those candid moments at the track.
-----------------------------
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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