THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
October 10th, 2013
Volume VII, Edition CLXXXIX
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Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
October 10th, 2013
Volume VII, Edition CLXXXIX
~~~~~~~~~~
What to Watch: Thursday
- Today, we've got action on tap from Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series will both be on track for practice sessions. The second Nationwide practice (FOX Sports 2) and Sprint Cup practice (FOX Sports 1) will be televised. In addition, ESPN2 will televise Sprint Cup Qualifying at 7:00 PM ET. Follow our reporter, Amy Henderson LIVE on Twitter with her handle @Writer_Amy and @TheFrontstretch for up-to-date info.
Top Newsby Phil Allaway
Kvapil Arrested, Charged With Assault, Imprisonment
The Mooresville Tribune is reporting that Travis Kvapil, driver of the No. 93 Burger King/Dr. Pepper Toyota for BK Racing, was arrested Tuesday night following a 911 call from his home in Iredell County, NC.
According to the Mooresville Police Department, the police responded to Kvapil's home after receiving a 911 call about a domestic assault involving his wife, Jennifer. Upon arrival at Kvapil's home, police apprehended Travis on grounds of assault and false imprisonment.
After his arrest, Kvapil was taken to the Iredell County Jail in Statesville, where he was held under a domestic hold ahead of a court appearance Wednesday. After the court appearance, Kvapil posted a $2,000 bond and was released from custody.
Under North Carolina law, False Imprisonment is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by probation and anywhere from one to 45 days in jail, in addition to a fine. Assault is considered to be a Class 2 misdemeanor. That is punishable by probation, up to 30 days in jail, and a fine of up to $1,000. However, if the state were to increase Kvapil's assault charge to a charge of Domestic Violence, then it would be considered an A1 level Misdemeanor, punishable by probation and up to 60 days in jail.
A spokesperson for NASCAR stated that the sanctioning body is aware of the incident, but will not comment at this time. BK Racing co-owner Ron Devine, in an interview with Lee Spencer of FOXSports.com revealed midday Thursday his driver will race this weekend.
"After discussions with NASCAR and the Kvapil family, BK Racing has elected to support Travis and his family," Devine said. "It's the right thing for Travis and his family to let the system take its course.
"He has the ability to set aside the issues and focus, and he's prepared to race."
The only official move that BK Racing had taken, up to Thursday is to remove a picture from the team's Twitter page. The picture contained shots of both Kvapil and teammate David Reutimann's cars with pink ribbons in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month.Tagliani To Replace Franchitti At Fontana
Following the injuries that Dario Franchitti suffered in his last-lap crash into the catchfence at Reliant Park Sunday, it was assumed that Franchitti would have to miss the MavTV American Real 500 at Auto Club Speedway. The only question was who would replace Franchitti in the No. 10. On Wednesday, that question was answered. Target Chip Ganassi Racing announced that Alex Tagliani will drive the No. 10 Target-sponsored Dallara DW12 at Auto Club Speedway.
Tagliani is grateful for the opportunity to get back into an IndyCar.
"As a driver, you never want an opportunity like this to come under these circumstances, but I'm up for the challenge and looking forward to working with my friend Scott [Dixon] and the whole Target team," Tagliani said. "I'm thinking of Dario, as everyone else is, and wishing him a quick recovery. This team has a championship on the line and I'm ready to step in and help them win it."
"As a driver, you never want an opportunity like this to come under these circumstances, but I'm up for the challenge and looking forward to working with my friend Scott [Dixon] and the whole Target team," Tagliani said. "I'm thinking of Dario, as everyone else is, and wishing him a quick recovery. This team has a championship on the line and I'm ready to step in and help them win it."
Tagliani started out the season in the No. 98 Barracuda Networks Dallara-Honda for Bryan Herta Autosport. Tagliani's season was marked by a number of crashes and mechanical issues before he was dropped by the team after the doubleheader in Toronto. His best finishes are a pair of tenths in St. Petersburg and Toronto (Race No. 2). Since then, Tagliani finished out the season in the No. 61 Ferrari for R. Ferri/AIM Autosport in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series.
Braun, Michael Shank Racing Set All-Time Track Record at Daytona
On Wednesday afternoon, Colin Braun, driving a modified Riley DPG3 Daytona Prototype provided by Michael Shank Racing, set the all-time track record at Daytona International Speedway. Braun was driving a DP with a new Ford EcoBoost, 3.5 liter twin-turbo V6 engine. The test was not just a speed trial, but also a shakedown for the new engine, which will race full-time in the Tudor United SportsCar Championship in 2014.
There were a number of issues during the test. First, the team lost some time due to track drying. Later, a power steering servomotor broke, making it very difficult for Braun to control the car. In addition, a small hose to the intercooler went bad.
Once all those problems went away, though the speeds came up. On the first run on-track, Braun was already up to a 209 mph average. From there, it only continued to escalate until Braun turned in a lap at 222.971 mph, more than 12 mph faster than Bill Elliott's previous track record.
That lap is an all-time ISC track record, eclipising a 221 mph lap that Mark Donohue turned in at Talladega in the 1970's while driving a Can-Am spec Porsche 917/30. Braun also broke two FIA world records (pending analysis), those for the ten kilometer starting start (at an average of 202.438 mph) and the ten mile starting start (210.018 mph).
Braun was very happy with his performance afterwards.
"It's certainly really special to hold the record here at Daytona," Braun told SportsCar365.com's John Dagys afterwards. "This is the place where I got my first professional sports car win in the GRAND-AM Rolex Series with a Ford-powered DP car. It's always been a historic place for a lot of people. This is hallowed ground here at Daytona, so it's really special to hold the record at this place. To get to do it with a group of guys like Mike Shank and with the new EcoBoost Ford motor, it's a special day, for sure."
That lap is an all-time ISC track record, eclipising a 221 mph lap that Mark Donohue turned in at Talladega in the 1970's while driving a Can-Am spec Porsche 917/30. Braun also broke two FIA world records (pending analysis), those for the ten kilometer starting start (at an average of 202.438 mph) and the ten mile starting start (210.018 mph).
Braun was very happy with his performance afterwards.
"It's certainly really special to hold the record here at Daytona," Braun told SportsCar365.com's John Dagys afterwards. "This is the place where I got my first professional sports car win in the GRAND-AM Rolex Series with a Ford-powered DP car. It's always been a historic place for a lot of people. This is hallowed ground here at Daytona, so it's really special to hold the record at this place. To get to do it with a group of guys like Mike Shank and with the new EcoBoost Ford motor, it's a special day, for sure."
The FIA did have a representative at the test session, so the records should be homologated as long as the conditions fall into certain parameters (no blatant wind aiding, etc.). As for the car itself, it will use more traditional aerodynamics next year, but it will likely be on the grid, with the EcoBoost engine, for next year's Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Entry List Update
Note: These entries are accurate as of Wednesday night. However, they are still subject to change.
Sprint Cup Series Bank of America 500: 43 cars entered
Drivers Ineligible to Earn Points:
No. 30- Cole Whitt for Swan Racing
No. 33- Brian Scott 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- Brian Vickers for Michael Waltrip Racing
No. 87- Joe Nemechek for NEMCO Motorsports/JRR
No. 95- Reed Sorenson for Leavine Family Racing
Driver Changes:
No. 33- Brian Scott is in the seat, replacing Landon Cassill. This will be Scott's Sprint Cup Series debut.
No. 40- Landon Cassill returns to the seat, replacing Tony Raines.
No. 47- Bobby Labonte returns to the seat, replacing AJ Allmendinger.
No. 51- Kyle Larson is in the seat, replacing Justin Allgaier. This will be Larson's Sprint Cup Series debut.
No. 93- An unknown driver will be in the seat at this time. With regular driver Travis Kvapil's arrest on assault and false imprisonment charges on Tuesday, it is unlikely that Kvapil would drive this weekend.
Since there are only 43 entries, everyone will qualify for the race.
Nationwide Series Dollar General 300 Miles of Courage: 46 cars entered
Drivers Ineligible to Earn Points:
No. 18- Matt Kenseth for Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 22- Joey Logano for Penske Racing
No. 33- Kevin Harvick for Richard Childress Racing
No. 34- James Buescher for Turner Scott Motorsports
No. 44- Chad Hackenbracht for TriStar Motorsports
No. 46- JJ Yeley for The Motorsports Group, LLC
No. 54- Kyle Busch for Kyle Busch Motorsports/Joe Gibbs Racing
Driver Changes:
No. 00- David Green returns to the seat, replacing Blake Koch.
No. 16- Ryan Reed returns to the seat, replacing Chris Buescher.
No. 22- Joey Logano returns to the seat, replacing Brad Keselowski.
No. 23- Robert Richardson, Jr. returns to the seat, replacing Jennifer Jo Cobb.
No. 33- Kevin Harvick returns to the seat, replacing Paul Menard.
No. 44- Chad Hackenbracht returns to the seat, replacing Hal Martin.
No. 74- Kevin Lepage returns to the seat, replacing Carl Long.
No. 79- Jeffrey Earnhardt returns to the seat, replacing Bryan Silas.
Drivers who must qualify on speed:
No. 00- David Green for SR2 Motorsports*
No. 10- Jeff Green for TriStar Motorsports (Guaranteed to start via the Past Champions' Provisional)*
No. 16- Ryan Reed for Roush Fenway Racing
No. 17- Tanner Berryhill for Vision Racing
No. 18- Matt Kenseth for Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 34- James Buescher for Turner Scott Motorsports
No. 42- Josh Wise for The Motorsports Group, LLC*
No. 46- JJ Yeley for The Motorsports Group, LLC*
No. 50- Danny Efland for MAKE Motorsports*
No. 52- Joey Gase for Jimmy Means Racing
No. 55- Jamie Dick for Viva Motorsports
No. 73- Derrike Cope for Creation-Cope Racing
No. 74- Kevin Lepage for Mike Harmon Racing
No. 92- Dexter Stacey for KH Motorsports
No. 95- Reed Sorenson for Leavine Family Racing (First attempt for the team)
No. 98- Kevin Swindell for Biagi-DenBeste Racing
Not Entered:
No. 15- Chase Miller for Rick Ware Racing
No. 21- Dakoda Armstrong for Richard Childress Racing
No. 39- Ryan Sieg for RSS Racing
Entry List Update
Note: These entries are accurate as of Wednesday night. However, they are still subject to change.
Sprint Cup Series Bank of America 500: 43 cars entered
Drivers Ineligible to Earn Points:
No. 30- Cole Whitt for Swan Racing
No. 33- Brian Scott 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- Brian Vickers for Michael Waltrip Racing
No. 87- Joe Nemechek for NEMCO Motorsports/JRR
No. 95- Reed Sorenson for Leavine Family Racing
Driver Changes:
No. 33- Brian Scott is in the seat, replacing Landon Cassill. This will be Scott's Sprint Cup Series debut.
No. 40- Landon Cassill returns to the seat, replacing Tony Raines.
No. 47- Bobby Labonte returns to the seat, replacing AJ Allmendinger.
No. 51- Kyle Larson is in the seat, replacing Justin Allgaier. This will be Larson's Sprint Cup Series debut.
No. 93- An unknown driver will be in the seat at this time. With regular driver Travis Kvapil's arrest on assault and false imprisonment charges on Tuesday, it is unlikely that Kvapil would drive this weekend.
Since there are only 43 entries, everyone will qualify for the race.
Nationwide Series Dollar General 300 Miles of Courage: 46 cars entered
Drivers Ineligible to Earn Points:
No. 18- Matt Kenseth for Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 22- Joey Logano for Penske Racing
No. 33- Kevin Harvick for Richard Childress Racing
No. 34- James Buescher for Turner Scott Motorsports
No. 44- Chad Hackenbracht for TriStar Motorsports
No. 46- JJ Yeley for The Motorsports Group, LLC
No. 54- Kyle Busch for Kyle Busch Motorsports/Joe Gibbs Racing
Driver Changes:
No. 00- David Green returns to the seat, replacing Blake Koch.
No. 16- Ryan Reed returns to the seat, replacing Chris Buescher.
No. 22- Joey Logano returns to the seat, replacing Brad Keselowski.
No. 23- Robert Richardson, Jr. returns to the seat, replacing Jennifer Jo Cobb.
No. 33- Kevin Harvick returns to the seat, replacing Paul Menard.
No. 44- Chad Hackenbracht returns to the seat, replacing Hal Martin.
No. 74- Kevin Lepage returns to the seat, replacing Carl Long.
No. 79- Jeffrey Earnhardt returns to the seat, replacing Bryan Silas.
Drivers who must qualify on speed:
No. 00- David Green for SR2 Motorsports*
No. 10- Jeff Green for TriStar Motorsports (Guaranteed to start via the Past Champions' Provisional)*
No. 16- Ryan Reed for Roush Fenway Racing
No. 17- Tanner Berryhill for Vision Racing
No. 18- Matt Kenseth for Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 34- James Buescher for Turner Scott Motorsports
No. 42- Josh Wise for The Motorsports Group, LLC*
No. 46- JJ Yeley for The Motorsports Group, LLC*
No. 50- Danny Efland for MAKE Motorsports*
No. 52- Joey Gase for Jimmy Means Racing
No. 55- Jamie Dick for Viva Motorsports
No. 73- Derrike Cope for Creation-Cope Racing
No. 74- Kevin Lepage for Mike Harmon Racing
No. 92- Dexter Stacey for KH Motorsports
No. 95- Reed Sorenson for Leavine Family Racing (First attempt for the team)
No. 98- Kevin Swindell for Biagi-DenBeste Racing
Not Entered:
No. 15- Chase Miller for Rick Ware Racing
No. 21- Dakoda Armstrong for Richard Childress Racing
No. 39- Ryan Sieg for RSS Racing
Have news for Phil, Summer 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!
~~~~~~~~~~
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
Kyle's Annual October Surprise and Dealing with Domestic Violence
Kyle's Annual October Surprise and Dealing with Domestic Violence
What's Vexing Vito
by Vito Pugliese
Travis Kvapil was arrested Tuesday night in Moorseville, NC after what was allegedly a domestic assault against his wife Jennifer, as well as false imprisonment. He was released Wednesday morning after making a court appearance and posting bail. While all the facts aren't known at this time, there was probable cause for an arrest to have occurred at the home, following a 911 call to Mooresville Police.
You never want to jump to conclusions, and are supposed to be innocent until proven guilty – but when it comes to matters of domestic violence, it instantly paints an ugly picture of the individual involved and raises more questions before the original ones are answered. Were alcohol or drugs involved, is this a one-time occurrence, or is this a pattern of behavior? What's worse and tragically ironic – the team had just posted photos of their cars this weekend sporting ribbons supporting Domestic Violence Awareness.
As much as NASCAR strives to be like other sports, this is one area where it needs to not be. Guys getting DUIs, popped for pills, and now roughing up their spouse, getting hooked and led away. Way to break the "NASCAR is just a bunch of drunk hillbillies and trailer trash" stereotype that we've spent the last 25 years trying to dismantle.
While the more pressing concern is obviously the crap situation for the family involved here, having Dad's mug shot plastered everywhere for roughing up Mom, during what is essentially homecoming for NASCAR -- Charlotte Chase race weekend -- it also casts a dark shadow over the sport at the worst possible time. If your livelihood is determined on what image you present to the public, having that dumbass look on your face next to the implication of "wife beater" – suffice it to say, it's pretty much the beginning of the end of what was a lucrative career: being a very average race car driver.
Again, the details of the incident have yet to be released but assault could mean a few different things. If a threat is made with the reasonable expectation that it would lead to bodily harm, it's assault. "You say that to me again, and you're going down the stairs…" – that is assault. Assault can also involve touching, or an attack that does not result in contact or harm; shoving, kicking, throwing things, etc. Assault with injury, or Battery, is physical contact resulting in bodily harm. There are different levels and charges for Assault based on the amount of force, weapon used (if any), and other variables that could elevate the charge to a felony.
False imprisonment could mean something such as, "You're not going to the bar with your sister, it's late, you aren't going anywhere….", guy fires her keys out into the yard and blocks the door. It could also mean being locked in a room and tied to a chair with an extension cord, because your husband is a drunk piece of trash. Having spent time working with and training with law enforcement, there are a number of different scenarios that fit the bill for these sorts of charges, all of which appear to be at the misdemeanors at the time of his court appearance.
Under North Carolina law, False Imprisonment is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by probation and anywhere from one to 45 days in jail, in addition to a fine. Assault is considered to be a Class 2 misdemeanor. That is punishable by probation, up to 30 days in jail, and a fine of up to $1,000. However, if the state were to increase Kvapil's assault charge to a charge of Domestic Violence, then it would be considered an A1 level Misdemeanor, punishable by probation and up to 60 days in jail.
That doesn't excuse them or make them any less reprehensible – that's supposed to be your best friend and the mother of your children. It may however determine if Travis Kvapil is driving for Burger King in the future – or working there. Having said that, these sorts of things usually just don't "happen" in the middle of the week – they typically fester over the course of a long period of time, until suddenly somebody refuses to be a victim any longer.
Maybe those ribbons on his car sparked something after all…
******************************
The first few weeks of October bring many changes. A crispness in the air, the sun sets a little earlier, the trees begin to change their colors and lose their leaves, and Kyle Busch begins his annual 18-mile Island meltdown in the midst of The Chase. In 2010 he speeds on pit road at Texas, then starts flipping off the officials. In 2011 he gets involved in a dust-up in an ultra-important-for-him Truck Series race with Ron Hornaday, that results in him getting benched for the weekend and nearly losing his sponsor – and ride – in the process.
Here we are now in 2013, and the latest iteration of "The New Kyle" we've heard so much about the last four months, being more mature, seasoned, patient, and ready to contend for a Cup because he hasn't cussed his crew out lately – has lasted all of three weeks. At Kansas he turns Brad Keselowski in the closing laps of a Nationwide Series Race – for second-place – in addition to wadding up two Cup cars over the weekend in the Series he should be focusing on. You know what's coming next; if the car isn't handling, or they slip a more-than-max-effort-TRD mill in the 18 and it expires, it'll be back to the drawing board for 2014, with another litany of improvements the team will have made in the off-season.
As emotional as Matt Kenseth gets after winning races his first year with JGR this season, I have to think Joe and J.D. Gibbs both get a little tear in their eyes as well.
Travis Kvapil was arrested Tuesday night in Moorseville, NC after what was allegedly a domestic assault against his wife Jennifer, as well as false imprisonment. He was released Wednesday morning after making a court appearance and posting bail. While all the facts aren't known at this time, there was probable cause for an arrest to have occurred at the home, following a 911 call to Mooresville Police.
You never want to jump to conclusions, and are supposed to be innocent until proven guilty – but when it comes to matters of domestic violence, it instantly paints an ugly picture of the individual involved and raises more questions before the original ones are answered. Were alcohol or drugs involved, is this a one-time occurrence, or is this a pattern of behavior? What's worse and tragically ironic – the team had just posted photos of their cars this weekend sporting ribbons supporting Domestic Violence Awareness.
As much as NASCAR strives to be like other sports, this is one area where it needs to not be. Guys getting DUIs, popped for pills, and now roughing up their spouse, getting hooked and led away. Way to break the "NASCAR is just a bunch of drunk hillbillies and trailer trash" stereotype that we've spent the last 25 years trying to dismantle.
While the more pressing concern is obviously the crap situation for the family involved here, having Dad's mug shot plastered everywhere for roughing up Mom, during what is essentially homecoming for NASCAR -- Charlotte Chase race weekend -- it also casts a dark shadow over the sport at the worst possible time. If your livelihood is determined on what image you present to the public, having that dumbass look on your face next to the implication of "wife beater" – suffice it to say, it's pretty much the beginning of the end of what was a lucrative career: being a very average race car driver.
Again, the details of the incident have yet to be released but assault could mean a few different things. If a threat is made with the reasonable expectation that it would lead to bodily harm, it's assault. "You say that to me again, and you're going down the stairs…" – that is assault. Assault can also involve touching, or an attack that does not result in contact or harm; shoving, kicking, throwing things, etc. Assault with injury, or Battery, is physical contact resulting in bodily harm. There are different levels and charges for Assault based on the amount of force, weapon used (if any), and other variables that could elevate the charge to a felony.
False imprisonment could mean something such as, "You're not going to the bar with your sister, it's late, you aren't going anywhere….", guy fires her keys out into the yard and blocks the door. It could also mean being locked in a room and tied to a chair with an extension cord, because your husband is a drunk piece of trash. Having spent time working with and training with law enforcement, there are a number of different scenarios that fit the bill for these sorts of charges, all of which appear to be at the misdemeanors at the time of his court appearance.
Under North Carolina law, False Imprisonment is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by probation and anywhere from one to 45 days in jail, in addition to a fine. Assault is considered to be a Class 2 misdemeanor. That is punishable by probation, up to 30 days in jail, and a fine of up to $1,000. However, if the state were to increase Kvapil's assault charge to a charge of Domestic Violence, then it would be considered an A1 level Misdemeanor, punishable by probation and up to 60 days in jail.
That doesn't excuse them or make them any less reprehensible – that's supposed to be your best friend and the mother of your children. It may however determine if Travis Kvapil is driving for Burger King in the future – or working there. Having said that, these sorts of things usually just don't "happen" in the middle of the week – they typically fester over the course of a long period of time, until suddenly somebody refuses to be a victim any longer.
Maybe those ribbons on his car sparked something after all…
******************************
The first few weeks of October bring many changes. A crispness in the air, the sun sets a little earlier, the trees begin to change their colors and lose their leaves, and Kyle Busch begins his annual 18-mile Island meltdown in the midst of The Chase. In 2010 he speeds on pit road at Texas, then starts flipping off the officials. In 2011 he gets involved in a dust-up in an ultra-important-for-him Truck Series race with Ron Hornaday, that results in him getting benched for the weekend and nearly losing his sponsor – and ride – in the process.
Here we are now in 2013, and the latest iteration of "The New Kyle" we've heard so much about the last four months, being more mature, seasoned, patient, and ready to contend for a Cup because he hasn't cussed his crew out lately – has lasted all of three weeks. At Kansas he turns Brad Keselowski in the closing laps of a Nationwide Series Race – for second-place – in addition to wadding up two Cup cars over the weekend in the Series he should be focusing on. You know what's coming next; if the car isn't handling, or they slip a more-than-max-effort-TRD mill in the 18 and it expires, it'll be back to the drawing board for 2014, with another litany of improvements the team will have made in the off-season.
As emotional as Matt Kenseth gets after winning races his first year with JGR this season, I have to think Joe and J.D. Gibbs both get a little tear in their eyes as well.
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: Shell/Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston
by Phil Allaway
Hello, race fans. Welcome back to the Critic's Annex, where we take an additional look at motorsports-related programming. This past weekend, while there was wrecking en masse at Kansas Speedway, there was...more wrecking at Reliant Park at the final doubleheader of the IndyCar season.
Since this was a doubleheader, we'll cover the main parts of the telecasts together. This means pre-race coverage for both races will be together, race coverage of both races will be together, and post-race for both races will be together.
On Saturday, IndyCar Live started out with a recap of all the track issues that led to qualifying being rescheduled for the morning of the race. To make it brief, track construction apparently couldn't start until after the Texans-Seahawks game on September 29th. That gave crews just four days to get everything squared away. In comparison, walls were already being installed for the Grand Prix of Baltimore in late July when I was in town for an Orioles game, five weeks before the race.
When the crews finished, they didn't realize that there was a massive bump just after Turn 1. Once series officials realized, they installed a tire chicane to prevent people from taking off (which created problems on its own) before they could pull an all-nighter to grind the bump down. Still wasn't enough to keep people from trying to avoid it for the rest of the weekend, though.
The primary feature of pre-race coverage was a sit-down conversation that Robin Miller conducted with A.J. Foyt, who served as the Grand Marshal for both races last week. On Saturday, Foyt talked about how he started his racing career in Midgets as a younger, svelter man. I found i to be quite interesting. Owing to Foyt's 35+ year career driving race cars (all the way to age 61, I think), he started in a much different time. It's interesting to look back on those times.
Mark Miles joined Leigh Diffey and Wally Dallenbach, Jr. to talk about the new race on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's road course that will be held on May 10, 2014. Admittedly, this is a race that almost no one other than the IMS board and the agency that they paid to look into the series a while back wants. However, they have designed some changes to the circuit, which apparently aren't finalized yet (they're still determining whether to have the cars come through Turn 1 of the oval). We'll have to see how they work. Miles seemed enthused, though.
On the other hand, Sunday's pre-race coverage simply recapped Saturday's action and provided interviews. I think the command to start engines Sunday actually occurred during a commercial. This usually only happens with the races in Brazil. I have no idea why they went that route, to be honest.
Race coverage on both days was quite good. The NBC Sports Network brought viewers a good amount of racing for position. Yes, there was a fair amount of focus on the championship, but that was because of the problems that afflicted Helio Castroneves on both days (Note: That guy just couldn't buy a break).
There were some good replays to help viewers understand what caused issues. For example, Castroneves went off the huge bump (jump) early in Sunday's race and broke the gearbox casing. That caused the oil/grease leak that put him in the garage. I think the hit broke some suspension stuff as well since the whole rear of the car was sagging. Surprised that we didn't see more suspension issues ala ChampCar at San Jose in 2005 with how bumpy the track was. Granted, there's no light rail tracks at Reliant Park.
Now, I did have a couple of gripes last weekend. On Saturday, it took a full eight laps for the commentators to make light of what happened to Tristan Vautier on the second start attempt that put him in the pits. They noted that he got a little swervy on the start, but didn't mention that he clouted the wall. That's not good. Vautier, even though he's a rook, has fans and those fans deserve to know what happen to their guy.
On Sunday, there was no replay of what happened to Luca Filippi to bring out the caution (he stuffed the No. 98 in the tires on Lap 29). Earlier in the event, the commentators noted how Filippi was the hardest charger in the field and that he was trying to get Bryan Herta Autosport into the top-22 in team points so that they could get the winner's circle money for 2014 (Of note, only 24 teams have attempted every race, meaning that BHA is one of the worst two). Eventually, after the green came back out, the booth mentioned that Filippi was probably trying too hard on cold tires, a combination of the money argument and the fact that Filippi is trying to impress everyone. I'm unclear if NBC Sports Network actually had footage of the crash or just aftermath footage.
Post-race coverage was a little shorter on Saturday since the race ran long. Here, NBC Sports Network provided four driver interviews, plus a chat with the winning race strategist (Mike Hull). There were also checks of the unofficial results and point standings.
Sunday's post-race coverage was completely driven by the last lap crash that most of you have already seen by now. Interestingly enough, there were plenty of replays of the incident, shown relatively quickly. If this race were on ABC, I doubt we would have seen any at all. At best, maybe one right before they left the air. They have a protocol for those types of incidents, most recently used at Daytona after the last lap crash in the DRIVE4COPD 300.
Having said that, I think that the production staff went through quite the discussion before airing the replays. I think that's ok. Replays in situations like these are a tough decision. You do it too much, or too early and you're accused of glorifying the incident or being insensitive. I don't think the NBC Sports Network was insensitive here. If the crash becomes a permanent fixture on telecasts, then yes, that would be insensitive.
Having said that, I think that the production staff went through quite the discussion before airing the replays. I think that's ok. Replays in situations like these are a tough decision. You do it too much, or too early and you're accused of glorifying the incident or being insensitive. I don't think the NBC Sports Network was insensitive here. If the crash becomes a permanent fixture on telecasts, then yes, that would be insensitive.
In addition to all the crash coverage, NBC Sports Network provided viewers with eight driver interviews, quotes from Chip Ganassi and Amy Conrad (IndyCar's VP of Communications and Public Relations, whom I cannot recall ever showing up on an IndyCar telecast), and the unofficial results and points before leaving the air. I'd say that it was quite comprehensive.
Overall, I really liked watching both rounds from Houston. The action was quite exciting and NBC Sports Network covered most of the action well. I just wish it didn't end the way it did.
That's all for this week. Tune in next week for the super duper coverage from Lime Rock. Until then, enjoy this weekend's action in Charlotte, Suzuka and Bathurst.
Phil Allaway is the Newsletter Manager and a Senior Writer for Frontstretch. He can be reached via e-mail at phil.allaway@frontstretch.com.
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Frontstretch Line of the Week
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Race fans, do you love Frontstretch.com's coverage of NASCAR's top 3 series, IndyCar, Formula One and Short Track Racing? Do you want to read even more about your favorite sport? Then check out the industry's newest racing publication, Motorsport Illustrated News!, which is available both in print and in digital format! As one of our loyal readers, you'll receive 15% off any subscription when you use the coupon code fs2013.
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Frontstretch Line of the Week
"Well, I don't look at myself as a female driver anyways. I look at myself as another driver out there. She's doing a great job right now. She's definitely a trailblazer in the sport, but it's not me focusing on myself and doing the best I can every time I get on the racetrack. Once I start finishing in the top 15, top 10, top five regularly, then all of that stuff is gonna come. " - Johanna Long, on whether she would be in the spotlight if Danica Patrick weren't around.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
by Jeff Wolfe
NASCAR Mailbox: The Mayor Moves On, Subsidizing A Series, And Pit Ping-Pong
by Summer Bedgood
Truckin' Thursdays: Fixing The 2014 Schedule
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Tech Talk: What Makes A Good Pit Crew?
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Tech Talk: What Makes A Good Pit Crew?
by the Frontstretch Staff
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: During the race weekend at Kansas Speedway in 2002, there were two big stories. One was the neck injury that ended Sterling Marlin's season. The other was a shocking admission that Dale Earnhardt, Jr. made, and NASCAR's response to it. What was it?
Check back Friday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Wednesday's Answer:
Wednesday's Answer:
Q: The 1998 UAW-GM Quality 500 was dominated by Mark Martin. However, a number of potential contenders were wiped out in a crash just before the two-thirds' mark. What happened?
A:Very early in the race, Sorenson had contact with David Stremme, who was driving the No. 14 Navy Dodge for FitzBradshaw Racing. Stremme spun out and went hard into the wall. Elliott Sadler spun out trying to avoid Stremme and hit the wall himself. Sadler was then clipped by Justin Labonte, who also crashed. Sadler then proceeded to blame Stremme for coming down on Sorenson (yes, blaming Stremme preceded the hashtag on Twitter). The crash can be seen here.
Sadler and Stremme were out on the spot. Labonte was able to continue after repairs on pit road and finished three laps down in 25th.
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:
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:
Holding A Pretty Wheel by Amy Henderson
Amy returns this week with another intriguing Friday commentary.
Nuts For Nationwide by Kevin Rutherford
Kevin has another interesting look at the Nationwide Series prior to this weekend's Dollar General 300 Miles of Courage at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
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.
Driver Diary: Brendan Gaughan as told to Amy Henderson
The driver of the No. 62 South Point Chevrolet in the Camping World Truck Series returns to talk about the past month, on and off 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 Japan at Suzuka Circuit.
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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