Thursday, October 31, 2013

The Frontstretch Newsletter: Penalties Issued in Dillon / Harvick Incident

THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
October 31st, 2013
Volume VII, Edition CCIV

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What to Watch: Thursday

- Thursday is the start of the race weekend in Texas.  Camping World Truck Series teams will be out on track for two practice sessions today.  The first session will be held from 6:00 - 7:00 PM EDT, while "Happy Hour" will be held from 7:30 - 9:00 PM EDT.  There will be no TV coverage of either session.

- In addition, today is the final day of a three-day test at Homestead-Miami Speedway for Sprint Cup teams ahead of Ford Championship Weekend.  Some squads (like Jimmie Johnson's No. 48 team) have already packed up and left for North Carolina, while others will keep a small squad in Homestead for the final day.

Top News
by Phil Allaway

Penalties Issued Following Sledgehammer Throw

Last Saturday's Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway will likely be best known for Darrell Wallace, Jr.'s historic victory.  However, late in the race, a crash involving Ty Dillon and Kevin Harvick, along with the pit road actions afterward, also made headlines.

Dillon got in the back of Harvick in Turn 2, spinning the Sprint Cup regular out, who then ran into the driver of the No. 3 Chevrolet. Dillon then responded with a number of unsuccessful attempts to spin out Harvick.  When both drivers got to pit road, Harvick blocked Dillon's stall and threw down his window net, prompting a scrum where a sledgehammer was thrown by a member of Dillon's team at Harvick's truck.

On Friday morning, NASCAR responded with penalties stemming from the pit road altercation. Marcus Richmond, crew chief of the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet, has been fined $10,000 for failing to maintain control of his crew.  Meanwhile, crew member Adam Brown was judged by NASCAR to be the person who three the sledgehammer at Harvick and was suspended indefinitely.

In their press release, NASCAR cited violations of multiple sections of the 2013 Camping World Truck Series Rule Book.  The sections cited were 12-1 (Actions Detrimental to Stock Car Racing) and 9-4A (Crew chief resumes responsibility for the actions of his driver, team owner, and team members in addition to himself).

There is no word as of yet from Richard Childress Racing as to whether they plan to appeal the penalties.

Sprint Cup Series AAA Texas 500: 43 cars entered

Drivers Ineligible to Earn Points:
No. 21- Trevor Bayne for Wood Brothers Racing
No. 30- Parker Kligerman for Swan Racing
No. 33- Austin Dillon for Circle Sport, LLC/Richard Childress Racing
No. 35- Josh Wise for Front Row Motorsports
No. 40- Landon Cassill for Hillman Racing/Circle Sport, LLC
No. 51- Kyle Larson for Phoenix Racing
No. 55- Elliott Sadler for Michael Waltrip Racing
No. 87- Joe Nemechek for NEMCO Motorsports/JRR

Driver Changes:
No. 30- Parker Kligerman is in the seat, replacing Cole Whitt.  This will be Kligerman's Sprint Cup Series debut.
No. 32- Timmy Hill returns to the seat, replacing Ken Schrader.
No. 33- Austin Dillon returns to the seat, replacing Tony Raines.

Since there are only 43 entries, no one will fail to qualify.

Nationwide Series O'Reilly Auto Parts Challenge: 40 cars entered

Drivers Ineligible to Earn Points:
No. 16- Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. for Roush Fenway Racing
No. 18- Matt Kenseth for Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 20- Denny Hamlin for Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 22- Brad Keselowski for Penske Racing
No. 33- Ty Dillon for Richard Childress Racing
No. 54- Kyle Busch for Kyle Busch Motorsports/Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 55- David Starr for Viva Motorsports
No. 79- Bryan Silas for Go Green Racing

Driver Changes:
No. 16- Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. is in the seat, replacing Ryan Reed.
No. 20- Denny Hamlin returns to the seat, replacing Brian Vickers.
No. 22- Brad Keselowski returns to the seat, replacing Joey Logano.
No. 24- Ryan Ellis returns to the seat, replacing Ken Butler, III.
No. 33- Ty Dillon returns to the seat, replacing Kevin Harvick.
No. 44- Cole Whitt returns to the seat, replacing Chad Hackenbracht.
No. 55- David Starr returns to the seat, replacing Jamie Dick.
No. 74- Carl Long returns to the seat, replacing Kevin Lepage.
No. 79- Bryan Silas returns to the seat, replacing Jeffrey Earnhardt.

Since there are only 40 drivers entered, no one will fail to qualify.  However, these teams must still qualify on speed:
No. 00- Blake Koch for SR2 Motorsports*
No. 10- Jeff Green for TriStar Motorsports*
No. 16- Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. for Roush Fenway Racing
No. 18- Matt Kenseth for Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 42- Josh Wise for The Motorsports Group, LLC*
No. 52- Joey Gase for Jimmy Means Racing
No. 55- David Starr for Viva Motorsports
No. 74- Carl Long for Mike Harmon Racing
No. 89- Morgan Shepherd for Shepherd Motor Ventures
No. 98- Kevin Swindell for Biagi-DenBeste Racing

Not Entered:
No. 17- Tanner Berryhill for Vision Racing
No. 34- James Buescher for Turner Scott Motorsports
No. 46- JJ Yeley for The Motorsports Group, LLC
No. 50- Danny Efland for MAKE Motorsports
No. 73- Derrike Cope for Creation-Cope Racing
No. 92- Dexter Stacey for KH Motorsports
No. 95- Reed Sorenson for Leavine Family Racing

Camping World Truck Series WinStar World Casino 350k: 34 trucks entered

Drivers Ineligible to Earn Points:
No. 51- Kyle Busch for Kyle Busch Motorsports
No. 84- Mike Harmon for Chris Fontaine, Inc./Mike Harmon Racing

Driver Changes:
No. 07- Chris Cockrum returns to the seat, replacing Jimmy Weller.
No. 6- Justin Lofton returns to the seat, replacing Daniel Hemric.
No. 39- Ryan Lynch is in the seat, replacing Ryan Sieg.
No. 51- Kyle Busch returns to the seat, replacing Denny Hamlin.
No. 63- Justin Jennings returns to the seat, replacing Scott Stenzel.
No. 81- David Starr returns to the seat, replacing Timmy Hill.
No. 84- Mike Harmon returns to the seat, replacing Brad Riethmeyer.
No. 93- Ryan Sieg returns to the seat, replacing Chris Jones.

Since there are only 34 trucks entered, no one will fail to qualify.  However, these teams still need to qualify on speed:
No. 02- Tyler Young for Young's Motorsports
No. 0- Chris Lafferty for JJC Racing*
No. 6- Justin Lofton for Sharp Gallaher Racing
No. 10- Jennifer Jo Cobb for JJC Racing
No. 21- Spencer Gallagher for Gallagher Motorsports
No. 27- Jeff Agnew for Hillman Racing/Team 7 Motorsports
No. 63- Justin Jennings for MB Motorsports
No. 92- Scott Riggs for RBR Enterprises
No. 93- Ryan Sieg for RSS Racing

Not Entered:
No. 14- Kevin Harvick for NTS Motorsports
No. 22- John Hunter Nemechek for SWM/NEMCO Racing
No. 30- Ben Kennedy for Turner Scott Motorsports
No. 33- Brandon Jones for Turner Scott Motorsports
No. 68- Clay Greenfield for Clay Greenfield Motorsports
No. 75- Caleb Holman for Henderson Motorsports
No. 94- Chase Elliott for Hendrick Motorsports
*- Expected to Start-and-Park

News and Notes:

- A number of teams will be running new colors this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway.  For example, Austin Dillon will be running the colors of Boot Barn on the No. 33 Chevrolet Sunday.  Boot Barn is a chain of stores that sell western wear (clothing, belt buckles, hats, etc.) in addition to boots.  In Texas, the company operates as Baskins Western & Work Wear.

- Dale Earnhardt, Jr. will race a special paint scheme for AMP Energy Gold, a new apple flavored variety of AMP Energy that will be available in stores, starting next week through January.  The car is similar to the regular AMP Energy scheme that Earnhardt, Jr. ran earlier this season, but with gold substituted for green.

- Regan Smith will be sponsored this week by Lionel Racing Collectibles, the company that manufactures most of the NASCAR diecast collectibles.  Lionel is launching a new contest called the Lionel Golden Ticket.  700 golden tickets have been placed in 2014 1:24 scale diecasts.  If a purchaser finds one of those tickets, they could win one of a number of prizes, including a ride-along with Dale Earnhardt, Jr., tours at various Sprint Cup team shops, driver meet-and-greets and more.  Naturally, a golden paint scheme to advertise the promotion will be raced by Smith.

- Finally, Kellogg's Pringles brand will be featured on the side of Michael Annett's No. 43 Pilot Travel Centers Ford in Saturday's O'Reilly Auto Parts Challenge.
 
Have news for Phil 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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Got NASCAR-related questions or comments?
Send them Summer Bedgood's way at summer.bedgood@frontstretch.com; and, if you're lucky, you'll get your name in print when she does her weekly column answering back to you – the fans that keep Frontstretch afloat. Frontstretch Fan Q & A will run on Thursdays with a whole new set of Fan Questions and Answers!

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Today's Featured Commentary
The New DW, Gen-6.1, and RCR: LOL, OMG, WTF
What's Vexing Vito
by Vito Pugliese

There are some that are celebrating Darrell Wallace, Jr.'s win at Martinsville in the Camping World Truck Series – and others who are poo-pooing it.  The first win by an African-American driver in nearly 50 years – that's half a century – was a watershed moment for the 20-year-old driver, who has a bright future head of him in NASCAR's upper divisions.  Some have tried to temper the importance of the race angle; no, I don't mean the championship implications from points leader Matt Crafton being caught up in the Ty Dillion / Kevin Harvick awkwardness, but the significance of a black driver winning in what has been predominantly a white sport -- at any level.

Those who have read of the life, times, and struggles of Wendell Scott will recall that the race he won in 1963 was not declared his until after the track had emptied – fearing a riot from the remaining crowd.  Considering the backwoods nature of many tracks, fans, and some competitors in the South during a volatile time in American race relations, Scott's accomplishments were every bit as important and groundbreaking as Jackie Robinson.  Considering NASCAR has been seen as "mainstream" for about 15 years now, the fact that the only African-American NASCAR driver who has had any modicum of success has been Bill Lester, speaks to the significance of Darrell Wallace, Jr.'s accomplishment.

It is important not just for the burgeoning career of a 20-year old driver, but what it means to the sport as a whole.  Danica Patrick has helped attract new fans and media attention to the sport when it desperately needed it with her Daytona 500 pole win, and as sponsorship dollars are still hard to come by, a fresh new face with marketability on par with Patrick, it serves as a boon for the entire sport, in addition to the exposure to a demographic that might not have paid attention before.

Let's face it: Despite how long it has had a network TV deal, NASCAR still has to overcome the inaccurate and absurd stereotype that it is the sport of rednecks and hillbillies, and the generalization that is unfairly attributed to those who like to watch cars go around in circles (i.e., you and I).

Bonehead comments like those from Jeremy Clements earlier this year in Daytona, or actions by a former Penske Racing crew member several years ago showing up in a Ku Klux Klan outfit as a prank, set the sport back years with people who are unaware of how inclusive and welcoming it truly is.  When Lewis Hamilton wins a Formula 1 race – or championship – there's really not much made of his ethnicity.  When it happens in NASCAR, there will be a different reaction due to the perception based on a period of time in our country – and one area of the country in particular.

Don't get things twisted – this was also not the result of some sponsor gimmick or experiment.  It happened because he is a talented race car driver, who isn't even old enough to buy a beer yet to spray in Victory Lane.  Congratulate the young man as well for a job well done, representing himself, the sport, his sponsors, and Kyle Busch Motorsports as well as any driver, in any series.  He led nearly half the race, took his time, was patient, and did not have resort to the cliché and cheesy "bump and run" to execute a pass or earn his first career win, that just happened to have some historical significance behind it as well.

He stands in stark contrast to the millionaire back-biting and name calling that was taking place behind him as he was celebrating with his first grandfather clock trophy.

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While the headlines from Martinsville heralded the win of Darrell Wallace, Jr., it was the actions and comments by Kevin Harvick, Ty Dillon, and Richard Childress that many fans were celebrating.  If there is any question why we need more short tracks and road courses in NASCAR, look no further than the 2013 Camping World Trucks season.  Does anything cool happen at Las Vegas or Kansas?  No.  Well, that was pretty sweet when Johnny Sauter and Ron Hornaday slid sideways in tandem a couple of years ago, but other than that, it's close confines and short tempers that make for the type of stock car soap opera we saw this weekend.

A few things struck me (not unlike the orange sledgehammer that was hurled at Harvick's truck) with regards to that fracas.  First of which was Kevin Harvick's assertion that the Dillon brothers have been spoon-fed success and don't respect other established people within the sport.  You mean like say, being plopped in the seat of the sport's biggest name a week after he was killed, and being afforded a life of riches and wealth to the tune of over $100 million in career winnings – and then slandering the name and reputation of the man and his family who provided you with it?

Also, unless I'm missing something, what has Austin Dillon ever done to anybody?  I know he didn't stomp on the Wood Brothers car after Richmond in 2003, or cuss out his crew regularly to the point where crew chiefs just say, "no thanks" after a while.  Kind of surprised RC didn't take his watch off the last time somebody got a little rough with one of his trucks, as he did in Kansas in 2011.

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A number of changes appear to be on the horizon for NASCAR in 2014.  New rules for aero, qualifying, and a report that horsepower will be cut by about 100 ponies, to help slow cars down and make for better racing.  With the aero package, NASCAR is toying with the idea of removing minimum front end clearance for pre- and post-race inspection.  Teams today spend vast treasures to conjure up special shocks and shims to help get the car through inspection, and then it's slammed to the ground at speed anyway.  Qualifying changes look to speed things up on the plate tracks where running by yourself is absolutely useless and irrelevant, while cutting the power looks to keep cars from hitting 210 mph entering the corners at 1.5-mile race tracks.

A few thoughts and suggestions: want to make qualifying fun and important?  Pay points for the pole.  You get a bonus point for leading a lap – even if it's accidentally during a green flag pit stop cycle, or if you just stay out during a caution.  So working for four hours on Friday to get the fastest lap out of your car should be good for  something…right?  Aero ideas?  Put the 2000 - 2001 aero package on the cars with the roof wicker and Lexan spoilers so they can see in front of them through the windshields.

Power is a tricky proposition; if you cut power do you do it with lower compression or a smaller engine?  If the engines are smaller, it will just mean they'll spin them faster and by the end of the season we'll have 10,000 rpm screamers making about the same power.  Smaller heads, restrictive exhaust, lower compression, or heavier pieces can all be used to help curtail the power levels that are now in excess of 900 hp.

Once you have the power reduced, then what?  Will the racing be any better or is it still going to be a battle of aero-push and track position?  Perhaps the best suggestion after dialing down the insane power levels we're seeing, is to loosen up the rules a bit so the teams can find speed in other areas of the car, making them drive, handle, and race better, rather than just trying to work a pit cycle so they start on the inside lane within the first two rows.  Oh by the way, you know where you don't have to worry about this kind of stuff at?

Road courses and short tracks.

Vito Pugliese is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.  He can be reached via e-mail at vito.pugliese@frontstretch.com.  Follow him on Twitter at @VitoPugliese.

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The Critic's Annex: British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch
by Phil Allaway

Hello, race fans.  Welcome back to the Critic's Annex, where we take an additional look at motorsports-related programming for your pleasure.  With the season beginning to wind down, the amount of programming available for consumption has begun to decrease. 

Over the past decade or so, this timeframe is when SPEED would air foreign series in order to fill time.  Even with the switch from SPEED and FUEL to FOX Sports 1 and 2, that appears to still be on for this winter.  The alternate programming started Sunday night with the WTCC (World Touring Car Championship) from Monza and FIA GT Series from Nogaro in France, a race that I actually critiqued live via SPEED2.com and wrote about here back in April.  Monday night saw FOX Sports 2 air the DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) and the BTCC (British Touring Car Championship) season openers.  I may cover some DTM in a week or two, but since DTM posts their races on YouTube, I will likely just do it from there.

For the BTCC, Round 1 of their 10 round (30 race) season was held at Brands Hatch on the 1.192-mile Indy circuit.  To American race fans, it's the short course that was used when CART raced there as part of a two-race European swing in 2003.  USAC did as well in 1978.

Now, it should be noted that this is more of a review broadcast than an actual race broadcast.  Combined, the three races held back on March 31st at Brands Hatch took up probably 2.5 hours, yet we've got an hour including commercials here.  As a result, there are a lot of cuts in the coverage.  We see the first couple of laps of Race No. 1, there's spin that brings out the Safety Car (Full Course Caution).  They go to commercial, and all of a sudden, it's Lap 10.  That'll give you an idea of where we're going here.

There is essentially no introduction to the races themselves.  There is an opening montage, then right to the start of the first race.  While there are some viewers that will like that, the BTCC isn't exactly a well-known series here in the United States.  As a result, viewers may not know much about the series, or anyone in it.  Some pre-race coverage would help viewers get to know somebody on the track.

David Addison and former driver Tim Harvey are in the booth for ITV4, which is basically what you would have if Spike were an over-the-air channel in the U.S.  Probably the first thing you notice with Addison is that he's a very fast commentator.  As a result, it can be a little hard to follow what he's saying.  Harvey serves as both the driving and technical expert in the booth.  I think that he does a decent job in there, but really has to wait his turn.  Compared to the dynamics that we're used to with NASCAR telecasts (and even to a lesser extent, IndyCar), it's very different.  Here, we hear too much from the analysts, who are considered the stars of the show.

After the individual races, we would get a full field rundown, then right to a break before the next race begins.  Following the third and final race, we saw the point standings.  Post-race interviews from all three races were sacrificed to the editing room as well.

Overall, I thought that the coverage that we got to see was halfway decent.  I didn't necessarily agree with all of the camera choices since we didn't always get the best possible shot.  The action that we did see was somewhat limited in scope.  I'd argue that if we got the full races, it would have been more inclusive.

The Addison-Harvey pair works well together and seem to be quite enthusiastic about the somewhat rough and tumble action out on the track.  However, the dynamic is quite different from what we're used to.

I hope you enjoyed this look at the BTCC from the Brands Hatch Indy circuit.  Next week, we'll be back with the Road Atlanta 115, the season finale for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East.  Until then, enjoy this weekend's racing from Texas and Abu Dhabi.

Phil Allaway is the Newsletter Manager and a Senior Writer at Frontstretch.com.  He can be reached via e-mail at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com.

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Frontstretch Line of the Week


"Sasquatch, yeah. I would not mind doing a commercial with him. I'm sure we could come up with something good. Their commercials are second to none. Hopefully, we can pull it off one day." - Daniel Hemric, on whether any comedic commercials are in his future via his sponsorship from Jack Link's.

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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
by Jeff Wolfe

NASCAR Mailbox: Not-So-Sweet Tea And Edging Open Wheel
by Summer Bedgood

by Mike Neff

by the Frontstretch Staff

by the Frontstretch Staff

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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:

Q:  Ken Schrader's time with the Wood Brothers was nothing short of miserable.  A grand total of two top-10 finishes in a season and change before getting fired.  The 2006 Dickies 500 was another miserable day that ended with a DNF.  What happeend?
 
Check back Friday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!

Wednesday's Answer:

Q:  Back in 2001, Texas Motor Speedway was mainly a one-groove race track.  Venture out of the groove, and bad things were likely to happen.  Kenny Wallace was trying to get a good finish for Innovative Motorsports, in the Nationwide Series but he didn't make it to Lap 10 before all heck went down.  What happened?

A: With one groove to play with, staying on the bottom to make passes was absolutely paramount.  Wallace tried to make a move to the inside of Ashton Lewis, Jr. in Turn 3 and got loose underneath the No. 46.  Wallace tried to save it, but bumped into Lewis'  left side and spun, backing hard into the outside wall.  The crash 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 Justin Tucker
-- In Case You Missed It by Beth Lunkenheimer
-- Keepin' It Short by Mike Neff
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, trivia, and more!

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Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:

Four Burning Questions: Texas by Matt Stallknecht
How will Sprint Cup's final short track event of the season turn out? Matt gives us a preview while looking at four major storylines the race weekend at Texas Motor Speedway should provide.

Holding A Pretty Wheel by Amy Henderson
Amy returns this week with another intriguing Friday commentary. This week, Amy takes a look at what she thinks was missing from NASCAR's penalty announcement in the Dillon / Harvick incident from Martinsville.

Nuts For Nationwide by Kevin Rutherford
Kevin has another interesting look at the Nationwide Series as they return to action in Texas

Voices From the Heartland by Jeff Meyer
Our Tennessee transplant returns with another interesting take on recent events.

Frontstretch Foto Funnies by the Frontstretch Staff
Pictures can lead to a thousand laughs; join us in our weekly dose of humor that comes from those candid moments at the track.

Formula 1 Fridays by Andy Hollis
Andy returns to give us an excellent look into Formula One ahead of this weekend's Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at the Yas Marina Circuit.

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©2013 Frontstretch.com

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Wednesday, October 30, 2013

The Frontstretch Newsletter: Alcohol Sponsor To Petty

THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
October 30th, 2013
Volume VII, Edition CCIII

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TOMORROW ON THE FRONTSTRETCH: Matt Kenseth's crew chief Jason Ratcliff stops by, dishing on strategy, Martinsville and the upcoming race at Texas! Don't miss it!

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What To Watch: Wednesday

- Testing continues at Homestead-Miami Speedway, through Thursday as NASCAR's top drivers prepare for the Sprint Cup season finale at the 1.5-mile oval. Teams there include Hendrick Motorsports, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, the Wood Brothers, Penske Racing, Michael Waltrip Racing, Phil Parsons Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing. HMS and EGR are the only teams that plan to stay through Halloween; all others will pack up at the end of today. No speeds were reported during Day 1.

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Top News
by Tom Bowles

Biffle Tries To Move On From Jimmie Johnson Incident

During his NASCAR media teleconference, this Tuesday Greg Biffle expanded on a Sunday incident with Chase rival Jimmie Johnson in which he got physical following some in-race frustration. While the driver had sent out a Twitter apology Monday, for his role in the off-track confrontation he spoke with Johnson by phone later in the day. The two appear to be on track to put the incident behind them heading to Texas and beyond.

"It was multi-layered," said Biffle of his long-term reaction once both sides calmed down. "I think the biggest thing was I was getting a lot of hate mail on Twitter from all the 48 fans about the way I reacted, so I was apologizing to the fans, not Jimmie Johnson at that point [Sunday].  My apology to Jimmie Johnson was on the telephone.  I don't text.  I do the old-fashioned telephone.  I know a lot of people don't do that anymore, so I was apologizing for probably the way I handled it."

For Biffle, the frustration seemed heightened by the fact he felt the No. 16 Ford was a winning car at one of his worst tracks. The driver has struggled at Martinsville, through the years and remains without a top-5 finish there in 22 career starts. His average finish of 20.2 is the third-worst for him anyplace on the Cup circuit; only Watkins Glen (23.1) and Kentucky (25.3) rank lower.

"When I was walking over there, I was furious because we had a great car," the driver reiterated. "Nobody knows this, but we had the fastest car the last 65 laps of that race.  We closed in on the leader by five seconds from the start of that run to the end of it.  We closed in on the [No.] 24 car by that much.  I had to start at the back and drove to ninth."

Johnson, by comparison has kept a low profile since Sunday, maintaining the drivers should have talked it out in private. Biffle claims, though that the five-time champion was not completely innocent based on how he viewed things.

"The other misconception was that, 'Oh, you should be mad at the 88.  He ripped your bumper off.  It was the 88 car,'" the Roush Fenway racer said of Johnson's perspective. "Well, we came in and fixed it and started at the back and the 48 car ran square in the back of my car, not inside of me like his claim when I came up and talked to him about it."

Still, the bottom line, despite no penalties from NASCAR is that Biffle feels responsible for the public confrontation and plans to learn from it. Eighth in the standings, his focus will return to finishing as high as possible in the Chase while Johnson battles for the season title.

"I probably should have grabbed him by the arm maybe and voiced my displeasure," he finished off Tuesday. "I wasn't gonna do the old patented Jeff Gordon two arms to the chest.  He's kind of got that one, but I was upset that I had to start at the back … I should have handled that a little differently with Jimmie.  I didn't realize he was in the middle of his interview.  I thought he was talking to some print reporters when I first went over there.  I didn't know he was on camera, so I apologize for that.  I should have acted a little different.  I should have maybe waited until he was done and then had my conversation with him in private with no cameras or media around."

It's the first time this season the drivers have had an on-track conflict.

Ambrose Gets New Sponsor For 2014

Richard Petty Motorsports' No. 9 Ford has picked up some additional funding for 2014. Twisted Tea, an alcoholic beverage company whose branding is based around "hard iced tea" will pair with driver Marcos Ambrose as a primary sponsor for next September's Cup race at Dover. In addition, the company will serve as an associate throughout the year while running a national sweepstakes to give one consumer and three of their closest friends that chance to attend an event as honorary pit crew members.

"Marcos and NASCAR really fit our brand," said Jon London from Twisted Tea Brewing Company, announcing the move during a press event Tuesday night in North Carolina. "Marcos is always a threat to win on the tracks, and he has a little fun off the track just like our drinkers. Plus, NASCAR is a great atmosphere, and our drinkers love it. So we're looking forward to partnering with Richard Petty Motorsports and Marcos to share that experience with our own fans across the country."

Ambrose is expected to have main backers DeWalt and Stanley return, as well after a rollercoaster 2013 season. The Australia native has yet to collect a top-5 finish, the first time in his Cup career he's failed to do so over the course of a season and sits a disappointing 21st in the season standings. But with the backing of so many companies, keeping funding in place the driver is hopeful 2014 will be a rebound year.

"It's a great day for Richard Petty Motorsports and our No. 9 race team," said Ambrose. "Next year is really shaping up to be a solid season with our race team only getting stronger. I think it's a great time for Twisted Tea to come on board and we're going to have a lot of fun together. I'm really looking forward to their partnership and driving our newly-painted yellow No. 9 car."

Petty himself has never been a fan of alcoholic sponsorships, refusing to run NASCAR's Busch sticker in the 1970s, '80s, and '90s that at one time kept his car out of the old Busch Clash. So why the change of heart? "Richard promised his parents that he'd never run an alcohol or tobacco sponsor on his car [the No. 43] and that will hold true as long as we're an organization," said RPM CEO Brian Moffitt, who claims running it on the No. 9 instead made it OK with NASCAR's King. "This just kind of happened. There are relationships out there in the marketplace that are always talking with each other. We ended up going to Boston and having a discussion with the company and the next thing you know, we are partners."

News 'N' Notes

- Best Buy announced they won't return to Roush Fenway Racing as a sponsor in 2014, a move reported by Bob Pockrass of The Sporting News. They had backed the No. 17 of Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. and the No. 99 of Carl Edwards in several events this season; however, the company has seen its profits plummet, despite rising stock leading to a few store closings and rumors about the long-term future of the electronics giant. In their most recent comparison, Best Buy's overall revenue was down, however slightly (0.6%) in the second quarter of fiscal year 2014 compared to the same period last year. The move leaves around a third of 2014 sponsorship open on the No. 17 of Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. although RFR expects to fill that gap in short order.

- Once again Tuesday, NASCAR's Nielsen report went up in what's been a successful season of playoff coverage for ABC/ESPN. Martinsville on Sunday pulled in a 2.7 final rating, up 12 percent over last season's 2.4 as a total of 4.3 million viewers tuned in. Facing healthy competition from the NFL, which is also up this Fall the numbers for NASCAR's ten-race playoff have been impressive. With the exception of Chicagoland, where a heavy rain delay impacted coverage all races within the Chase have posted an increase in viewership.

- As expected, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing and Kyle Larson have partnered with Harry Scott, Jr. and Phoenix Racing to get the rookie additional seat time in the Cup Series. After two DNFs in two starts, a deal came together to put the young driver in the No. 51 car for Sunday's race at Texas, with sponsorship from the Dallas Convention & Visitors' Bureau. The non-profit company specializes in both assisting and attracting tourists.

Larson had hinted at another Cup start this season after seeing his engine seize up well before the halfway point at Martinsville. To date, he's completed just 407 of a possible 834 laps in his Cup career.

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
Resurgence of Petty ... With a "Twist"
WTF Wednesdays
by Ellen Richardson

While much of the buzz around the proverbial water cooler this week has surrounded well-known NASCAR teams, like Hendrick Motorsports and Richard Childress Racing, one of their rivals is quietly building funding to have a better 2014. Richard Petty Motorsports, despite a difficult season that has seen Marcos Ambrose go without a top-5 finish has continued to find its way to something that is becoming somewhat rare in the world of motorsports these days: a true financial resurgence with an added "twist."

Just a few short years ago, this now two-car team was obviously teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, following financial difficulties stemming from past team co-owner George Gillett.  Following Gillett's departure, "King" Richard Petty decided it was time to once again reclaim his throne within the program, finding the right investors to salvage the team and weave it back into NASCAR's limelight.

The key for RPM has been finding sponsors willing to add to their wallet, a process they've perfected as of late. Frontstretch.com was front and center for their latest "catch" Tuesday night. This team and driver had a "Little Twisted" announcement, as Twisted Tea Brewing Company will join the No. 9 team as an associate sponsor of the car driven by NASCAR's Australian "Tasmanian Devil" next season.  In addition, Twisted Tea will serve as a primary sponsor of the team at Dover International Speedway next fall.

What's great about the relationship is RPM isn't just picking from existing opportunities; they're getting a new multi-million dollar company involved with NASCAR. Boston Beer Director of Brand Development Jon London said that this company is excited to be making its first steps into the sport by partnering with such a legendary team, as well as a driver who is the perfect fit for its Twisted Tea brand. 

"Our drinkers love racing," said London. "Much like these fans and the Twisted Tea brand, Marcos has a real passion for this sport and enjoys things a little bit twisted. We look forward to seeing him on track next season."

Along with London, both Ambrose and well-known crew chief, Drew Blickensderfer believe this partnership will bring a new fire to this team next season. 

"I am thrilled to be back with Richard Petty Motorsports in 2014," said Ambrose.  "Next season is really shaping up to be a solid one with our team and this partnership shows that we are a team who is looking to stay strong and move forward."

Main sponsors DeWalt, Stanley, and Mac Tools are also expected to return, giving the company a blanket of economic security in a world where finding NASCAR sponsorship proves increasingly difficult. It's a nice pill to swallow after a season in which six top-10 finishes (and no top 5s) leaves Ambrose a disappointing 21st in the season standings.

With that economic security in mind, Blickensderfer also said the new partnership would be very helpful in achieving their goals next season. 

"This is a strong company with a strong core," he said.  "This partnership will provide the resources needed to continue to improve this company / team, which I feel will show on track."

Such sponsor pairings, credited to RPM's crack marketing ideas have kept a company afloat many thought was dead in the water a few years ago. In fact, the No. 9 will celebrate its 500th start at Texas Motor Speedway when driver Marcos Ambrose fires the engine of his Mac Tools Ford in Sunday's AAA Texas 500. Will all of the light shining on Richard Petty Motorsports twist their name back into the NASCAR history books by this time next season?  Like a true "Tasmanian Devil," let's hope this team can use its new stamina to make its way to the front of the pack... even if it means leaving a path of destruction in its way.  

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...

@JeffGordonWeb: Great win yesterday! Thanks to all the fans for your support. Looking forward to these next three races.

@billclinton (Former President Bill Clinton): Congrats @jeffgordonweb on a great win yesterday. Proud the @clintonfdn is working with @JeffGordon4Cure in Rwanda. #win88

@BubbaWallace (Darrell Wallace, Jr.): We Came. We Saw. We Conquered.

@KyleBusch: Really proud of @BubbaWallace on his win today. Soak it all in bud! Great job by everyone @KBMteam

@dennyhamlin: Proud of @BubbaWallace today. Really happy for him

@ClintBowyer: It's sure been a big year for the ole sledge hammer. First Miley's video, now making headlines in NASCAR. Who would've thunk it!!!

@23SpeedRacer (Spencer Gallagher): Burnout hall of fame candidate right there folks

@JohnNemechek: Finished 16th in my @NASCAR_Trucks debut!! Couldn't have done it without @swmgunrunner @pelletgrillsusa @dabconstructors. And all my guys!

@DanielHemric: Emotional day to say the least. Thanks so much 2 everyone out there 4 believing & supporting me! We will rally together to try & do it again!

@TJBell_racing: I think we all know "@scottspeed: Who would u be referring to ;) lol RT @TJBell_racing: Some peoples interviews are a joke"

@DavidRagan: Engine issues today. Only 1 this season so far.... Just always seems to happen when we have a good run going. We will move on as a team!

@Kenny_Wallace: They BOOED @JeffGordonWeb horribly 10 years ago! Today these FANS are on their feet cheering as he WINS Martinsville @Nascar race

@BrianLVickers: Many thanks to the media for their time as well as the fans who have stopped me. Appreciate the support. Best of luck to Elliott today In 55

@Mc_driver (Michael McDowell): I am excited to announce that I will drive the @LeavineFamily95 Ford Fusion NASCAR Sprint Cup Series entry in 2014. http://goo.gl/T2EQs7

@Ryan_Truex: Lots of promise for 2014. Fingers crossed #nascar

@keselowski (Brad Keselowski): I believe that self responsibility more often then not serves the common good for mankind. My health = my responsibility

@KyleLarsonRacin: What a bad last couple of hours. Engine blew up, got a speeding ticket, now my cat just puked and pooped in the car.

@JeffBurton: Scary Godmother movie. Wow what's with the mustache pic.twitter.com/Xs2ECU26OG

@RyanBlaney22: It amazes me how people will sit in a drive thru line for 15-20 minutes, instead of going in for 5 minutes. #useyourbrain

@KeselowskiBrian: It's funny how I can change from one channel to the very next channel, Fox News to msnbc, and how health care LAW is perceived. Insane

@pkligerman (Parker Kligerman): Just killed a spider with my bare hands ... In other news I am now the #Hulk #invincible

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:

by Tom Bowles

by Mark Howell and Kevin Rutherford
by Mike Neff

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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:

Q: Back in 2001, Texas Motor Speedway was mainly a one-groove race track.  Venture out of the groove, and bad things were likely to happen.  Kenny Wallace was trying to get a good finish for Innovative Motorsports, in the Nationwide Series but he didn't make it to Lap 10 before all heck went down.  What happened?

Check back Thursday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!

Tuesday's Answer:

Q: The night before the Indy Racing League race mentioned in yesterday's trivia question, the then-Craftsman Truck Series held their first-ever race at Texas Motor Speedway.  Jack Sprague won the pole for the Pronto Auto Parts 400k.  However, when the race came around, Sprague was all the way in the back with his time disallowed.  What happened?

A: During a post-qualifying inspection, the engine in Sprague's No. 24 Quaker State Chevrolet was found to have illegal cylinder heads.  As a result, Sprague's qualifying time was thrown out.  Mike Bliss was moved up to the pole, while Sprague was forced to start at the rear of the field (33rd). From there, Sprague moved up through the slower traffic relatively quickly.  However, issues with his replacement engine relegated him to 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!

~~~~~~~~~~

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. 

Open Wheel Wednesday by the IndyCar Staff
Moved from Wednesday, for this week only your favorite IndyCar writers gather to discuss a variety of issues looking back on the 2013 season.

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 Texas.

Tech Talk: Jason Ratcliff by Mike Neff
Mike has a Sprint Cup Series crew chief stop by to talk about the technical side of NASCAR. This week, co-point leader Matt Kenseth's crew chief Jason Ratcliff comes by to tell us all how the No. 20 Toyota mastered Martinsville, historically one of their driver's worst tracks on the circuit.

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, Beth takes a look at a variety of topics including the 2014 schedule, what Darrell Wallace, Jr.'s victory means for Kyle Busch Motorsports and more!

-----------------------------
Talk back to the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Got something to say about an article you've seen in the newsletter? It's as easy as replying directly to this message or sending an email to editors@frontstretch.com. We'll take the best comments and publish them here!
©2013 Frontstretch.com

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Tuesday, October 29, 2013

The Frontstretch Newsletter: NASCAR Silly Season Update

THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
October 29th, 2013
Volume VII, Edition CCII
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What To Watch: Tuesday

- Richard Petty Motorsports has a special event scheduled, near their shops in North Carolina where they're scheduled to announce a new sponsor for Marcos Ambrose in 2014. The driver, crew chief Drew Blickensderfer and team principals will be speaking to reporters about their future.

- Tuesday, typical NASCAR teleconference day for the national media has a pair of Chase drivers on tap. Roush Fenway Racing's Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle will be available to speak with reporters. Biffle, especially is in the eye of the storm after Sunday (see below) following a postrace confrontation with Chase co-leader Jimmie Johnson.

Top News
by Tom Bowles

McDowell signs with Leavine Family Racing

Michael McDowell will be moving into a new Sprint Cup ride come 2014. The journeyman driver, who has spent the majority of the last four seasons start-and-parking for Phil Parsons, will leave the No. 98 team for Leavine Family Racing. The 28-year-old, who has run the distance in just 15 of his last 124 Cup starts, hopes that changes driving the No. 95 car, a small team based out of Texas with big aspirations to grow into a Sprint Cup contender.

"This is an extremely good opportunity for me," said the driver in a press release announcing the move. "[Owner] Bob [Leavine] and I first started talking about the possibilities months ago. I'm happy to be a part of this organization."

McDowell did drive for the team once this season, during the Sprint All-Star Race preliminary event in May and finished a respectable 14th. This year, he's earned one top-10 finish for PPR, out of six races completed with a ninth in February's Daytona 500. His five starts in the Nationwide Series, for Joe Gibbs Racing have been slightly better; he's got a pole and a second-place finish, highlighted on his resume which both occurred at Mid-Ohio this summer.

"Michael gets the most out of his car, no matter what he's driving or who he's driving for," claimed new owner Leavine. "He takes care of his cars and gets good finishes. With his experience and ability, we feel he can excel in our equipment."

The plan for the No. 95 team is to run its Cup car full-time, next season as well as make selected Nationwide Series starts. So far in 2013, they've struggled at the Cup level, finishing just three of 18 events with drivers Scott Speed, Reed Sorenson and Scott Riggs. The team has a best result of ninth, earned this April by Speed at Talladega.

Brian Vickers Speaks On 2014

Despite a recent health setback, Brian Vickers remains confident he'll be driving a Sprint Cup car by February 2014. Speaking out on Sunday in Martinsville, the Michael Waltrip Racing veteran explained the precautionary measure was necessary, keeping him out of the No. 55 Toyota for the season's final five races due to the potential of disastrous side effects blood thinner medicine could provide.

"As long as I can promise my doctors that I will not crash, then they're fine with me racing," he joked. "Unfortunately, there's a lot of moving parts in a car that I can't control and 42 competitors that I can't control."

Vickers went on to say catching the clot early was key in ensuring a quick recovery. As a result, the medication can be restricted to just three months before he can return to a normal lifestyle. That puts him well on pace to be ready well before Daytona Speedweeks.

"I like to snow ski," he explained while justifying his desire to keep racing full-time. "I like to ride motorcycles. I like to skydive. I like to do a lot of things that most doctors wouldn't agree with, period.

"[And] I want to win a Sprint Cup championship."

Criminal Charges Dismissed In Mike Harmon – Jennifer Jo Cobb Case

A long-running dispute over stolen equipment has ended in Mike Harmon's favor, at least in criminal court.  Theft charges from the state of North Carolina, at the behest of Jennifer Jo Cobb were dropped Monday, freeing Harmon and financial partner David Novak from further penalties. Harmon was free on bond, while Novak was never arrested in conjunction with a confusing case in which Cobb's trailer, along with trucks and equipment were taken as "back payment" for funds owed to Novak and Harmon for their former investment in her No. 10 Camping World Truck Series team.

As for the criminal charges, North Carolina prosecutors released a short statement explaining their decision. "After careful review of all evidence in the case," they said, "Including, but not limited to, financial records, personal correspondence, tax records, legal filings and corporate filing, the State concludes the charges cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. In particular, the elements of intent and ownership of the property in question cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The alleged conduct and issues raised are more appropriate for civil litigation. In addition, the prosecuting witness no longer wishes to pursue criminal charges."

Now, attention turns to a civil case between Cobb, Harmon and Novak scheduled for the courts in Kansas on November 20th. Cobb is still seeking damages there for the loss of equipment, which she estimates to be hundreds of thousands of dollars. In the meantime, both parties plan to finish their seasons driving for their respective teams in Camping World Trucks.

Unfortunately, neither side has been successful on the racetrack. Cobb has finished just five Truck races this season, driving her No. 10 full-time with a best result of 17th. She's got nine DNFs, four DNQs and sits 26th in the Truck Series standings. Harmon, meanwhile hasn't run inside the top 20 with his self-owned Nationwide Series team since a 17th at Daytona back in February. In ten starts, running the Truck Series as a driver he has yet to crack the top 20.

News 'N' Notes

- Greg Biffle, one day after a Twitter apology to Jimmie Johnson laid fairly low Monday while both drivers continued to cool it after a dramatic Martinsville post-race confrontation. The following is a transcript of what transpired, courtesy Bob Pockrass and the Sporting News:

Biffle: "Hey, you tore my bumper off, you [expletive]."
Johnson: "I was inside of you."
Biffle: "You [expletive] ran in the back of me."
Johnson: "I was inside of you."
Biffle: "You better watch it." (begins to walk away)
Johnson (grabs Biffle's arm): "If you want to talk about it, we can talk about it."
Biffle: "We just did. [Expletive] man, I had to go all the way to the back."

Biffle's anger came from a ripped rear bumper that caused him an extra stop and cost him a shot at a rare Martinsville top 5. He wound up ninth in the race while Johnson finished fifth. Johnson, for his part had no additional comment Monday either.

- Clint Bowyer, speaking at the NASCAR Hall of Fame Monday joked over the ongoing Kevin Harvick – Richard Childress feud. "That's a divorce," he said to a group of reporters. "That's like her taking not only the furniture and the silverware — she took the dog, too. (Harvick) didn't get the animal, I would say."

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.

~~~~~~~~~~

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
Martinsville: Where NASCAR Still Lives in Its Roots
Sitting In The Stands: A Fan's View
by S.D. Grady

There were cold nights and bright, sunny days.  We climbed the grassy hill, crossed the railroad tracks and wandered under the Turn 3 and 4 stands.  Here we found kettle corn, a new 2014 Impala to climb in and a few other distractions before entering the actual track.  We walked the frontstretch, getting the feel of the place.  Smaller than NHMS, but there's an air of comfort here in Martinsville.  The venue has seen just about everything, and time has allowed it to mellow a bit.  There's no need for neon lights or binoculars here. 

It's a reminder of where NASCAR just about began. A place where it remains, still.

That was April.  But there are intangibles that linger with a visitor.  While watching Sunday's Goody's Headache Relief Shot 500 and savoring Jeff Gordon's 88th career win, there were other things I enjoyed about the broadcast.  I laughed at Kasey Kahne chewing up the painted grass, gave some serious thought about what the track could do with those seats covered up on the backstretch and grinned when the train rolled by.  I didn't mind getting woken up at odd hours while we were there.  It just added to the experience of everything Martinsville. 

When the field came to the green, two-wide and 21 deep I still couldn't help but wonder how they managed to cram so many cars on such a small track.  And why aren't there more people filling the grandstands?  Martinsville is one amazing place at which to savor a race.

That's what actually setting foot onto one of our storied tracks garners the rabid NASCAR fan, a sense of perspective.  How little, flat, steep, sharp, slippery, or old the place seems.  What it looks like from the level of the driver's cockpit.  The smell and sounds particular to this location while recognizing the familiar army that travels with the circuit.  How high the stands crowd in the racing surface, or at a larger track, where the asphalt blends in with an open horizon.

When we turn on the TV, the cameras provide us an eagle's eye version of the arena.  Sweeping shots of nearby hills and the crowds of RVs vie for space with the NASCAR logo on your screen.  Once the action on-track begins, the angle focuses and we begin to block out all that is unique to this week, this time.  You begin to lose touch...

I am a short track girl at heart.  In my travels to the different ones up and down the East Coast, it's only reinforced my love for rubbin' and bumpin' through building memories while sitting in the stands.  There's immediacy to the competition when an engine turns over, when you feel the rumble through the aluminum you're sitting on.  It's where the smell of unburned fuel stings your nose and the cloud of a victor's burnout chokes you with smoke.  This type of track is when the visceral passion for auto racing takes over your heart.  It's emotion that can't be reproduced on TV, no matter how big your screen is or how loud the surround sound becomes.

Neither can the experience of a day at a short track be duplicated at a superspeedway.  I have enjoyed trips to several giant ovals, and mostly what I remember from the day of the actual race is how hot/cold/wet and even bored I was.  It's not until I'm climbing through the garages do I find the desire to touch, inhale and smile has been fulfilled. 

And yet, there's something alluring to the NASCAR tourist when selecting a giant destination, too. Daytona, Charlotte and Indy all sparkle in the sun.  They stand over everything in their immediate vicinity, trumpeting to one and all that this race is the big time. They emit that "I'm going to Disney" sort of call to the NASCAR fan.  It's the ultimate place; one where all the legends came from and return to.  Can't you hear them spouting the thank you's to the sponsors?  See the balloons float into the sky?  There are practically angels singing as you approach.

But can you really touch your heroes from the top of the tower?  The roar of the engines lessens, the enticement of a beer calls, you check your smartphone... and in our new T-Shirts, we become part of the corporate monster that is NASCAR.  The experience in these stainless steel venues blends with the 21st Century image our sanctioning body works so hard to maintain. That's when the grease, shredded sheet metal and gnarled hands of the crews loses their significance, their history.

Tracks like Martinsville made this sport.  It's down at the fence line where the wind from a speeding machine will blow your hair back and vibrate the earth beneath your feet.  You can pick up a marble flung by a shredding tire.  Your shoes might get grated by the worn asphalt.  It's racing. It's here. Within reach.

What does it all mean?  When you're thinking about the negative things that the current state of our sport will surely engender, don't forget that there is still a place that has pretty much ignored the sleeker offices down in Charlotte and Daytona.  Racing in Martinsville is still about driving hard, smart, and maybe pushing your neighbor into the wall.  One visit to a short track will remind you why you fell in love with the sport all over again, and why auto racing is still the best show on earth.

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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Numbers Game: Goody's Headache Relief Shot 500
by Tom Bowles

 0
Points separating championship leaders Jimmie Johnson and Matt Kenseth in the standings with three races left. It's officially the closest competition, seven races into the Chase since NASCAR adopted the playoff system in 2004.

1
Top-10 finish for Kasey Kahne during the Chase. Everyone else has at least two.

2
Top-5 finishes in the last six years for Roush Fenway Racing cars at Martinsville. Maybe that's why Matt Kenseth had so much trouble there? Greg Biffle, in ninth was the best RFR could do this time around.

3
Laps apiece made up by Michael McDowell and Travis Kvapil through NASCAR's "Lucky Dog" policy. It happened during a series of cautions, midrace to bring both men back onto the lead lap. In the end, both were unable to stay there; Kvapil fell to 24th, one lap behind while McDowell finished two laps back in 26th.

4
Chasers inside the top 5 on Sunday. So far Talladega is the only race, out of seven this postseason where the top 5 was comprised of three Chasers or less.

5
Drivers within one race's worth of points for the lead with three races left. Jeff Gordon can come out on top, at Texas if he wins, then leads the most laps while Johnson and Kenseth finish 24th or worse (while failing to lead a single circuit). For Harvick, use the same scenario and replace 24th with 25th. For Kyle Busch, he would need both men on top to run 33rd or worse, along with Harvick to run fifth or worse and Gordon to finish outside the top 5.

6
Laps led by Elliott Sadler Sunday. It's the first time he's been up front, during a Cup race since Talladega in the Fall of 2010.

7.1
Jeff Gordon's average finish during the Chase. During the regular season, that number ballooned to 15.5.

8
Years since Kurt Busch earned a top-10 finish at Martinsville; he was sixth during the 2005 Fall race there. Overall, he's got just four top 10s in 27 career starts, a mediocre average finish of 21.5 and just one career victory at the track.

14.5
Average finish for Danica Patrick at Martinsville this season. Only at Daytona (11.0) did she perform better.

15
Sprint Cup victories by Richard Petty at Martinsville, a career total that leads all drivers. Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon, the active career leaders have just eight apiece.

33
Gordon's winless streak in the Cup Series, officially snapped at Martinsville Sunday. He last won at the Homestead season finale in 2012. As for Martinsville, it had been eight years since Gordon's last win at the facility (Fall 2005).

111
Total number of laps run under caution at Martinsville. That's the most for any Sprint Cup race in six years. (There were 21 cautions, for 127 laps in the Fall 2007 Martinsville event).

169
Laps led by Matt Kenseth, during a 13-year career in the Cup Series at Martinsville prior to Sunday.

202
Laps led by Matt Kenseth in Sunday's race, the most of any driver.

573
Cup starts since Ken Schrader last visited Victory Lane. The former Hendrick Motorsports driver hasn't won since June 1991 at Dover, yet survived in the Cup Series for over two decades in a long list of top-tier rides. Schrader, who was 28th at Martinsville in the No. 32 Ford will retire, at age 58 next month at Homestead.

$101,060
Money won by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. for finishing eighth.

$105,408
Money won by Ryan Newman for finishing 38th. Did I mention Newman started 17th while Earnhardt started 12th? And neither driver led a lap? NASCAR's purse structure continues to confuse…

Tom Bowles is the Editor-In-Chief of Frontstretch. He can be reached via e-mail at tom.bowles@frontstretch.com.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:

Racing To The Point: What Does The Future Hold For Vickers?
by Brett Poirier
by Brad Morgan
by Phil Allaway

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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:

Q:  The night before the Indy Racing League race mentioned in yesterday's trivia question, the then-Craftsman Truck Series held their first-ever race at Texas Motor Speedway.  Jack Sprague won the pole for the Pronto Auto Parts 400k.  However, when the race came around, Sprague was all the way in the back with his time disallowed.  What happened?

Check back Wednesday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!

Monday's Answer:

Q:   The inaugural True Value 500k for the Indy Racing League is best known for the scoring issues that led to the wrong driver (Billy Boat) in Victory Lane and Arie Luyendyk (the rightful victor) being the recipient of a pimp slap from A.J. Foyt.

However, the ridiculousness at the end may have been quite a bit different had another incident not happened.  What was it?

A:  Boat only inherited the lead when Tony Stewart blew an engine and crashed with two laps to go.  Interestingly enough, Boat was off the pace towards the end of the race and ESPN2's commentators thought he was having issues.  At the time that Stewart blew his engine, he had a 20 second lead on Boat.  The incident can be seen here.

Ultimately, Luyendyk would still have won because he had actually run three laps that USAC failed to score (in the official results, Luyendyk is credited as the only driver on the lead lap). The only difference here is that John Menard might have been a little more understanding about the situation than Foyt.  As for USAC, the Indy Racing League severed their relationship shortly afterwards.

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:

Did You Notice? by Tom Bowles
Is there both a blessing and a curse behind Darrell Wallace, Jr.'s latest victory? Tom Bowles expands on that point, updates the Silly Season picture and more in his long list of small but important observations surrounding NASCAR's top three series.

Beyond The Cockpit: Daniel Hemric as told to Mike Neff
Saturday saw an up-and-coming talent out of the late model and Legends ranks make his Camping World Truck Series debut at Martinsville.  Prior to his debut, our own Mike Neff sat down with the 22-year old to talk about his new opportunity.

Sprint Cup Power Rankings: Top 15 After Martinsville by Michael Mehedin
Matt Kenseth's second-place finish Sunday brought him equal with Jimmie Johnson, but is he equal with Johnson in the poll?  Maybe, maybe not.  Kenseth will need the most votes from our panel of web experts to take charge of our weekly top 15.

Side By Side: Should Harvick Finish The Year With RCR? by Kevin Rutherford and TBA
Should Richard Childress have released Kevin Harvick immediately following Harvick's comments after Saturday's Truck Series race? Our experts debate and YOU vote as to which side wins in our weekly feature.

Frontstretch Top Ten by the Frontstretch Staff
Tickle your funny bone with this weekly racing list that gets you laughing every Wednesday.

Happiness Is... by Huston Ladner
Don't let your life sink into the pits. Huston takes a look at the racing stories from the last seven days that should leave you smiling.

Editor's Note: Open-Wheel Wednesday will have a special roundtable, moving the column to Thursday for this week only. Stay tuned for this end-of-season edition!
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