THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
August 14th, 2013
Volume VII, Edition CLI
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Juan Pablo Montoya Out At Earnhardt Ganassi Racing
Juan Pablo Montoya's contract will not be renewed at Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, according to team co-owner Felix Sabates who spoke to SiriusXM Speedway with Dave Moody on Tuesday.
According to the Associated Press, who first reported the news, several team members were made aware of Montoya's departure sometime Tuesday afternoon.
Montoya has had limited success in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, since he left Formula 1 to race in NASCAR beginning in 2007. Though he has two career victories, Montoya only finished in the top 10 in points one time and has a career average finish of 20th.
Many remember Montoya not by his victories, however, but by his reckless driving style and on-track mayhem, including the infamous jet dryer crash in last year's Daytona 500.
Sabates mentioned to SiriusXM that the team was still interested in working something out with Montoya, leaving open the possibility that Montoya may return to sports car racing or the IZOD IndyCar Series for the team. Montoya has a total of 40 starts in CART, one career start in the IZOD IndyCar Series, and eight career starts in the NASCAR Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series.
Montoya is currently 22nd in Sprint Cup Series standings after 22 races this season. He is expected to finish out the remainder of the year with the team.
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What to Watch For: Wednesday
- According to comments from Greg Zipadelli, Stewart-Haas Racing could announce a series of replacement drivers as early as today for the remaining events co-owner Tony Stewart will miss as his broken leg heals. Austin Dillon has been the only one named, so far -- he'll drive at Michigan in a one-race deal.
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Top News
by Summer Bedgood and Tom BowlesJuan Pablo Montoya Out At Earnhardt Ganassi Racing
Juan Pablo Montoya's contract will not be renewed at Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, according to team co-owner Felix Sabates who spoke to SiriusXM Speedway with Dave Moody on Tuesday.
According to the Associated Press, who first reported the news, several team members were made aware of Montoya's departure sometime Tuesday afternoon.
Montoya has had limited success in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, since he left Formula 1 to race in NASCAR beginning in 2007. Though he has two career victories, Montoya only finished in the top 10 in points one time and has a career average finish of 20th.
Many remember Montoya not by his victories, however, but by his reckless driving style and on-track mayhem, including the infamous jet dryer crash in last year's Daytona 500.
Sabates mentioned to SiriusXM that the team was still interested in working something out with Montoya, leaving open the possibility that Montoya may return to sports car racing or the IZOD IndyCar Series for the team. Montoya has a total of 40 starts in CART, one career start in the IZOD IndyCar Series, and eight career starts in the NASCAR Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series.
Montoya is currently 22nd in Sprint Cup Series standings after 22 races this season. He is expected to finish out the remainder of the year with the team.
Humpy Wheeler: We've Screwed Up NASCAR
One of the sport's most well-known personalities is speaking out on the current state of NASCAR. Former Charlotte promoter Humpy Wheeler, in an interview with WBTV.com claims the sport has gotten "too fancy," worried about the current state of attendance and economic problems while recommending major changes going forward. Wheeler, who was part of the sport's major growth period in the '80s and '90s claims too many people got "their hands in" molding the rules, changing the dynamic from a country-based, southern sport to one that's gotten too sophisticated.
Among the adjustments Wheeler recommends are more bonuses for passing, points for winning, and extra incentives at each speedway to get fans to come in person instead of sitting at home, watching on TV. Wheeler, who is currently not employed by any one facility has been consulting the last several years on projects with his own company.
Among the adjustments Wheeler recommends are more bonuses for passing, points for winning, and extra incentives at each speedway to get fans to come in person instead of sitting at home, watching on TV. Wheeler, who is currently not employed by any one facility has been consulting the last several years on projects with his own company.
News 'N' Notes
- Television ratings for Watkins Glen continued to drop. This year's edition posted a 2.7 in the Nielsens, attracting just 4.1 million viewers. That's off three percent from last year's 2.8. Only Kentucky and the All-Star Race attracted a smaller audience this season.
- Negotiations continue for the new FOX Sports 1 to be on several cable providers. The network, which is replacing SPEED Saturday is looking to change its "carrying fee" from 23 to 80 cents, causing rifts among major cable companies such as Time Warner. There's a strong possibility the new channel won't be carried on some of those major outlets, as of Saturday which means many NASCAR fans would be in jeopardy of missing the Truck Series race at Michigan.
- While Montoya won't return with EGR in 2014, sources say Jamie McMurray is safe and expected to return with the program. McMurray is driving the No. 1 Chevy full-time and remains on the outskirts of Chase contention, although 208 points behind leader Jimmie Johnson.
- Sources say the sale of Phoenix Racing, to Harry Scott, Jr. has been finalized but won't be announced until Labor Day Weekend at Atlanta. Justin Allgaier has been rumored as the driver, although both he and sponsor BRANDT firmly denied reports they'd be moving into the Cup Series.
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
What Can We Expect in Michigan?
WTF Wednesdays
by Ellen Richardson
After two weeks that led to snoozes on the couch while my DVR recorded NASCAR Sprint Cup racing at both Pocono and Watkins Glen, NASCAR's top echelon series will roar into Michigan International Speedway this weekend. Alongside the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, which had many of us fans clamoring for more recently at Eldora Speedway, the buzz has already begun this week and has sure left this race fan thinking 'WHAT Will Be Next?'
Before we move on, lets talk about the latest buzz that is sure to keep fans watching this weekend in Michigan. Without further ado, time to gossip about what I believe will keep fans tuning in to the racing excitement at Michigan International Speedway.
Stewart-Haas Racing
As we all know one of NASCAR's more legendary drivers, Tony Stewart, will continue to recover from a broken leg following a recent sprint car crash at Southern Iowa Speedway this weekend. His replacement in the No. 14 Chevrolet, at one of NASCAR's fastest tracks? Nationwide driver and current points leader Austin Dillon. This up-and-coming driver has continued to turn heads this season, and many fans have even said that he could drive the legendary No. 3 for Richard Childress Racing sometime in the near future.
While I believe this is a much better move than road coarse ringer Max Papis, Dillon will still have a pretty big challenge ahead of him. The best part, he is sure to have both long-time Stewart fans as well as die hard RCR fans tuning in to find out if this team's regular Nationwide driver can slide into his first legendary ride before possibly stepping into what many fans may consider one of the highest profile seats in many years?
Brett Moffitt To Make Second CWTS Start
Along with NASCAR Nationwide up-and-comer, Austin Dillon another young driver who has continued to turn heads in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East will make his second start in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in this Saturday's Michigan National Guard 200.
Brett Moffitt made his first appearance in Kentucky earlier this season, where he had a top-15 finish. This talented driver currently sits second in the K&N East Series points battle, and although his first truck finish didn't result in a top 10, I have to admit that this young Hattori Racing driver's second start in this series will have me watching and wondering if he will be next one that fans can't stop talking about?
Kasey Kahne and JGR
I have to agree with the current Bristol Motor Speedway commercials, 'every driver needs a rival'. Now, we have a driver who has more than one rival, Kahne is ready to take on a whole team whom he seems to think has it out for him this season.
As a recent NASCAR.com article (http://www.nascar.com/en_us/news-media/blogs/Off-Track/feud-brewing-between-kasey-kahne-kyle-busch-matt-kenseth-joe-gibbs-racing-denny-hamlin.html) mentioned, "Kasey Kahne has just about had it with Joe Gibbs Racing." In fact, Kahne took to the place where most drivers seem to vent these days after being caught up in a wreck with Matt Kenseth at Watkins Glen International on Sunday. During his Twitter rant, Kahne said "Headed to Joe Gibbs racing to talk to whoever will come out front #that's 4." Seriously, Kasey? I think your best bet would be to attack on the track, while in car versus trying to stand up against all those big guys who could probably squash you like a bug!
Guess, we will have to see if this once squeaky clean driver will show his angry side this Sunday at Michigan?
It's Official: Juan Pablo Out at Earnhardt Ganassi Next Season
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Following Stewart-Haas's big announcement on Monday, Earnhardt Ganassi had their own surprise for fans on Tuesday. Juan Pablo Montoya will step out of the No. 42 car next season. Much like Ryan Newman, at Stewart-Haas, Montoya will be seeking a new ride in 2014, which leaves me wondering if this is just the spark that he needs to heat up his on track performance. Of course, he can always fire us up by taking out another track dyer!
As the buzz continues to build this week, lets just hope that all of this will be topped off with a wildly exciting race weekend at Michigan. Otherwise, I will be forced to ask the poignant question, 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.
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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...
@CoreyLaJoie: I'm tired of hearing this stuff about, "Oh No he's not ready." You either can drive the car to it's max potential and make it, or you don't.
@Kenny_Wallace: Everyone told me Juan Pablo was a "CAN'T MISS" greatest talent to EVER come to #NASCAR, What Happened?
@maxpapis: I hope that @FOXSports will not butcher our SPORT
@JakeSnakeCrum: If it were up to @HumpyWheeler I am fairly confident that I would have a full-time ride. We both know why. Pay to drive is hurting the sport
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:
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...
@KyleBusch: How bout u just choke on my CUP WIN for 6 more days RT @JWHemin: @KyleBusch Will you be taking the trophy/1st place $ from a NW reg nxt wk?
@keselowski (Brad Keselowski): Thank you @Zippo for the lighter. Solid gold is impressive, i just have No idea what to do with it...pic.twitter.com/U6QVEVEylp@KurtBusch: Congrats to my little bro @KyleBusch on your win! Proud of my @FR78Racing guys for 9th pl finish. Chipping away at the points- 2 from 10th
@Mc_Driver (Michael McDowell): Tough break we broke the track bar mount on lap 30. We had a good car and could have ran upfront all day. #ThatsRacing @FrontRowNASCAR
@BrianLVickers: Had a great time at the NASCAR Hall of Fame doing the announcement, going to the shop and seeing the team, but we still have 2013 work left
@kaseykahne: Headed to Joe Gibbs racing to talk to whoever will come out front #that's4
@austindillon3: Looking forward to this weekend very blessed for the opportunity now it's time to focus and have a strong weekend thanks @StewartHaasRcng
@ClintBowyer: I once thought it was just going to keep getting hotter and hotter and burn us outta existence. Now I'm pretty sure we're going to drown.
@BubbaWallace (Darrell Wallace Jr.): Haha thanks guys for the mentions on cup rides....but.. I ain't got time for that... #notready AT ALL
@JamesBuescher: Today @maxpapis tested more than just his truck... #NextInjuredDriver pic.twitter.com/QowcSqKeck
@JakeSnakeCrum: If it were up to @HumpyWheeler I am fairly confident that I would have a full-time ride. We both know why. Pay to drive is hurting the sport
@J_Allgaier (Justin Allgaier): World meet Harper Grace....Harper meet world! Harper Grace Allgaier. 5lb 11oz. 18.5" long. Mom and baby are great!pic.twitter.com/1AIxvxP6f3
@kevinharvick: Has anyone else tweeted today or last night? All I see is 400 @Kenny_Wallace tweets...#tweetmaster
@AndyLally: Hipsters hate Mondays. They do.
@DakodaArmstrong: How come chicken nuggets are all shaped in either a circle, boot, or heart shape. #randomthoughts
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:
Mark Miles and the Future of INDYCAR
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: In the 1998 Pepsi 400 presented by DeVilBiss, Mark Martin raced with a heavy heart to a fourth-place finish. Why was he racing with a heavy heart?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Tuesday's Answer:
Q: The 1984 Champion Spark Plug 400 at Michigan International Speedway marked the second career start for Ken Schrader, who drove Elmo Langley's No. 64 Ford. How much did Schrader have to come up with in order to do his five races in 1984 with Langley?
by Matt Stallknecht
by Phil Allaway
compiled by Michael Mehedin
Beyond the Cockpit: Brian Keselowski on Small Budgets, Hard Work and Gaining Experience
Beyond the Cockpit: Brian Keselowski on Small Budgets, Hard Work and Gaining Experience
by Phil Allaway
by the Frontstretch Staff
Did You Notice? ... Aaron's Commitment, Montoya's Departure and Helping the Competition
Did You Notice? ... Aaron's Commitment, Montoya's Departure and Helping the Competition
by Tom Bowles
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: In the 1998 Pepsi 400 presented by DeVilBiss, Mark Martin raced with a heavy heart to a fourth-place finish. Why was he racing with a heavy heart?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Tuesday's Answer:
Q: The 1984 Champion Spark Plug 400 at Michigan International Speedway marked the second career start for Ken Schrader, who drove Elmo Langley's No. 64 Ford. How much did Schrader have to come up with in order to do his five races in 1984 with Langley?
A: According to Schrader in his book, Gotta Race!, Langley asked Schrader to come with $3,000, plus a set of tires for each race. Schrader found a couple of guys, Timmy Delrose and Larry Hill, to put up the money for the first four. Langley dropped the $3,000 requirement for the fifth race, but Schrader still bought the team a set of tires, regardless. Schrader's best run in the No. 64 was a 17th at North Wilkesboro.
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 silly season moves, Austin Dillon as a replacement driver 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.
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 Michigan.
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, Steve Letarte checks in as the series heads off to Michigan.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth is back with all of the latest and greatest to come out of the Truck Series. This week, with only one past winner at Michigan entered, Beth takes a look at which drivers have the best shot at becoming the ninth straight different winner at the two-mile oval.
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 silly season moves, Austin Dillon as a replacement driver 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.
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 Michigan.
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, Steve Letarte checks in as the series heads off to Michigan.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth is back with all of the latest and greatest to come out of the Truck Series. This week, with only one past winner at Michigan entered, Beth takes a look at which drivers have the best shot at becoming the ninth straight different winner at the two-mile oval.
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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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