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!
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
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!
That's right; our Fan Q & A column is back once again in 2013. Send your question Summer Bedgood's way at summer.bedgood@frontstretch.com and if you're lucky, you'll get your name in print on Thursday when she does her weekly column. It's all part of our daily mission to give back to you – the fans that keep Frontstretch afloat!
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Tweet 'N' Greet
by Kevin Rutherford
Editor's Note: With the NASCAR Twitter community expanding by leaps and bounds, it remains a place for instantaneous news, reactions, and a whole lot of inside jokes. We understand if you don't want to join the Twitter community - but as a fan, it's important to know the news and info you're missing out on! That's why, every week, Kevin Rutherford will sort through the thousands of messages and give us a little taste of what's going on each Wednesday.
So, without further ado, here's a look at what those in NASCAR were thinking over the past seven days...
by Kevin Rutherford
Editor's Note: With the NASCAR Twitter community expanding by leaps and bounds, it remains a place for instantaneous news, reactions, and a whole lot of inside jokes. We understand if you don't want to join the Twitter community - but as a fan, it's important to know the news and info you're missing out on! That's why, every week, Kevin Rutherford will sort through the thousands of messages and give us a little taste of what's going on each Wednesday.
So, without further ado, here's a look at what those in NASCAR were thinking over the past seven days...
@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.
@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
@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.
@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
Kevin Rutherford is an Assistant Editor for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at kevin.rutherford@frontstretch.com. Follow him on Twitter at @surfwax83.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
Are you looking to advertise your website, product or brand? A good way to get your name out there is via direct advertising here in the Frontstretch Newsletter! Interested parties can contact us at frontstretcheditors@googlegroups.com for details.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
by Tom Bowles
NASCAR Writer Power Rankings: Top 15 After Martinsville II
compiled by Michael Mehedin
Happiness Is...The Last Boy Scout, NASCAR Style
compiled by Michael Mehedin
Happiness Is...The Last Boy Scout, NASCAR Style
by Mark Howell and Kevin Rutherford
Top Ten Reasons Drivers Leave Martinsville Angry
by the Frontstretch Staff
Beyond the Cockpit: Daniel Hemric On Getting His NASCAR Shot
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!
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Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- What's Vexing Vito by Vito Pugliese
-- Critic's Annex by Phil Allaway
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, the Line of the Week and more!
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Coming tomorrow in the Frontstretch Newsletter:
-- Top News from Phil Allaway
-- What's Vexing Vito by Vito Pugliese
-- Critic's Annex by Phil Allaway
-- Links to your favorite Frontstretch articles, the Line of the Week and more!
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Tomorrow on the Frontstretch:
Mirror Driving by the Frontstretch Staff
Your favorite Frontstretch writers are back to discuss a variety of weekly storylines.
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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