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 11th, 2013
Volume VII, Edition CLX
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The 12-year anniversary of September 11th is today. Never forget... the Frontstretch Staff sends our best to all those affected by the 2001 tragedy in New York City, Washington, D.C. and elsewhere.
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News 'N' Notes
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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The 12-year anniversary of September 11th is today. Never forget... the Frontstretch Staff sends our best to all those affected by the 2001 tragedy in New York City, Washington, D.C. and elsewhere.
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Top News
by Tom BowlesThe Latest On Michael Waltrip Racing's Penalties... And The Fallout
More than 24 hours after 50-point penalties, along with a $300,000 fine altered the Chase field, crippling the effort of Michael Waltrip Racing the storyline continues to swirl. Now, the sponsors are looking to have their say, with at least one primary backer reconsidering its future involvement with the team. NAPA Auto Parts, which has backed Waltrip in some way, shape, or form since 2001 released a terse statement on Facebook in which executives expressed displeasure with the way the Richmond race played out.
"The actions taken by Michael Waltrip's Racing team this past weekend," the company explained. "Leading to the penalties assessed by NASCAR are very concerning. We are disappointed that a partner associated with our organization would make such a significant error in judgment. We have launched our own review to determine the future of our partnership with Michael Waltrip's Racing team."
"We share a passion with our customers, for high quality racing and seek to determine the best course of action for our customers, NASCAR fans, and the NAPA organization."
5-Hour Energy, the primary sponsor of "Spingate" suspect Clint Bowyer is also reconsidering their involvement with the team, according to sources. Bowyer, who apologized to Ryan Newman ten minutes after the penalties were announced Monday night seemed to backtrack on that during multiple Tuesday appearances on ESPN's SportsCenter.
"No," he said, point-blank when asked if his wreck, which caused a caution that changed the outcome of the race, in favor of teammate Truex was intentional. "Anytime something happens on the racetrack, it's unfortunate. If I had a crystal ball and could have told you everything lined up just perfectly the way it did, there's no way you could do all that math and know everything that happened."
"No," he said, point-blank when asked if his wreck, which caused a caution that changed the outcome of the race, in favor of teammate Truex was intentional. "Anytime something happens on the racetrack, it's unfortunate. If I had a crystal ball and could have told you everything lined up just perfectly the way it did, there's no way you could do all that math and know everything that happened."
Bowyer's comments were the most candid denial yet, just hours after he pleaded, "Let's not dig too much into this" when asked the first time during his round of appearances. The driver remains the lone MWR representative in the Chase, sitting just 15 points away from the championship lead entering Chicagoland.
Bowyer's crew chief, Brian Pattie for his part claimed he asked the driver about his arm due to poison oak the driver suffered earlier in the week. "You ask him about how his arm's feeling," he told SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio, "And all of a sudden, it's a controversy."
Hendrick Feels Jeff Gordon Was Robbed
A driver whose Chase prospects were indirectly affected continues to fight for inclusion into the field. Jeff Gordon, who lost out by two points to Joey Logano for entry had his owner Rick Hendrick putting on the full court press Monday night. In a text message to the Charlotte Observer, Hendrick claimed he was angry over the incident and was that, "Jeff Gordon got robbed. On to the Chase to try and win it."
At the moment, it appears that Gordon will remain excluded from the field. Rumors that further penalties are forthcoming have been dying down, Wednesday morning and NASCAR, on the record has accepted all apologies on the incident. Gordon, missing just the second Chase of his career wound up eighth after the late-race caution shook up the field. He was set to make the postseason, by entering the top 10 in points until Bowyer spun out.
At the moment, it appears that Gordon will remain excluded from the field. Rumors that further penalties are forthcoming have been dying down, Wednesday morning and NASCAR, on the record has accepted all apologies on the incident. Gordon, missing just the second Chase of his career wound up eighth after the late-race caution shook up the field. He was set to make the postseason, by entering the top 10 in points until Bowyer spun out.
News 'N' Notes
- The regular season finale at Richmond, while flat in the Nielsens received a slight uptick in viewership. NASCAR's Saturday night race, broadcast on ABC received a 3.3 rating, flat with last year but while the total audience in front of the television increased by about 75,000. Overall, 5.15 million people viewed the race to mark the fifth time in seven events the ABC/ESPN package has topped that number.
- Eric McClure tweeted this morning that after a lengthy hospital stay for kidney problems, he's been cleared to race and will drive in Saturday's Nationwide Series event at Chicagoland for TriStar Motorsports. McClure, who earned his first career top-10 finish this season had missed four consecutive events due to health problems, with Jeff Green filling in at the No. 14 Hefty Chevrolet.
- The future of Rockingham Speedway, this Wednesday remains in doubt. Several races, from the K&N Pro Series to the UARA circuit have been canceled in recent days, with rumors swirling financial problems will have the 1.017-mile oval closing its doors. Owner Andy Hillenburg had made several steps in recent years to bring the former Sprint Cup Series racetrack back into the spotlight; the last two seasons, he had landed a Camping World Truck Series date at the track. But attendance, even for those races was nowhere near enough to sustain a profit.
- Bobby Labonte confirmed this week he will return to the No. 47 JTG-Daugherty Racing Toyota beginning at Loudon next Sunday. The 49-year-old, without a ride for next season will finish out his contract with the team after breaking three ribs in a bicycling accident this August. AJ Allmendinger, the team's full-time driver for 2014 has been subbing while Labonte is out.
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
Will Chi-Town Result In A Chase Shakedown?
WTF Wednesdays
by Ellen Richardson
As we roll into hump day, no NASCAR fan can deny it has been one wild week. With many expressing their anger or disappointment with the controversy that has continued to spin, around both the Chase and Michael Waltrip Racing, there's another angle to counter those emotions. With many fans swearing off the sport, in the wake of these incidents for the final ten races the buzz has actually piqued my interest. The question now, for both the sport and those who cover it is... am I alone in that?
Call me a motorsports drama queen, or maybe just someone who enjoys sharing her opinion on breaking news, but I'm completely enamored by what's going on. Here we sit, just a few short days from the official start to the 2013 Chase For The Sprint Cup and for the first time in a very long time, I am clinging to the edge of my seat. Will Chi-Town result in a serious Chase Shakedown, with parties from all sides "throwing off the gloves," so to speak and raring up rivalries at the racetrack?
Based on this crazy week, I think we know where it will all begin. All eyes will be on Michael Waltrip Racing. Whether your reason is to wonder if this team can compete, with this major monkey wrench on their back, hope that Clint Bowyer will be given a real reason to spin out, or actually prove they can be a Chase contender following their penalties, they're front and center in the NASCAR garage. Who can blame a fan for tuning in, or taking it to the Windy City to find out what might happen next to this often controversial outfit?
There's also another part of this story, sure to have fans wondering if more than an on-track hit will be issued for one certain MWR driver. Bowyer's spin in the final laps of Saturday night's Federated Auto Parts 400 not only affected Ryan Newman but left a longtime NASCAR favorite watching this year's Chase from outside the bubble. As he watched the sanctioning body make their major penalty announcement Monday night, Jeff Gordon's hopes were once again dashed. Bowyer was allowed to continue to compete, aiming for a chance at the championship, despite a seemingly intentional act that had the indirect consequences of leaving his rival out in the cold.
Gordon, one of the most professional in the field rarely takes to social media to vent. So, seeing his obvious frustration with the Twitter comment, "Feel bad for Truex. He got in under controversy now out due to it. But the guy who started all of this not effected at all??? Don't agree!" has me thinking that the often timid driver is sure to impart some serious Chicagoland rage on Bowyer. The two have plenty of past history, between Martinsville and Phoenix last season, scabs that never completely healed and are now more than likely to be "picked."
Although the NASCAR world is up-in-arms, as the Chase begins, let's look at the silver lining of what transpired. A driver who has continued to have some rather bad luck this season, along with losing his ride has a chance to pull off a wonderful upset. After Richmond, many fans might have been left wondering if Ryan Newman could have been the one Stewart-Haas driver to actually not only make the Chase, but contend for the title. Now... he has that chance. Who could have asked for a better way to end his tenure at the team before hopping into Richard Childress Racing's No. 31 in 2014? The question that now lingers in my mind is, can Newman's tremendous fortune this week continue in Chi-Town?
Totally off the cuff from any major news, my final WTF moment surrounding the start to the 2013 Chase For The Sprint Cup in Chicago involves last season's champion. I can't help but wonder, with his own opportunity shot will Brad Keselowski take it in his hands to help bring home another title to Penske Racing? According to Sports Illustrated, Keselowski has actually selected his teammate, Joey Logano to have a great shot at winning this season's Sprint Cup, saying, "Quite honestly, as it stands right now with how he's ran over the last few weeks, he would be my favorite to win the championship."
Don't get me wrong; I am not actually saying that Keselowski is going to resort to illegal tactics. But this is racing and there are ways to help without hurting. The reigning champ's experience is bound to benefit Logano, who - with six straight top-10 finishes before the Richmond debacle - remains one of the hottest drivers on the Sprint Cup circuit. Penske Racing as a whole, at the last two intermediates appeared to have the fastest cars.
Will that happen again? Can MWR recover? And what will Hendrick Motorsports do, a mere week after seeing their driver "knocked out" of title contention? No matter what, here's hoping that Chi-Town has us all wondering WTF will happen next in this year's dramatic Chase For The Sprint Cup.
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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Numbers Game: Federated Auto Parts 400
by Tom Bowles
0
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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Numbers Game: Federated Auto Parts 400
by Tom Bowles
0
Laps led at Richmond, Denny Hamlin's hometown track, on Saturday night. It's the third time in his last four starts the short track specialist has failed to lead a lap there. With 259 laps led overall... he's headed towards a career low in that category for a full season.
1
1
Driver who's ever been removed from the Chase, after the fact in NASCAR's history. Martin Truex, Jr. is now infamous despite racing hard for a seventh-place finish Saturday night.
1
1
Driver to earn his first career Chase appearance this season: Joey Logano. Logano snuck in despite running a dismal 22nd at Richmond.
2
Points that kept Jeff Gordon from making the Chase (Joey Logano would have won the tiebreaker). For Saturday night's pole sitter, the number is really 5 DNFs, more than any Chase contender which kept him outside the top 10 in points nearly all season long.
2
2
Reigning champions who have missed the Chase the following year: Tony Stewart (2006) and Brad Keselowski (2013).
2
2
Drivers who have missed four or more races that remain ahead of Danica Patrick in the point standings: Tony Stewart and Mark Martin. Patrick, a distant 30th at Richmond has just one top-20 finish since the series returned from its final off week in mid-July.
3
3
Top-5 finishes in the final four races to close for Kurt Busch. That's more than anyone else who made the Chase, during that stretch besides Joey Logano.
4
4
Straight finishes of 28th or worse for Jimmie Johnson; he was 40th at Richmond after a bad alternator and a blown tire. That has never happened in the five-time Sprint Cup Series champion's career.
5
5
Caution flags at Richmond Saturday night. Three of those yellows were for debris.
13
13
Regular season races between top-10 finishes for Mark Martin this season. The driver, who is expected to retire after Homestead was ninth at Richmond in Tony Stewart's No. 14 Chevrolet.
26.0
26.0
Average finish in the last two races for reigning champion Brad Keselowski, a number that ultimately caused him to miss the Chase. Kes led a total of 173 laps during that span -- that's more than four drivers who made the postseason field have led all season long.
51
51
Laps led by Kevin Harvick this season, the fewest of any driver who made this year's Chase. Harvick, however, has two victories to go with that.
$110,661
$110,661
The money Jimmie Johnson earned at Richmond by running 40th.
$57,725
$57,725
The money Josh Wise earned at Richmond, for Front Row Motorsports by starting-and-parking in 41st. I guess the purse cuts were only for the backmarkers?
Tom Bowles is the Editor-In-Chief and majority owner for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via e-mail at frontstretcheditors@googlegroups.com and followed on Twitter @NASCARBowles.
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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...
@mw55 (Michael Waltrip): This wasn't a master plan or about a spin. It's about a split-second decision made by Ty to try to help a teammate. I stand by my people.
@ClintBowyer: No rear-view mirrors in life, just windshield ahead. It's been a great year and is going to be a great Chase. Time to move on!!!@Kenny_Wallace: For most part #Nascar did GOOD, I would put #15 last in points #12th ......"@flatwoodypastor: Agree or Disagree with MWR penalties and why?
@Brendan62 (Brendan Gaughan): Hey @RodneyChilders4 guess you got out just in time 😉
@MStheGunslinger (Mike Skinner): Some of these people crack me up. I love their loyalty, but they have tunnel vision no matter what their guy does he's not guilty. I love 'em
@J_Allgaier (Justin Allgaier): I think this day will be marked down in the calendar as MONUMENTAL in the sport of @NASCAR. Like it or hate it, I'm glad they are trying!
@JakeSnakeCrum: I just want to point out that $300,000 would get this guy into a few @NASCAR_Trucks races. That is all.
@AndyLally: Take that F1!!! That's how you deal with race manipulation. I didn't see that coming at all.
@joeylogano: Really proud of my team. Glad we got the bad race out of the way. Now 10 good ones in a row. #nevergiveup
@KurtBusch: We were so pumped about #makethechase that we forgot to celebrate our best finish of the year! Proud of my @FR78Racing for their effort
@bscottracing (Brian Scott): My team did great! It's hard to summarize how I feel in under 140 letters... Thanks for all the support! @RCRracing will rise! #nascar
@RossChastain: Also, still looking for an answer on how a NASCAR race can run 20 laps with rubber below the groove. THEN throw the caution
@BubbaWallace (Darrell Wallace Jr.): Bummed to hear the news about @RockinghamSpeed! Hopefully that place can get things back rolling soon! Loved running there in LM & East car!
@ColeWhitt: Very excited and grateful to Brandon and @SwanRacingCo for this opportunity. Looking forward to Chicago!
@maxpapis: Tried to make it home from @RIRInsider but stopped and slept in my pickup ...I guess this make me full REDNECK !!!!
@JimmieJohnson: The folks that work in Maternity have amazing souls, thanks for taking such good care of my girls. Lets go home! #NeedMyBed
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:
Why a Compressed INDYCAR Schedule is the Right INDYCAR Schedule
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: Back in the late 1990s, Christian Elder was considered to be a star of the future in NASCAR. With the backing of Great Clips, Elder came to the then-Busch Series in 2001 to run a limited schedule for Akins-Sutton Motorsports (after multiple purchases, this is now Turner Scott Motorsports). However, Elder's NASCAR career came to an end at Chicagoland Speedway in 2002. What happened?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Monday's Answer:
Q: Earlier in the same IndyCar race, mentioned in Monday's question, Airton Dare was having a great run in A.J. Foyt's Harrah's-sponsored No. 14. However, the day ended in tears. What happened?
by Matt Stallknecht
by Mark Howell and Brett Poirier
by Tom Bowles
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: Back in the late 1990s, Christian Elder was considered to be a star of the future in NASCAR. With the backing of Great Clips, Elder came to the then-Busch Series in 2001 to run a limited schedule for Akins-Sutton Motorsports (after multiple purchases, this is now Turner Scott Motorsports). However, Elder's NASCAR career came to an end at Chicagoland Speedway in 2002. What happened?
Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Monday's Answer:
Q: Earlier in the same IndyCar race, mentioned in Monday's question, Airton Dare was having a great run in A.J. Foyt's Harrah's-sponsored No. 14. However, the day ended in tears. What happened?
A: Dare was running in the top 10 when he lost control exiting Turn 2 and spun hard into the outside wall. The impact sheared much of the right side of the car off, leaving Dare as a passenger as the car slid into the grass. However, Dare was able to exit the car under his own power and walk away from the crash. Unfortunately, there were no replays shown of the incident, despite its violence. Footage of the aftermath can be seen here.
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 NASCAR's historic penalties levied on Michael Waltrip Racing, Rockingham's woes, the beginning of the Chase and more!
Frontstretch Fan Q&A by Summer Bedgood
Summer takes on your NASCAR questions and answers them to the best of her ability. Be sure to send your questions in if there's something that's been nagging at you and you might see your name in print.
Fantasy Insider by Jeff Wolfe
Jeff brings fantasy racing back to Frontstretch this season. The week, he has your best bets as you fill out your roster for Chicagoland.
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, Tony Gibson checks in as the teams head off to Chicagoland for the first race in the Chase.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth is back with all of the latest and greatest storylines to come out of the Truck Series.
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 NASCAR's historic penalties levied on Michael Waltrip Racing, Rockingham's woes, the beginning of the Chase and more!
Frontstretch Fan Q&A by Summer Bedgood
Summer takes on your NASCAR questions and answers them to the best of her ability. Be sure to send your questions in if there's something that's been nagging at you and you might see your name in print.
Fantasy Insider by Jeff Wolfe
Jeff brings fantasy racing back to Frontstretch this season. The week, he has your best bets as you fill out your roster for Chicagoland.
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, Tony Gibson checks in as the teams head off to Chicagoland for the first race in the Chase.
Truckin' Thursdays by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth is back with all of the latest and greatest storylines to come out of the Truck Series.
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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
Today's Fan Feedback: Regina Spence - NJ
In response to S.D. Grady's Tuesday column on who to root for this Chase...
I'm in the same boat as you are. Considering the massive cheating that went on at Richmond, my guy, Jeff Gordon, is still inexplicably on the sidelines. I have no interest in cheering for any of the list of drivers in the chase and I share many of the same reasons that you do for not wanting to choose another driver.
My solution at this point is simple. I don't plan to bother watching any of the next 10 races. I simply don't care who wins NASCAR's fake 10-race event anyway – although I will most likely scream to high heavens if it should turn out to be Bowyer or Johnson.
NASCAR has managed to turn a devoted fan into a casual one and a cynical, jaded casual fan at that.
--
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