THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
October 18th, 2013
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
October 18th, 2013
Volume VII, Edition CXCV
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FRONTSTRETCH AT THE TRACK! Our P. Huston Ladner is at Fontana this weekend, giving you all the latest open-wheel news, information, and race reports from Auto Club Speedway. Be sure to follow our Twitter feed @TheFrontstretch and Huston's feed, @turtlewords as an additional resource while following the IndyCar season finale.
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Racing On TV This Weekend (via Phil Allaway)
Friday, October 18
Time Telecast Network
1:30 AM - 2:00 AM NASCAR Now ESPN2
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Camping World Truck Series Practice FOX Sports 1
2:30 - 3:30 PM Sprint Cup Series Practice No. 1 FOX Sports 1
4:00 - 5:00 PM Sprint Cup Series Happy Hour FOX Sports 1
5:00 - 7:00 PM Camping World Truck Series Qualifying FOX Sports 2
7:00 - 8:00 PM Izod IndyCar Series Qualifying NBC Sports Network*
Saturday, October 19
Time Telecast Network
1:30 AM -2:00 AM NASCAR Now ESPN2
11:00 AM -12:00 PM American Le Mans Series Petit Le Mans Part 1 FOX Sports 2
12:00 - 2:30 PM Sprint Cup Series Qualifying FOX Sports 2
2:30 - 6:30 PM American Le Mans Series Petit Le Mans Part 2 FOX Sports 2
3:30 - 4:00 PM NCWTS Setup FOX Sports 1
4:00 - 6:30 PM Camping World Truck Series Fred's 250 FOX Sports 1
6:30 - 8:00 PM American Le Mans Series Petit Le Mans Part 3 FOX Sports 1
7:00 - 8:00 PM Firestone Indy Lights: Fontana NBC Sports Network*
8:00 - 9:00 PM American Le Mans Series Petit Le Mans: The Finish FOX Sports 2
8:00 PM - 12:00 AM Izod IndyCar Series MavTV American Real 500 NBC Sports Network
Sunday, October 20
Time Telecast Network
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM NASCAR RaceDay Fueled by Sunoco FOX Sports 1
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM NASCAR Countdown ESPN
2:00 - 6:00 PM Sprint Cup Series Camping World RV 500 ESPN
4:00 - 5:30 PM Pirelli World Challenge: Houston NBC Sports Network*
8:00 - 11:00 PM V8 Supercar Championship Series Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 FOX Sports 2*/
11:00 PM - 12:00 AM NASCAR Now, Post-Race ESPN2
* - Tape Delayed
/ - Highlighted Coverage
Friday, October 18
Time Telecast Network
1:30 AM - 2:00 AM NASCAR Now ESPN2
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Camping World Truck Series Practice FOX Sports 1
2:30 - 3:30 PM Sprint Cup Series Practice No. 1 FOX Sports 1
4:00 - 5:00 PM Sprint Cup Series Happy Hour FOX Sports 1
5:00 - 7:00 PM Camping World Truck Series Qualifying FOX Sports 2
7:00 - 8:00 PM Izod IndyCar Series Qualifying NBC Sports Network*
Saturday, October 19
Time Telecast Network
1:30 AM -2:00 AM NASCAR Now ESPN2
11:00 AM -12:00 PM American Le Mans Series Petit Le Mans Part 1 FOX Sports 2
12:00 - 2:30 PM Sprint Cup Series Qualifying FOX Sports 2
2:30 - 6:30 PM American Le Mans Series Petit Le Mans Part 2 FOX Sports 2
3:30 - 4:00 PM NCWTS Setup FOX Sports 1
4:00 - 6:30 PM Camping World Truck Series Fred's 250 FOX Sports 1
6:30 - 8:00 PM American Le Mans Series Petit Le Mans Part 3 FOX Sports 1
7:00 - 8:00 PM Firestone Indy Lights: Fontana NBC Sports Network*
8:00 - 9:00 PM American Le Mans Series Petit Le Mans: The Finish FOX Sports 2
8:00 PM - 12:00 AM Izod IndyCar Series MavTV American Real 500 NBC Sports Network
Sunday, October 20
Time Telecast Network
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM NASCAR RaceDay Fueled by Sunoco FOX Sports 1
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM NASCAR Countdown ESPN
2:00 - 6:00 PM Sprint Cup Series Camping World RV 500 ESPN
4:00 - 5:30 PM Pirelli World Challenge: Houston NBC Sports Network*
8:00 - 11:00 PM V8 Supercar Championship Series Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 FOX Sports 2*/
11:00 PM - 12:00 AM NASCAR Now, Post-Race ESPN2
* - Tape Delayed
/ - Highlighted Coverage
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Top News
by Phil Allaway and Justin Tucker
Todd Parrott Violates Substance Abuse Policy, Indefinitely Suspended
Since NASCAR instituted their current Substance Abuse Policy at the start of the 2009 season, we've seen a number of people working in the sport busted for failed drug tests. The most notable incident occurred when Jeremy Mayfield tested positive for methamphetamines, getting him suspended hours before the Southern 500 at Darlington.
Never, though have we seen a top-tier Sprint Cup crew chief found guilty of drug use... until now. On Thursday afternoon, NASCAR announced that Todd Parrott, crew chief of the No. 43 Smithfield Foods Ford for Richard Petty Motorsports, is under such an indefinite suspension for violating the sport's Substance Abuse Policy.
In their press release, NASCAR stated that Parrott was in violation of Sections 12-1 (Actions Detrimental to Stock Car Racing) and 19 (Substance Abuse Policy) of the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rule Book. In addition, it appears they were very quick to enact punishment as the suspension was handed down the same day (October 17th) as the infraction was discovered, which is a little unusual.
Richard Petty Motorsports issued a statement supporting NASCAR's decision.
"We have an expectation of all RPM employees to conduct themselves at the highest level of professionalism and within the competitive confines as set forth by NASCAR," said Sammy Johns, RPM's Vice President of Operations and Competition. "We are very disappointed that one of our employees did not meet our expectations and we completely support NASCAR, their policies and final decisions when it comes to the Substance Abuse Policy."
Johns, a former Sprint Cup crew chief in his own right (most notably with MB2 Motorsports) will take over as Aric Almirola's crew chief starting this weekend at Talladega and will remain in the position for the foreseeable future. As for Almirola, he's supporting Parrott, who has guided him to what would be a career-best 18th in the point standings this season.
"Todd Parrott is a good crew chief, a good person, and a good friend," he tweeted Thursday. "I'll be a big cheerleader of his to get thru this difficult time."
Hemric to Make Trucks Debut at Martinsville
Sharp-Gallaher Racing announced Thursday that 22-year-old Late Model standout Daniel Hemric will make his Camping World Truck Series debut for the team behind the wheel of the No. 6 Jack Link's / Valvoline Chevrolet at Martinsville Speedway next weekend.
"This kid has been on everyone's radar," said team co-owner Eddie Sharp, Jr. "I'm thrilled that we were able to pull together to give Daniel the opportunity to make his Truck Series debut with SGR. He is incredibly talented and has a very bright future in the sport."
Hemric has become a household name in the Legends car, Modified, and Late Model ranks, earning countless honors over the years. Hemric started driving Legends cars at the age of 16 and won back-to-back championships in the division, 2008 and 2009 at Concord Speedway. He also won the 2009 Summer Shootout championship at Charlotte Motor Speedway, recording six wins over a 10-race season.
"This is a dream come true," Hemric said of the opportunity. "I am so thankful to Eddie Sharp, Bill Gallaher, and to Austin Dillon for putting me together with them. It is going to be great to make my NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut with a great team at SGR. Everyone has really pulled together and put in a lot of last-minute effort to make this a reality, and I cannot thank them enough. Also a huge thank you to Jack Link's, Valvoline, Hope for Warriors and Stitch98 for their support!"
In 2010, Hemric won the nationally televised and prestigious Legends Million event at Charlotte Motor Speedway. He then moved on to the Modifieds and Late Models, earning his first career Super Late Model win in 2011. He claimed the JEGS/CRA All-Star Championship in 2012. 2013 has seen even more success for Hemric with additional track and series titles.
by Phil Allaway and Justin Tucker
Todd Parrott Violates Substance Abuse Policy, Indefinitely Suspended
Since NASCAR instituted their current Substance Abuse Policy at the start of the 2009 season, we've seen a number of people working in the sport busted for failed drug tests. The most notable incident occurred when Jeremy Mayfield tested positive for methamphetamines, getting him suspended hours before the Southern 500 at Darlington.
Never, though have we seen a top-tier Sprint Cup crew chief found guilty of drug use... until now. On Thursday afternoon, NASCAR announced that Todd Parrott, crew chief of the No. 43 Smithfield Foods Ford for Richard Petty Motorsports, is under such an indefinite suspension for violating the sport's Substance Abuse Policy.
In their press release, NASCAR stated that Parrott was in violation of Sections 12-1 (Actions Detrimental to Stock Car Racing) and 19 (Substance Abuse Policy) of the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rule Book. In addition, it appears they were very quick to enact punishment as the suspension was handed down the same day (October 17th) as the infraction was discovered, which is a little unusual.
Richard Petty Motorsports issued a statement supporting NASCAR's decision.
"We have an expectation of all RPM employees to conduct themselves at the highest level of professionalism and within the competitive confines as set forth by NASCAR," said Sammy Johns, RPM's Vice President of Operations and Competition. "We are very disappointed that one of our employees did not meet our expectations and we completely support NASCAR, their policies and final decisions when it comes to the Substance Abuse Policy."
Johns, a former Sprint Cup crew chief in his own right (most notably with MB2 Motorsports) will take over as Aric Almirola's crew chief starting this weekend at Talladega and will remain in the position for the foreseeable future. As for Almirola, he's supporting Parrott, who has guided him to what would be a career-best 18th in the point standings this season.
"Todd Parrott is a good crew chief, a good person, and a good friend," he tweeted Thursday. "I'll be a big cheerleader of his to get thru this difficult time."
Hemric to Make Trucks Debut at Martinsville
Sharp-Gallaher Racing announced Thursday that 22-year-old Late Model standout Daniel Hemric will make his Camping World Truck Series debut for the team behind the wheel of the No. 6 Jack Link's / Valvoline Chevrolet at Martinsville Speedway next weekend.
"This kid has been on everyone's radar," said team co-owner Eddie Sharp, Jr. "I'm thrilled that we were able to pull together to give Daniel the opportunity to make his Truck Series debut with SGR. He is incredibly talented and has a very bright future in the sport."
Hemric has become a household name in the Legends car, Modified, and Late Model ranks, earning countless honors over the years. Hemric started driving Legends cars at the age of 16 and won back-to-back championships in the division, 2008 and 2009 at Concord Speedway. He also won the 2009 Summer Shootout championship at Charlotte Motor Speedway, recording six wins over a 10-race season.
"This is a dream come true," Hemric said of the opportunity. "I am so thankful to Eddie Sharp, Bill Gallaher, and to Austin Dillon for putting me together with them. It is going to be great to make my NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut with a great team at SGR. Everyone has really pulled together and put in a lot of last-minute effort to make this a reality, and I cannot thank them enough. Also a huge thank you to Jack Link's, Valvoline, Hope for Warriors and Stitch98 for their support!"
In 2010, Hemric won the nationally televised and prestigious Legends Million event at Charlotte Motor Speedway. He then moved on to the Modifieds and Late Models, earning his first career Super Late Model win in 2011. He claimed the JEGS/CRA All-Star Championship in 2012. 2013 has seen even more success for Hemric with additional track and series titles.
INDYCAR Releases 2014 Schedule
Just days before the season comes to a close this weekend, at Auto Club Speedway IndyCar released its 2014 schedule Thursday night. The race count remains at 18, but the dates have been tightened up to allow the season to end a month and a half earlier, avoiding long down times. Once again, the doubleheaders at Belle Isle, Houston and Toronto will return, allowing drivers a double shot at full points in a single weekend. Milwaukee has moved from mid-June to mid-August, while Barber Motorsports Park has moved to a couple weeks later in April.
The schedule also features a new addition in the Grand Prix of Indianapolis, on a 2.343-mile, 14-turn road course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 10th.
"We're excited about the new month of May at IMS and our first Grand Prix of Indianapolis," said Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Co., the parent company of IndyCar. "Many people want to see more of our racing, and we're putting some of it on our most iconic stage and building toward the '500.' We want to use the strength of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the '500' to leverage value for the IndyCar Series and vice versa."
Race distances, times and television schedules will be released at a later date.
2014 IndyCar Series Schedule
The schedule also features a new addition in the Grand Prix of Indianapolis, on a 2.343-mile, 14-turn road course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 10th.
"We're excited about the new month of May at IMS and our first Grand Prix of Indianapolis," said Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Co., the parent company of IndyCar. "Many people want to see more of our racing, and we're putting some of it on our most iconic stage and building toward the '500.' We want to use the strength of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the '500' to leverage value for the IndyCar Series and vice versa."
Race distances, times and television schedules will be released at a later date.
2014 IndyCar Series Schedule
Date | Track | City | Venue |
March 30 | Streets of St. Petersburg | St. Petersburg, Fla. | 1.8-mile street course |
April 13 | Streets of Long Beach | Long Beach, Calif. | 1.968-mile street course |
| April 26 | Barber Motorsports Park | Birmingham, Ala. | 2.38-mile road course |
May 10 | Grand Prix of Indianapolis | Indianapolis | 2.4346-mile road course |
| May 25 | Indianapolis Motor Speedway | Indianapolis | 2.5-mile oval |
May 31 | Raceway at Belle Isle Park | Detroit | 2.35-mile street course |
June 1 | Raceway at Belle Isle Park | Detroit | 2.35-mile street course |
June 7 | Texas Motor Speedway | Fort Worth, Texas | 1.5-mile oval |
June 28 | Reliant Park | Houston | 1.634-mile street course |
| June 29 | Reliant Park | Houston | 1.634-mile street course |
July 6 | Pocono Raceway | Long Pond, Pa. | 2.5-mile oval |
| July 12 | Iowa Speedway | Newton, Iowa | .875-mile oval |
July 19 | Streets of Toronto | Toronto | 1.75-mile street course |
July 20 | Streets of Toronto | Toronto | 1.75-mile street course |
Aug. 3 | Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course | Lexington, Ohio | 2.258-mile road course |
Aug. 17 | The Milwaukee Mile | Milwaukee | 1-mile oval |
| Aug. 24 | Sonoma Raceway | Sonoma, Calif. | 2.385-mile road course |
| Aug. 30 | Auto Club Speedway | Fontana, Calif. | 2-mile oval |
Have news for Justin 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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ADVERTISEMENT
Race fans, do you love Frontstretch.com's coverage of NASCAR's top 3 series, IndyCar, Formula One and Short Track Racing? Do you want to read even more about your favorite sport? Then check out the industry's newest racing publication, Motorsport Illustrated News!, which is available both in print and in digital format! As one of our loyal readers, you'll receive 15% off any subscription when you use the coupon code fs2013.
~~~~~~~~~~
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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In Case You Missed It
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Bristol To Host College Football Game In 2016
Bristol Motor Speedway announced Monday that the facility will host the Battle at Bristol, College Football's Biggest EVER game on Saturday, September 10th, 2016. The contest will be a battle between the Virginia Tech Hokies and the Tennessee Volunteers, expected to draw the NCAA's largest crowd for a single game. With a capacity of around 150,000, the speedway will likely break the two largest crowds previously that were 115,000 and 117,000 fans.
"There has always been a desire by fans to see a football game at our historic Speedway," said Bruton Smith, chairman and CEO of Speedway Motorsports. "We couldn't be more excited to turn this longtime rumor into a reality and to provide sports fans with an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of the biggest college football game ever."
In just a few weeks following the August, 2016 NASCAR event, several things will happen to transform the speedway into a world-class football field. In its release about the transformation, the speedway released just a few key parts:
* Immediately following the August 2016 NASCAR race at Bristol Motor Speedway, approximately 400 workers will immediately begin bulk cleaning, and then detailing, the Speedway.
* Next, an estimated 10-12 crews will begin pressure washing - a process that is normally done in February prior to the March NASCAR weekend.
* Separate crews will clean all suites in seven days - a process that normally takes four-to-six weeks. Turf and field build will be completed in eight days.
* Approximately 8,500 tons of rock will be used to build the base of the field. The rock will be brought in by approximately 400 truckloads. The complete haul-in process will take three, 10-12 hour days.
* The base rock will be 3'-6" deep in the middle of the infield, tapering to 1 1/2' on sidelines to create the proper sloping effect for drainage.
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Bristol To Host College Football Game In 2016
Bristol Motor Speedway announced Monday that the facility will host the Battle at Bristol, College Football's Biggest EVER game on Saturday, September 10th, 2016. The contest will be a battle between the Virginia Tech Hokies and the Tennessee Volunteers, expected to draw the NCAA's largest crowd for a single game. With a capacity of around 150,000, the speedway will likely break the two largest crowds previously that were 115,000 and 117,000 fans.
"There has always been a desire by fans to see a football game at our historic Speedway," said Bruton Smith, chairman and CEO of Speedway Motorsports. "We couldn't be more excited to turn this longtime rumor into a reality and to provide sports fans with an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of the biggest college football game ever."
In just a few weeks following the August, 2016 NASCAR event, several things will happen to transform the speedway into a world-class football field. In its release about the transformation, the speedway released just a few key parts:
* Immediately following the August 2016 NASCAR race at Bristol Motor Speedway, approximately 400 workers will immediately begin bulk cleaning, and then detailing, the Speedway.
* Next, an estimated 10-12 crews will begin pressure washing - a process that is normally done in February prior to the March NASCAR weekend.
* Separate crews will clean all suites in seven days - a process that normally takes four-to-six weeks. Turf and field build will be completed in eight days.
* Approximately 8,500 tons of rock will be used to build the base of the field. The rock will be brought in by approximately 400 truckloads. The complete haul-in process will take three, 10-12 hour days.
* The base rock will be 3'-6" deep in the middle of the infield, tapering to 1 1/2' on sidelines to create the proper sloping effect for drainage.
Tony Stewart Third Surgery Was For Infection
Tony Stewart participated in a video chat, Tuesday night on NASCAR.com and spoke about his most recent surgery. As part of the Q&A, he admitted his third surgery, on October 7th, was necessitated by an infection in his right leg. It's a temporary setback, albeit one the doctors were prepared for considering the scope of the injury.
"That was the biggest thing they talked about after the surgery," said Stewart. "I was more worried about bones healing and skin healing. The doctor was more worried about infection and really said the first two months were kind of the critical time. We were at the end of that two months for the most part and, all of a sudden, a spot popped up that was infected and that caused the surgery last week.
"I went from starting to walk again - not great, not just walking around the house like normal, but I could take eight or 10 steps at a time - to having to spend the majority of the day again (after the surgery) laying down. I'm really looking forward to getting back to physical therapy again and starting to get back on my feet again."
Stewart was supposed to see his doctor on Wednesday and hoped to be cleared to return to physical therapy shortly; but as of press time, no news had come out updating his progress. According to team officials, he is still expected to make his return by the beginning of next season.
Tony Stewart participated in a video chat, Tuesday night on NASCAR.com and spoke about his most recent surgery. As part of the Q&A, he admitted his third surgery, on October 7th, was necessitated by an infection in his right leg. It's a temporary setback, albeit one the doctors were prepared for considering the scope of the injury.
"That was the biggest thing they talked about after the surgery," said Stewart. "I was more worried about bones healing and skin healing. The doctor was more worried about infection and really said the first two months were kind of the critical time. We were at the end of that two months for the most part and, all of a sudden, a spot popped up that was infected and that caused the surgery last week.
"I went from starting to walk again - not great, not just walking around the house like normal, but I could take eight or 10 steps at a time - to having to spend the majority of the day again (after the surgery) laying down. I'm really looking forward to getting back to physical therapy again and starting to get back on my feet again."
Stewart was supposed to see his doctor on Wednesday and hoped to be cleared to return to physical therapy shortly; but as of press time, no news had come out updating his progress. According to team officials, he is still expected to make his return by the beginning of next season.
Red Horse Racing Crew Member Indefinitely Suspended
Earlier this week, Red Horse Racing crew member Marshal Faust was indefinitely suspended for violating NASCAR's Substance Abuse Policy. Faust was found in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (violation of the NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy) on October 10th. He will have the opportunity to go through the sanctioning body's Road to Recovery Program if he wants to return to the sport.
"Red Horse Racing supports NASCAR's Substance Abuse Policy as well as the Road to Recovery Program," the team said in a statement. "In addition to NASCAR's testing, Red Horse Racing also has our own quarterly drug testing policy. Red Horse Racing has a zero tolerance policy, and Marshal Faust is no longer employed by the team."
According to the organization's website, Faust was a fabricator, mechanic, and tire changer for Timothy Peters' No. 17 team.
Earlier this week, Red Horse Racing crew member Marshal Faust was indefinitely suspended for violating NASCAR's Substance Abuse Policy. Faust was found in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (violation of the NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy) on October 10th. He will have the opportunity to go through the sanctioning body's Road to Recovery Program if he wants to return to the sport.
"Red Horse Racing supports NASCAR's Substance Abuse Policy as well as the Road to Recovery Program," the team said in a statement. "In addition to NASCAR's testing, Red Horse Racing also has our own quarterly drug testing policy. Red Horse Racing has a zero tolerance policy, and Marshal Faust is no longer employed by the team."
According to the organization's website, Faust was a fabricator, mechanic, and tire changer for Timothy Peters' No. 17 team.
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Frontstretch Folio: Camping World RV Sales 500
by Beth Lunkenheimer
The Sprint Cup Series heads to Talladega Superspeedway this weekend for the sixth race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. The Camping World RV Sales 500 is the 32nd race of the 2013 season and will be broadcast live, on ESPN at 2:00 PM ET. The race can also be heard on your local PRN affiliate or SiriusXM Radio Channel 90. Drivers will compete for 188 laps (500.08 miles) en route to the checkered flag.
Records and Facts:
Bill Elliott set the qualifying record at 'Dega on April 30, 1987 with a speed of 212.809 mph (44.998 sec.). Elliott led for 48 laps in his No. 9 Coors Ford before an engine failure forced him to settle for a 22nd-place finish.
Points leader Matt Kenseth is the defending winner of this race. After starting 15th, Kenseth led 33 laps en route to a victory under caution ahead of Jeff Gordon. Kyle Busch, David Ragan and Regan Smith rounded out the top-5 finishers.
Track Facts:
Track / Race Length: 2.66-mile quad oval, 188 laps, 500.08 miles
Turns: Banking: 33° Length: 3,750 feet Radius: 1,100 feet
Trioval: Banking: 18°
Pit Road Speed: 55 mph
Pace Car Speed: 70 mph
Grandstand Seating: 143,231
Track last paved: Summer 2006
Opened: 1969
Website: http://www.talladegasuperspeedway.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/talladegasuperspeedway
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/talladegasupers
Pre-Race Schedule
Practices: Friday, October 18, 2:30 - 3:15 PM ET on FS1
Happy Hour: Friday, October 18, 4:00 - 5:00 PM ET on FS1
Qualifying: Saturday, October 19 at 12:10 PM ET on FS2
Race Day Forecast
Sunday: Sunny
High: 71
Low: 40
They Said It:
"I'm excited to race the No. 14 Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 Chevrolet at Talladega Superspeedway, in particular, because a lot of drivers have gotten their first Sprint Cup Series win at that track. It's a wild place where anything can happen. I think it would be awesome if that were to happen to us." Austin Dillon
"Honestly, I'll be anxious to get out of [Talladega]. I'm just ready for it to happen, and go on and race from there. Leaving Talladega, you can really narrow in on who is left and what that spread is in points. With this rules package, riding is not the thing to do. You'll never get back to the front. So, you've just got to go race, cross your fingers and go for it. You just hope that Lady Luck is on your side and that you make it through. The guys we're racing with right now in the championship historically go and race there. They don't ride. Even if that opportunity was there, it would have forced our hand to race. So, we're just going to show up and race. I've been able to finish all three (restrictor-plate races) so far this year, and I think all three in the top-five. Hopefully, we can keep this streak alive." Jimmie Johnson
"It's shake and bake time — I am so excited to drive the Wonder Bread car that will have a similar look to what Ricky Bobby (Will Ferrell) drove in the movie Talladega Nights. It's going to be a lot of fun. Regarding this weekend, it's so difficult to predict Talladega. You can ride around in the back, charge up front all day and either way your day can end with your car on the hook, like we did in the Talladega spring race. You just hope to have Lady Luck guide you to a top-10 finish. Restrictor plate races have turned into this pattern that it is hard to have any type of strength over any other team. It just comes down to being in the right place at the right time." Kurt Busch
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Keepin' It Short...
by Mike Neff
by Mike Neff
Keepin' It Short will return next week.
Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com. He can be reached via email at mike.neff@frontstretch.com. Follow him on Twitter @MNeffShortTrack.
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TODAY ON THE FRONTSTRETCH:
by P. Huston Ladner
Four Burning Questions - Talladega: Dealing With The 100% Rule
by Matt Stallknecht
BSNews! No More Negative NASCAR Stories Allowed
by Jeff Meyer
Will Germain Racing Be NASCAR's Next Success Story?
by Amy Henderson
Nuts for Nationwide: 2014 Make-or-Break Year For Roush Fenway
by Kevin Rutherford
by Amy Henderson
Nuts for Nationwide: 2014 Make-or-Break Year For Roush Fenway
by Kevin Rutherford
by Amy Henderson
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: Ricky Rudd is credited with a third-place finish in the 1986 Talladega 500 won by Bobby Hillin, Jr. However, Rudd wasn't driving the car at the finish. Who was?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Thursday's Answer:
Q: In the 1989 Talladega DieHard 500, Joe Ruttman was tapped to drive the No. 83 Bulls-Eye Oldsmobile in place of owner/driver Lake Speed, who was injured in a big crash at Pocono. However, Ruttman's day ended rather spectacularly in the tri-oval. What happened?
A: Ruttman appeared to cut a tire exiting Turn 4, resulting in him losing control by himself, overcorrecting, then going hard into the outside wall in the tri-oval, head-on. Ruttman's Oldsmobile nearly got on its side before coming to rest on the apron. The crash can be seen here. Ruttman was OK, but the Bulls-Eye Oldsmobile was thrashed and done for the day.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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Monday on the Frontstretch:
Mike will swing by with his overall thoughts from Sunday's race from Talladega.
Commentary by Summer Bedgood
We'll take a look at one of the biggest stories to come out of Talladega.
Bowles-Eye View by Tom Bowles
Tom gives his thoughts on how the sixth race of the Chase unfolded out at Talladega.
Big Six: Camping World RV Sales 500 by Amy Henderson
Amy has your weekly look at the Who, What, When, Where, Why and How from a weekend of racing at Talladega.
Pace Laps: Talladega Weekend, IndyCars, and Short Tracks Across The Country by the Frontstretch Staff
It's back again this season! The staff gets together to help you catch up on the latest and greatest going on in each racing series around the country.
Tracking the Trucks: Fred's 250 Powered by Coca-Cola by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth pops up with news and analysis following Saturday afternoon's Camping World Truck Series race from Talladega.
IndyCar Breakdown: MAVTV 500 by P. Huston Ladner
Huston has all the post-race info you'll need following Saturday night's season finale from Auto Club Speedway.
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