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!
September 25th, 2013
Volume VII, Edition CLXXVII
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Frontstretch Readers - You can win 2 FREE tickets to this week's AAA 400 at Dover along with 2 free FanVision rentals for the same weekend. All you need to do is answer the trivia question below and e-mail it to: FrontstretchTrivia@gmail.com. The first correct response will win!
NOTE: This offer is for tickets only. Travel to the track and accommodations are NOT included.
In Monday's Pace Laps article, Mike Neff mentioned that this year's Whelen All-American Series champion tied a record. Who won this year's National Championship and what record did he tie?
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Top News
by Tom Bowles
Quicken Loans Joining RCR In 2014
One of Ryan Newman's big sponsors is making its way over with him to Richard Childress Racing. Quicken Loans, currently a primary on Newman's No. 39 car with Stewart-Haas Racing will fill the same role, next season for 12 races on Newman's new ride, the No. 31 RCR Chevrolet. In their third year together, the partnership hopes they can deliver on what they feel is a potential championship opportunity in the making.
"Ryan has shown that he is not only an incredible race car driver, but also someone with great integrity and class," said Jay Farner, President and Chief Marketing Officer of Quicken Loans in a release announcing the move. "The way Ryan has handled some very tough situations this year, while also continuing to ignore the noise and perform at a high-level, made our decision to stick with him a no-brainer. He embodies what we stand for each and every day."
"Quicken Loans has been an integral member of my team and we continue to build on what has been a fantastic partnership," Newman added. "I will do my very best to perform on and off the track next year and well beyond."
"Ryan has shown that he is not only an incredible race car driver, but also someone with great integrity and class," said Jay Farner, President and Chief Marketing Officer of Quicken Loans in a release announcing the move. "The way Ryan has handled some very tough situations this year, while also continuing to ignore the noise and perform at a high-level, made our decision to stick with him a no-brainer. He embodies what we stand for each and every day."
"Quicken Loans has been an integral member of my team and we continue to build on what has been a fantastic partnership," Newman added. "I will do my very best to perform on and off the track next year and well beyond."
Wonder Bread Announced As Sponsor For Kurt Busch
Wonder Bread is back... not just in the stores but in NASCAR. Flowers Foods, which bought the brand when its maker went bankrupt in July has signed a one-race deal to back the No. 78 Furniture Row Racing Chevrolet at Talladega. Kurt Busch, who will drive will have a paint scheme similar to the No. 26, Wonder Bread car made famous with the movie Talladega Nights.
"There is nothing more American than Wonder bread and NASCAR," said Keith Aldredge, Flowers Foods' vice president of marketing in a press release. "We're thrilled to be partnering with Kurt Busch and the Furniture Row Racing team to debut the Wonder car at the Talladega Superspeedway. Having such an incredible driver wear the bright colors of Wonder will make for a truly memorable all-American race experience."
"There is nothing more American than Wonder bread and NASCAR," said Keith Aldredge, Flowers Foods' vice president of marketing in a press release. "We're thrilled to be partnering with Kurt Busch and the Furniture Row Racing team to debut the Wonder car at the Talladega Superspeedway. Having such an incredible driver wear the bright colors of Wonder will make for a truly memorable all-American race experience."
It's not the first time Busch has driven a Talladega Nights-themed car. James Finch painted the Phoenix Racing car up in a No. 51, ME scheme for his driver last season.
Have news for Tom and the Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com with a promising lead or tip.
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Today's Featured Commentary
Will Dover Awaken the Sleeping Giant?
WTF Wednesdays
by Ellen Richardson
In what started as and has been a rather quiet week in motorsports, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is headed to one of my favorite tracks of the 2013 Chase for the Sprint Cup – Dover International Speedway. In what should be a true battle to determine who has the talent to survive in this sport, I can't help but wonder... will the Concrete Mile awaken a sleeping giant?
As all fans I am sure are aware by now, there has been unforeseen controversy surrounding the start to the Chase, causing what I like to consider the biggest pink elephant in the room possible. In fact, it seems that this season's Chase drivers, as well as those trying to race their way into a ride next season, seem to be tip-toeing around on glass. The latest case in point? Last Sunday's Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. I know, you may be thinking – is Ellen going to continue to complain about every race until the season ends? Let me calm your fears and say that I am as hopeful as any longtime NASCAR fan to scream a defiant "NO" to this question.
But the complaining won't be stopping this week. Proving my point, where this race could have opened with a highlight of the talented drivers that would compete for what should continue to be considered "the golden Cup," instead fans were treated to the same old, same old. Up front, we have a hum drum background story of two drivers they are now supposed to have empathy enough to cheer for, based on their off-the-track activities versus where the focus should be: on the track.
As this race continued, fans were treated to so many long green-flag laps that I can't help but admit I dozed off. The most exciting part of this race actually awoke me out of this blissful sleep, when Kasey Kahne's hopes slipped between his fingers after hitting the wall prior to this dull race's conclusion. The shame of this incident was much more than Kasey's hopes for a win evaporating but also the confusing interview with Dr. Jerry Punch after. I have actually watched this interview three times and continue to wonder if Kahne was either afraid to say the wrong thing or if his rather hard hit actually knocked every brain cell out of his head?
As the race got back to green and I tried to focus, I couldn't help but turn to fans, via social media, to find out their thoughts on yet another ho-hum, disappointing race. It was only a matter of seconds before noticing a barrage of comments from friends who mentioned that they would be better off watching paint dry. This definitely seemed the consensus, as at track fans were walking around and appeared to be searching for the one ounce of excitement that might be available inside the final 20 laps. The one silver lining to watching what I am hoping continues to be the sport that I am most passionate about – witnessing a truly talented driver, Matt Kenseth, continue to defy the odds and pick up his second Chase win.
Despite this fact, I can't help but hope that the Monster Mile can truly bring the beast back out in the drivers who once thought that driving was more than a job, but a passion. The promoters of Ron Howard's latest top seller, Rush, couldn't have summed up what I used to feel was the true heart of NASCAR and the Chase any better - "More powerful than anything is the will to WIN."
Let's just hope that this longing spirit flows into those who are supposed to be the top level drivers in this sport, leaving fans to be treated to the once-exciting racing that we all continue to clamor for. Otherwise, we will be left hoping that Miles will actually awaken and stomp around the concrete mile crushing all those who get in his way. What a great way to yell, 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!
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...
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...
@RyanBlaney22: Wow that's a great #22 team right there. Honored to be able to drive it. @FordRacing @DiscountTire couldn't do it without you.
@kaseykahne: Sore today but you'll have that when you hit walls. Was racing hard with the 55 and lost it. Feel bad for my guys, will be ready for Dover
@JimmieJohnson: How about the 20 car? @MurphyMark12: I find it funny how all these "NASCAR fans" are giving up on the sport because JJ is dominating it.
@pkligerman (Parker Kligerman): Congrats to @RyanBlaney22 though, after being close to doin that last year in that car myself. It's cool 2 see him get it done! #Welldone
@keselowski (Brad Keselowski): Shhhh! Haha, yes he is. @jim_utter: Somebody might wanna pick up that Blaney kid. He could be a keeper :)"
@CoreyLaJoie: Winner winner 🐔🐔🐔🐔 dinner. It sure makes all the late nights worth it right here. #3forDale #confettifalling pic.twitter.com/ERkMrJaGNq
@bscottracing (Brian Scott): Thanks for all the kind notes! Im extremely excited for my @NASCAR Sprint Cup debut @CLTMotorSpdwy in the #33. Can't wait 4 that horsepower!
@JeffGordonWeb: Thinking of u @SteveByrnes12 and sending best wishes to u and ur family at this time.
@MartinTruexJr56: BREAKING NEWS: my wrist has not healed at all yet...
@Kenny_Wallace: Still amazes me to this day at age 50 how people get up at 5-5:30 a.m and act like it's NOON?
@KevinHarvick: Apparently mashed potatoes are not Keelan's favorite... http://instagram.com/p/edg-_XRkCJ/
@alexbracing (Alex Bowman): Another team's hauler hit a bear... robbybenton describes said bear. http://instagram.com/p/efEP8tiJEs/
@BubbaWallace (Darrell Wallace Jr.): Don't be late for dinner... @elliott_sadler #thatwalktho http://instagram.com/p/eqN3GZCcxZ/
@Elliott_Sadler: You got me... That was funny... Payback !! "@BubbaWallace: Don't be late for dinner..@elliott_sadler #thatwalktho http://Instagram.com/p/eqN3GZCcxZ/ "
@DanicaPatrick: A few people would understand the panic I have because I am out of cinnamon.
@paulieharraka: If you have breakfast at 4:20 AM, what do you call the meal you eat at 9? #hungry
Kevin Rutherford is an Assistant Editor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at kevin.rutherford@frontstretch.com. Follow him on Twitter at @surfwax83.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
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:
by Tom Bowles
by Toni Montgomery
Happiness Is...Trucks, Singapore, Sagacity, Kahne, and Vacation
by Huston Ladner
Top Ten Ways to Beat Matt Kenseth for the Cup Championship
by Huston Ladner
Top Ten Ways to Beat Matt Kenseth for the Cup Championship
by the Frontstretch Staff
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: The 1993 SplitFire Spark Plugs 500 at Dover was an absolutely crucial race for Rusty Wallace if he wanted to stay in the championship hunt. Wallace did his part, leading 215 laps and taking the win. For Dale Earnhardt, the day wasn't all that great by comparison. What happened?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Tuesday's Answer:
Q: The 1996 MBNA 500 at Dover is likely best known for Jimmy Spencer going after Wally Dallenbach, Jr. following a late-race wreck. However, Derrike Cope had quite a day in his own right, getting involved in a crash with Dale Earnhardt, then being prominently involved in getting Ernie Irvan (who was leading at the time) to crash as well. However, the end of his day was not even his fault. What happened?
A: What happened to Cope was somewhat similar to what happened to Burton in 2000 from Monday's question. With a little more than 30 laps to go, Cope blew a right front tire and went hard into the outside wall while running 22nd. The car slid down to the apron ablaze before coming to a halt. The crash can be seen here.
Cope was OK after the wreck, but was out for the day. He was credited with a 31st-place finish.
Cope was OK after the wreck, but was out for the day. He was credited with a 31st-place finish.
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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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. Among them: Does 5-Hour Energy think the sport is scripted?
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 Dover.
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, Alan Gustafson checks in as the teams head back to the Monster Mile.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth is back with all of the latest and greatest storylines to come out of the Truck Series. This week, Miguel Paludo checks in with his driver diary.
-----------------------------Mirror Driving by the Frontstretch Staff
Your favorite Frontstretch writers are back to discuss a variety of weekly storylines. Among them: Does 5-Hour Energy think the sport is scripted?
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 Dover.
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, Alan Gustafson checks in as the teams head back to the Monster Mile.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth is back with all of the latest and greatest storylines to come out of the Truck Series. This week, Miguel Paludo checks in with his driver diary.
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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