THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
July 17th, 2013
Volume VII, Edition CXXX
~~~~~~~~~~
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.
This week, NASCAR treats fans and teams to even better news. On Monday, the sanctioning body's competition department announced a new, innovative plan whose aim it is to "make NASCAR more proactive in areas such as rules enforcement, more transparent to its fans and competitors, and more relatable to participants such as race teams and manufacturers."
What exactly does it all mean though? NASCAR has a goal to create the most concrete way possible to assure that teams follow the rules or penalties will surely follow. Not only that, but fans won't be shocked when their favorite driver or team is penalized.
According to NASCAR officials the new plan, which will make its official launch in 2015, will include something that not only drivers and teams have long awaited, but loyal fans who have continued to be puzzled as to what is going on lately. Yes, it's true! A new revamped rulebook. Not only a new rulebook that we have been assured will be simplified and include rules and designs that must be followed as well as the penalties associated with each violation, but one that will be made available to everyone involved in this sport. Fans, that could even include you in the future. Once this new plan is activated, NASCAR will put the entire rulebook out in real-time electronic format, and after the logistics are figured out with the teams, the sanctioning body will look into making it available to everyone interested in seeing it.
Along with this enhanced rulebook, NASCAR officials are throwing money into their Research and Development Center in order to not only improve the rules, but also enhance the governing of this sport, the appeals process along with officiating and technology on pit road.
While I am not outlining all of the details of this long overdue revamping of this sport, I am shocked to say that I am actually agreeing with NASCAR's vice president for competition, "We're entering a new time, a new era." This calls for new initiatives.
The question that is still at hand here though, is do I feel this new, sure to be pretty pricey, plan is going to be the long awaited fix that so many have hoped for or a complete flop? Hoping that I won't be inundated with a barrage of "you're so negative" comments, I honestly say that there are flaws in this plan that will leave NASCAR continuing to go back to the drawing board.
Yes, it is definitely time for a new rule book and I couldn't be happier about it. My concern is that it sounds like this will be largely dealing with the overall build of the cars and trucks themselves versus the actual competitors. As we know and have seen first hand, driver and team tempers tend to flare in this sport and that is to be expected. Do we really think that NASCAR's R&D Center really has a clue what these competitors and their teams might do outside of the actual competition?
While I will be, honestly, intrigued to view this rule book I do have to wonder if making it public could also be a bit dangerous? Remember NASCAR, that will have an open window when the powers that be change their minds again! Yes, you can make updates when you want but we will be able to save the initial output of it and fans love to be the first to point out when you are trying to fool them.
The governance changes do have some pretty positive aspects, but I am also concerned about whether or not these "appeals experts" will be able to be impartial in some instances. The best part of this plan overall is the enhanced officiating and technology that will be available on pit road. Having programmed computers taking more control of pit road inspections versus trusting someone's eyes is a great idea. There is a bit of a flaw though. As those of us who use and rely on these wonderful electronics know, there is that chance of a malfunction or complete crash. And that will leave you right back where you started.
So, as NASCAR along with its teams, competitors and fans await this new innovative 2015 plan, I'm holding my breath and wondering will this truly be the improvement we have long awaited or will all be asking WTF?
Ellen Richardson is a Newsletter Contributor for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via e-mail at frontstretcheditors@googlegroups.com. Follow her on Twitter @EllenNRich.
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.
~~~~~~~~~~
ADVERTISEMENT
Are you looking to advertise your website, product or brand? A good way to get your name out there is via direct advertising here in the Frontstretch Newsletter! Interested parties can contact us at frontstretcheditors@googlegroups.com for details.
~~~~~~~~~~
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
July 17th, 2013
Volume VII, Edition CXXX
~~~~~~~~~~
Top News
by Tom BowlesPhoenix Racing Sold
Owner James Finch is on his way out of the Sprint Cup Series. After months of speculation, the single-car owner announced Wednesday his No. 51 Chevrolet team had officially been sold to an as-yet unnamed buyer. With the check clearing the bank, he'll officially step aside and end his 20+-year tenure fielding cars for both the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series by September 1st.
"I've been doing it a long time," he said to The News Herald upon making the announcement. "I'd recommend anybody to do it. If I was (younger) I'd do it again. I've met a lot of people and had a great time doing it. It's just time to move on."
"I've been doing it a long time," he said to The News Herald upon making the announcement. "I'd recommend anybody to do it. If I was (younger) I'd do it again. I've met a lot of people and had a great time doing it. It's just time to move on."
The name of the new owner was withheld by request; they're looking to have their own announcement either Friday or Monday. Finch made clear they're bringing their own sponsor/driver combination to the table, making the transition smoother for a program that's struggled for funding in recent years.
In 246 career starts in the Cup Series, Finch has a win, four top-5 finishes and fifteen top 10s as an owner. That lone victory came in the 2009 Spring Talladega race with Brad Keselowski. AJ Allmendinger is currently driving the car; there's no word on his future with the program beyond Pocono in August.
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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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.
~~~~~~~~~~
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.
~~~~~~~~~~
Today's Featured Commentary
NASCAR's Newest Innovation: Fix or Flop?
WTF Wednesdays
by Ellen Richardson
As I mentioned in last week's WTF Wednesday column, NASCAR's 2013 race season has been plagued with the "p" word. That's right I'm once again talking penalties. Fortunately, many of us received a pleasant surprise last week. Just when we thought the hammer would be dropped on several Nationwide and Cup Series teams, following the dreaded roof flap incident at Daytona, NASCAR decided that all would be off the hook with no penalties due to the sanctioning body's determination that the functionality and safety aspects of these flaps were not compromised and the on track competition would not be impacted. Wow! Great news, right?
This week, NASCAR treats fans and teams to even better news. On Monday, the sanctioning body's competition department announced a new, innovative plan whose aim it is to "make NASCAR more proactive in areas such as rules enforcement, more transparent to its fans and competitors, and more relatable to participants such as race teams and manufacturers."
What exactly does it all mean though? NASCAR has a goal to create the most concrete way possible to assure that teams follow the rules or penalties will surely follow. Not only that, but fans won't be shocked when their favorite driver or team is penalized.
According to NASCAR officials the new plan, which will make its official launch in 2015, will include something that not only drivers and teams have long awaited, but loyal fans who have continued to be puzzled as to what is going on lately. Yes, it's true! A new revamped rulebook. Not only a new rulebook that we have been assured will be simplified and include rules and designs that must be followed as well as the penalties associated with each violation, but one that will be made available to everyone involved in this sport. Fans, that could even include you in the future. Once this new plan is activated, NASCAR will put the entire rulebook out in real-time electronic format, and after the logistics are figured out with the teams, the sanctioning body will look into making it available to everyone interested in seeing it.
Along with this enhanced rulebook, NASCAR officials are throwing money into their Research and Development Center in order to not only improve the rules, but also enhance the governing of this sport, the appeals process along with officiating and technology on pit road.
While I am not outlining all of the details of this long overdue revamping of this sport, I am shocked to say that I am actually agreeing with NASCAR's vice president for competition, "We're entering a new time, a new era." This calls for new initiatives.
The question that is still at hand here though, is do I feel this new, sure to be pretty pricey, plan is going to be the long awaited fix that so many have hoped for or a complete flop? Hoping that I won't be inundated with a barrage of "you're so negative" comments, I honestly say that there are flaws in this plan that will leave NASCAR continuing to go back to the drawing board.
Yes, it is definitely time for a new rule book and I couldn't be happier about it. My concern is that it sounds like this will be largely dealing with the overall build of the cars and trucks themselves versus the actual competitors. As we know and have seen first hand, driver and team tempers tend to flare in this sport and that is to be expected. Do we really think that NASCAR's R&D Center really has a clue what these competitors and their teams might do outside of the actual competition?
While I will be, honestly, intrigued to view this rule book I do have to wonder if making it public could also be a bit dangerous? Remember NASCAR, that will have an open window when the powers that be change their minds again! Yes, you can make updates when you want but we will be able to save the initial output of it and fans love to be the first to point out when you are trying to fool them.
The governance changes do have some pretty positive aspects, but I am also concerned about whether or not these "appeals experts" will be able to be impartial in some instances. The best part of this plan overall is the enhanced officiating and technology that will be available on pit road. Having programmed computers taking more control of pit road inspections versus trusting someone's eyes is a great idea. There is a bit of a flaw though. As those of us who use and rely on these wonderful electronics know, there is that chance of a malfunction or complete crash. And that will leave you right back where you started.
So, as NASCAR along with its teams, competitors and fans await this new innovative 2015 plan, I'm holding my breath and wondering will this truly be the improvement we have long awaited or will all be asking WTF?
Ellen Richardson is a Newsletter Contributor for Frontstretch.com. She can be reached via e-mail at frontstretcheditors@googlegroups.com. Follow her on Twitter @EllenNRich.
~~~~~~~~~~
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!
~~~~~~~~~~
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...
@keselowski (Brad Keselowski): Found this waiting for me in the #ESPYS hotel. Thanks @MillerLite ! pic.twitter.com/wmnSiemCBD
@TravisPastrana: $500 game with @CRtwotwo. Tie on hole 18.. Both in trap. Game on! pic.twitter.com/7djYnFW7Uk
@ericmcclure: In 2-5 weeks will have our 5th child. Surely I'm close 2most kids in NNS. Wonder if they give trophy 4 that? #maybeimnotasfunnyasithink lol
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!
~~~~~~~~~~
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...
@BrianLVickers: Michael. Rob. Wish you guys were here. Cheers to you! Ty. @aaronssports @toyotaracing everyone. The crew. The fans. Thank you That was big
@mw55 (Michael Waltrip): Thanks @MWRteam ! Thanks @rchilders55 thanks @BrianLVickers thanks @Aarons_Inc @aaronssports @toyotaracing thanks to so many. #blessed
@KyleBusch: How bout that @erik_jones and @KBMteam comin home p2 in 3rd ever start @nascar_trucks! Awesome future for this kid! Great run!!
@MShepherd89 (Morgan Shepherd): @NHMS has been a whirlwind. All the interviews. Thanks to @espn @SportsCenter #NASCAR New experiences. So many to thank for opportunity.
@Josh_Wise: We've been all over the map trying setups this wknd. I think the race is gona be like a box of chocolates. #neverknowwhatchagonaget
@AndyLally: Great to see determination & perseverance pay off against the odds even through the difficulty of not being in a full time ride. Congrats!
@TimmyHillRacer: Maybe ill sit between Ricky and Danica in the rookie meeting next race
@BradSweet49: I can't believe it!! We won the kings royal I've dreamed about this for along time thanks @kaseykahne for believing in me!
@Elliott_Sadler: Thanks for the tweets!! 4 supporters.. Gonna take alot more than that to keep us down!! Haters. Keep throwing fuel on the fire. Love it! #DX
@Mc_driver (Michael McDowell): The @NASCAR_NNS series is unbelievably competitive this year. A 5th place last year would be 12th this year. Very stacked field. @Nationwide
@BlakeKochRacing: Funny pic, his Mohawk , hat and Elmo hanging out http://instagram.com/p/buo2QSulxw/
@Kenny_Wallace: Clear some things up! #1. I am doing TV at Eldora but NOT racing #2. NO racing for me in Peebles OR Attica OH or Vernon IN.
@landoncassill: I watched Sharknado on the plane and let me tell you I don't ever want to live in California. Uh huh
@bscottracing (Brian Scott): I'm disappointed in twitter. I have bronchitis and no one tweeted "ain't nobody got time for dat!"
@KeselowskiBrian: Is it bad that all the music I grew up with is on classic rock radio now? I'm only 31!!!
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.
~~~~~~~~~~
ADVERTISEMENT
Are you looking to advertise your website, product or brand? A good way to get your name out there is via direct advertising here in the Frontstretch Newsletter! Interested parties can contact us at frontstretcheditors@googlegroups.com for details.
~~~~~~~~~~
TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Standing Starts: INDYCAR's Latest Attempt at Cheap Emulation
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: Canadian Tire Motorsports Park is one of the fastest circuits in the United States. However, much like Watkins Glen, it is lined with Armco barriers around much of the course. That Armco took a significant hit from Luke Hines' Porsche during the ALMS race there in 2010. What happened?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Tuesday's Answer:
Q: Bobby Hamilton, Jr. completely dominated the 2003 Tropicana Twister 300 at Chicagoland Speedway for the second of what turned out to be a four-win season. However, Kerry Earnhardt's day was over before it got going. What happened?
compiled by Michael Mehedin
Beyond the Cockpit: David Stremme Talks Progress With A Small-Time Operation
Beyond the Cockpit: David Stremme Talks Progress With A Small-Time Operation
by Phil Allaway
~~~~~~~~~~
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: Canadian Tire Motorsports Park is one of the fastest circuits in the United States. However, much like Watkins Glen, it is lined with Armco barriers around much of the course. That Armco took a significant hit from Luke Hines' Porsche during the ALMS race there in 2010. What happened?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Tuesday's Answer:
Q: Bobby Hamilton, Jr. completely dominated the 2003 Tropicana Twister 300 at Chicagoland Speedway for the second of what turned out to be a four-win season. However, Kerry Earnhardt's day was over before it got going. What happened?
A: Earnhardt simply lost control of his Supercuts Chevrolet exiting Turn 2 and spun across the track. Most of the other drivers managed to avoid Earnhardt's No. 12, but Ashton Lewis, Jr. had nowhere to go and T-Boned Earnhardt in the driver's door. It was a very expensive crash for car owners Armando Fitz and Terry Bradshaw as both Earnhardt and Casey Atwood, who was in the team's second car, were involved, along with Lewis and Stacy Compton. The crash can be seen in this clip. Earnhardt and Lewis were both ok but out on the spot. Compton continued on and finished three laps down in 19th. Atwood finished five laps down in 21st.
Frontstretch Trivia Guarantee: If we mess up, you get the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
~~~~~~~~~~
Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from 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 Brian Vickers' victory, Kyle Busch and Ryan Newman's war of words, NASCAR's rule changes 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, Slugger Labbe checks in while the series takes a weekend off.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth is back with all of the latest and greatest to come out of the Truck Series. This week, driver Miguel Paludo returns for his latest diary. On tap this week include a look back at Iowa, a look ahead to one of the biggest wild cards on the schedule, a special visit to the Louisville Slugger museum and so much more!
Fifth Column TBDFrontstretch Trivia Guarantee: If we mess up, you get the shirt off our backs! If we've provided an incorrect answer to the Frontstretch Trivia question, be the first to email the corrected trivia answer to trivia@frontstretch.com and we'll send you a Frontstretch T-Shirt ... FREE!
~~~~~~~~~~
Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from 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 Brian Vickers' victory, Kyle Busch and Ryan Newman's war of words, NASCAR's rule changes 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, Slugger Labbe checks in while the series takes a weekend off.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth is back with all of the latest and greatest to come out of the Truck Series. This week, driver Miguel Paludo returns for his latest diary. On tap this week include a look back at Iowa, a look ahead to one of the biggest wild cards on the schedule, a special visit to the Louisville Slugger museum and so much more!
-----------------------------
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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