THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Want to follow Kyle Larson yourself?
Twitter: @KyleLarsonRacin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KyleLarsonRacing
Website (under construction): http://kylelarsonracing.com/
Looking for a little history? Try... http://kylelarsonracing.net/
S.D. Grady is a Senior Editor for Frontstretch and runs a NASCAR blog called the S-Curves. She can be reached via e-mail at sonya.grady@frontstretch.com. Follow her on Twitter at @laregna and on her Facebook page (she's an author, too!) at https://www.facebook.com/Author.SDGrady.
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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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Numbers Game: AdvoCare 500
by Tom Bowles
0
17
39
Tom Bowles is the Editor-In-Chief of Frontstretch. He can be reached via e-mail at tom.bowles@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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:
Racing To The Point: The Possibilities Of A NASCAR Hype Machine
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 Tom Bowles
-- WTF Wednesday by Ellen Richardson
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
September 3rd, 2013
Volume VII, Edition CLXIV
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
September 3rd, 2013
Volume VII, Edition CLXIV
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What to Watch: Tuesday- Tony Stewart is scheduled to speak to the media for the first time since his Sprint Car crash in Iowa back in August. The teleconference is scheduled for 2pm EDT. We'll have a news write-up about the press conference in tomorrow's Newsletter, and if something big breaks, we'll have a breaking news posting at Frontstretch.
- Also, Tuesday is typically penalty day in NASCAR, and we have a couple of takers this week. Both Nelson Piquet, Jr. and Kyle Larson's Turner Scott Motorsports Chevrolet Camaros failed post race inspection Saturday night in Atlanta due to measuring too low. Look for a points-penalty to be announced either today or tomorrow.
- Also, Tuesday is typically penalty day in NASCAR, and we have a couple of takers this week. Both Nelson Piquet, Jr. and Kyle Larson's Turner Scott Motorsports Chevrolet Camaros failed post race inspection Saturday night in Atlanta due to measuring too low. Look for a points-penalty to be announced either today or tomorrow.
In addition, there could possibly be penalties that come out of the last lap shenanigans in Canada on Sunday. While most of it might be covered under the "Boys, Have At It" rules, the slap of Max Papis, by Mike Skeen's girlfriend Kelly Heaphy might fall outside of those parameters.
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Top News
by Tom Bowles
JTG Daugherty To Chevy?
A new driver isn't the only change potentially on the way for JTG Daugherty Racing. In an interview with FOX Sports, co-owner Brad Daugherty said a new manufacturer contract has not been signed for the No. 47 car in 2014. Aligned with Toyota since going full-time, in 2009 the organization is exploring other options after struggling, in their own shop this season. The team has just one top-10 finish in 25 starts, what would be a season low since moving into their own shop and utilizing the Triad engine program.
"We'd like nothing more than to have a relationship opportunity with Toyota," Daugherty said. "But as we look at our entire program, we're looking at every aspect of it and trying to see what will benefit us. We're going to be selfish with that as we get into next year to see what gives us the best opportunity to be competitive."
"We'd like nothing more than to have a relationship opportunity with Toyota," Daugherty said. "But as we look at our entire program, we're looking at every aspect of it and trying to see what will benefit us. We're going to be selfish with that as we get into next year to see what gives us the best opportunity to be competitive."
One option going forward is an alliance with Chevy and Richard Childress Racing, similar to what Furniture Row Racing and Kurt Busch have this season. The No. 78 car, with Busch is enjoying its best season, sitting 10th in points and in position to make the Chase with a solid run at Richmond.
In the meantime, the organization remains noncommittal for when current driver Bobby Labonte will get back in the seat. Recovering from three broken ribs, he's day-to-day and may cede additional time to substitute driver AJ Allmendinger. Allmendinger was hired full-time Friday to drive the No. 47 car in 2014.
Skeen Releases Statement
One day after Max Papis suffered a dislocated jaw, courtesy his girlfriend Camping World Truck Series driver Mike Skeen is speaking out. The incident, which has made national news developed after Skeen and Papis made contact on the final lap, sending both trucks into the tire barrier. A heated series of postrace confrontations followed, including one where Skeen's girlfriend, Kelly Heaphy made the infamous "slap heard round the NASCAR world.""First and foremost, I want to say that I am proud of the Sharp-Gallaher Racing team and my performance in Sunday's race," Skeen said. "The last-turn incident can be interpreted different ways, as most altercations in racing can. Max escalated the situation beginning on the cool down lap and as soon as we got behind the wall. We spoke face to face, and then I left to return to the garage. I was unaware of the incident with Kelly [Heaphy] until later. Max further escalated the situation by coming in our trailer and grabbing Kelly aggressively. I hope we can put this unfortunate incident past us and get back to racing. I'd like to thank SGR for the opportunity to make my first NASCAR Camping World Series start, and both NASCAR and Ron Fellows for hosting a first class event at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park."
No charges have been filed yet in the case, although NASCAR could send down penalties and/or suspensions Tuesday. Skeen, a North Carolinian making his NASCAR debut was 13th in the final rundown while Papis was listed in sixth.
Have news for Tom and the Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at ashland10@mail.com with a promising lead or tip.
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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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Today's Featured Commentary
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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!
~~~~~~~~~~
Today's Featured Commentary
Fans and Fists Never Mix
Sitting In The Stands: A Fan's View
by S.D. Grady
There were lots of heated words exchanged between drivers on Sunday. It seemed no matter what, somebody was trying to squeeze into somebody else's space, using their vehicles as high horsepower wedges--sometimes at high speeds. As always, the on-track antics add a certain amount of entertainment to races that can devolve into little more than parades. However, as we all know, the anger that turns the airwaves blue doesn't always dissipate when the checkered flag falls. Sometimes the entertainment continues.
We just didn't think it would end like it did at the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. After Chase Elliott dumped Ty Dillon into the tire barrier for the win, Mike Skeen tried to duplicate the move on Max Papis and failed...spectacularly. Both Skeen's No. 6 and Papis' No. 14 trucks ended up in the grass and tires. They spent the cool down lap discussing just how mad they were at each other by adding more dents to their doors and gesticulating as creatively as possible. But that was not enough. Skeen's crew tried for some one-on-one discussion after Papis got out his truck, but Max wanted to talk to the truck rookie driver face to face. He went to the No. 6 hauler, where he did not manage to locate Skeen. Some reports have Papis pulling or pushing people out of the way in his efforts to enter the hauler.
What did happen after that we have on TV. After Papis finished a quick interview with Hermie Sadler for FOX Sports 1, he turned to leave but was detained by a woman--later we learned out she was Kelly Heaphy, Skeen's girlfriend. She shook her finger at Papis before winding up and slapping him across the left cheek. Papis said the blow dislocated his jaw.
And this is where we left the field of competition and entered an episode of Cops.
While teams can push and shove against the members of other teams, and officials must be called upon to separate the antagonists, it is never acceptable for a member of the public to approach a competitor and physically assault them. And that's what a girlfriend is--a fan with a Hot Pass. A guest of the team and expected to act as a spectator and nothing more.
I won't ask what she was thinking. I'm not interested. There is no justifiable reason I can think of for her actions. If you physically confront a competitor in any other major sporting event, you get arrested, evicted from the venue and future ticket privileges are suspended.
Yes, emotions are running high at the end of a race. We expect a certain amount of heated debate between the teams. We can even anticipate seeing a few tussles in the stands amongst fans from differing camps. But there simply should never be a mingling of those confrontations.
It is not the fans' business to influence actions on the track or in the garage.
So, that being said, what should be done with Ms. Heaphy? Papis advised NASCAR of the incident. As of 7:30 Monday night, NASCAR has been mute on the subject. At the very least, I expect her hard card to be pulled indefinitely. Since she was a guest of the No. 6 team, it then falls upon the owner to answer to NASCAR as well. Where Skeen is only a new and sometime competitor in the NASCAR ranks, money and points deductions seem pretty useless. Indefinite suspension from the sport might send the right message to the team.
As a race car team, you can always get angry at the track. You can probably put a few dents in the other guy's fenders and quite possibly put him in the wall without repercussion. Your crew members might get away with making nasty comments to the enemy. But never, ever should there be somebody sitting on the pit box as a guest who even thinks about lifting a hand in anger to one of the other team.
Unconscionable.
If you want to see know how a pair of adults deal with an evening's disappointments, consider how Jeff Gordon and Carl Edwards handled their post-Atlanta discussions. They spoke briefly after getting out of their cars. Neither were happy with the result of the conversation. A little later they were observed in the motor home lot shaking hands. Two competitors angry. Two men man enough to settle their differences in a mature and effective manner...at least until we get to Richmond.
Kyle Larson Stat
Series: Nationwide
Track: Atlanta
Car: No. 32 Cessna Chevrolet
Qualified: 13th
Finished: 5th
Points Standings: 7th
Note: The No. 32 Chevy did fail post-race inspection: too low in the front. We are waiting for the usual Tuesday penalties announcement.
There were lots of heated words exchanged between drivers on Sunday. It seemed no matter what, somebody was trying to squeeze into somebody else's space, using their vehicles as high horsepower wedges--sometimes at high speeds. As always, the on-track antics add a certain amount of entertainment to races that can devolve into little more than parades. However, as we all know, the anger that turns the airwaves blue doesn't always dissipate when the checkered flag falls. Sometimes the entertainment continues.
We just didn't think it would end like it did at the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. After Chase Elliott dumped Ty Dillon into the tire barrier for the win, Mike Skeen tried to duplicate the move on Max Papis and failed...spectacularly. Both Skeen's No. 6 and Papis' No. 14 trucks ended up in the grass and tires. They spent the cool down lap discussing just how mad they were at each other by adding more dents to their doors and gesticulating as creatively as possible. But that was not enough. Skeen's crew tried for some one-on-one discussion after Papis got out his truck, but Max wanted to talk to the truck rookie driver face to face. He went to the No. 6 hauler, where he did not manage to locate Skeen. Some reports have Papis pulling or pushing people out of the way in his efforts to enter the hauler.
What did happen after that we have on TV. After Papis finished a quick interview with Hermie Sadler for FOX Sports 1, he turned to leave but was detained by a woman--later we learned out she was Kelly Heaphy, Skeen's girlfriend. She shook her finger at Papis before winding up and slapping him across the left cheek. Papis said the blow dislocated his jaw.
And this is where we left the field of competition and entered an episode of Cops.
While teams can push and shove against the members of other teams, and officials must be called upon to separate the antagonists, it is never acceptable for a member of the public to approach a competitor and physically assault them. And that's what a girlfriend is--a fan with a Hot Pass. A guest of the team and expected to act as a spectator and nothing more.
I won't ask what she was thinking. I'm not interested. There is no justifiable reason I can think of for her actions. If you physically confront a competitor in any other major sporting event, you get arrested, evicted from the venue and future ticket privileges are suspended.
Yes, emotions are running high at the end of a race. We expect a certain amount of heated debate between the teams. We can even anticipate seeing a few tussles in the stands amongst fans from differing camps. But there simply should never be a mingling of those confrontations.
It is not the fans' business to influence actions on the track or in the garage.
So, that being said, what should be done with Ms. Heaphy? Papis advised NASCAR of the incident. As of 7:30 Monday night, NASCAR has been mute on the subject. At the very least, I expect her hard card to be pulled indefinitely. Since she was a guest of the No. 6 team, it then falls upon the owner to answer to NASCAR as well. Where Skeen is only a new and sometime competitor in the NASCAR ranks, money and points deductions seem pretty useless. Indefinite suspension from the sport might send the right message to the team.
As a race car team, you can always get angry at the track. You can probably put a few dents in the other guy's fenders and quite possibly put him in the wall without repercussion. Your crew members might get away with making nasty comments to the enemy. But never, ever should there be somebody sitting on the pit box as a guest who even thinks about lifting a hand in anger to one of the other team.
Unconscionable.
If you want to see know how a pair of adults deal with an evening's disappointments, consider how Jeff Gordon and Carl Edwards handled their post-Atlanta discussions. They spoke briefly after getting out of their cars. Neither were happy with the result of the conversation. A little later they were observed in the motor home lot shaking hands. Two competitors angry. Two men man enough to settle their differences in a mature and effective manner...at least until we get to Richmond.
Kyle Larson Stat
Series: Nationwide
Track: Atlanta
Car: No. 32 Cessna Chevrolet
Qualified: 13th
Finished: 5th
Points Standings: 7th
Note: The No. 32 Chevy did fail post-race inspection: too low in the front. We are waiting for the usual Tuesday penalties announcement.
Want to follow Kyle Larson yourself?
Twitter: @KyleLarsonRacin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KyleLarsonRacing
Website (under construction): http://kylelarsonracing.com/
Looking for a little history? Try... http://kylelarsonracing.net/
S.D. Grady is a Senior Editor for Frontstretch and runs a NASCAR blog called the S-Curves. She can be reached via e-mail at sonya.grady@frontstretch.com. Follow her on Twitter at @laregna and on her Facebook page (she's an author, too!) at https://www.facebook.com/Author.SDGrady.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Numbers Game: AdvoCare 500
by Tom Bowles
0
Laps led by polesitter Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. The rookie was never a factor, falling back quickly and winding up in 16th place; he hasn't led a lap since Talladega in the Spring.
1
1
Time this season Clint Bowyer and Carl Edwards have led in two straight races. That's happened over the last two weeks, in Bristol and Atlanta.
2
2
Wins in the last two races for Joe Gibbs Racing. They now have nine wins overall, in 25 starts which is the most for any organization racing NASCAR Sprint Cup this season.
3
3
Straight top-5 finishes for Joey Logano. That's launched him up to eighth in the points and solid Chase contention entering Richmond.
4
4
Wins this season for Kyle Busch. That's the most for the driver since 2008, when he had a career-high eight.
8
8
Number of DNFs Sunday night in Atlanta - four for engine failures and four for start-and-parks.
9
9
Positions gained by Kurt Busch, during a late restart Sunday that got him from 11th to second, a move that all but secured his current 10th place position in points.
17
Drivers still eligible to make the Chase entering Richmond. Even Paul Menard, with a win and some help could claim a "wild card" spot.
28
28
Lead changes Sunday night, the highest at an unrestricted race this season. Only Talladega's Spring race (30) had more overall.
39
Difference, in points, between 10th place Kyle Busch and 16th place Jamie McMurray.
$120,015
$120,015
Money won by Brian Vickers for finishing 10th Sunday night.
$124,793
$124,793
Money won by Michael Waltrip Racing teammate Clint Bowyer for finishing 39th Sunday night.
Tom Bowles is the Editor-In-Chief of Frontstretch. He can be reached via e-mail at tom.bowles@frontstretch.com.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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:
Racing To The Point: The Possibilities Of A NASCAR Hype Machine
by Brad Morgan
by Phil Allaway
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: The 1997 Exide NASCAR Select Batteries 400 may be best known as the race where Kenny Irwin, Jr. made a huge splash in his debut, qualifying on the front row and finishing ninth. However, he did have a hand in causing a wreck. What happened?
Check back Wednesday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Monday's Answer:
Q: In September, 1991, Richmond International Raceway held their very first night race for the Winston Cup Series. However, for Larry Pearson, this particular event did not last all that long. What happened?
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: The 1997 Exide NASCAR Select Batteries 400 may be best known as the race where Kenny Irwin, Jr. made a huge splash in his debut, qualifying on the front row and finishing ninth. However, he did have a hand in causing a wreck. What happened?
Check back Wednesday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Monday's Answer:
Q: In September, 1991, Richmond International Raceway held their very first night race for the Winston Cup Series. However, for Larry Pearson, this particular event did not last all that long. What happened?
A: It is unclear what actually happened, but it appears that Pearson and Derrike Cope collided in Turn 3 and spun up the track. Pearson made contact with the outside wall, then was apparently hit by Michael Waltrip. Waltrip and Cope were able to continue, but Pearson was done for the night. He had to settle for a 36th-place (last) finish. The aftermath of the crash can be seen in this clip.
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 Tom Bowles
-- WTF Wednesday by Ellen Richardson
-- Tweet 'N' Greet by Kevin Rutherford
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
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Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, and more!
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Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
Did You Notice?... by Tom Bowles
Tom has reaction on all the main storylines from a busy week in NASCAR, including the rivalries that flared up after Atlanta, the future of older drivers in the sport and more.Side-by-Side: Chase Good or Bad for NASCAR by the Frontstretch Staff
This week, we pose a question about the infamous Chase for the Sprint Cup, the tenth incarnation of which will begin at Chicagoland Speedway. NASCAR Instituted the Chase in 2004 after fans complained that winning races wasn't emphasized enough. As the Chase enters its tenth incarnation, has it served its purpose or has it backfired on the sport? We'll have both sides of the argument and you can decide on your own.
Frontstretch Top 10 by the Frontstretch Staff
Your favorite writers are back with their Wednesday dose of NASCAR humor that leaves you laughing. This week's topic: Top Ten Driver Excuses for Not Making the Chase. Don't miss out!
Open-Wheel Wednesday by the Frontstretch Staff
Our open wheel experts return for another round table discussion after the craziness that was Baltimore.
NASCAR Power Rankings: Top 15 after Atlanta compiled by Michael Mehedin
Jimmie Johnson continues to hold the points lead despite all of his recent issues. However, did he maintain number one on our power rankings list? Experts you love from across the web, not just Frontstretch rank the drivers heading into Richmond as our weekly top 15 poll comes up for a vote once again.
Happiness Is... by P. Huston Ladner
Don't let your life sink into the pits. Huston looks at the bright side of racing stories we've seen in the past seven days.-----------------------------
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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