THE FRONTSTRETCH NEWSLETTER
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
November 15th, 2013
Presented by Frontstretch.com
The Best Seat at the Track, The Best View on the Net!
November 15th, 2013
Volume VII, Edition CCXIV
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Racing On TV This Weekend (via Phil Allaway)
Friday, November 15
Time Telecast Network
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Camping World Truck Series Practice FOX Sports 1
1:00 - 2:30 PM Formula One Grand Prix of the United States Free Practice NBC Sports Network
1:30 - 2:55 PM Sprint Cup Series Practice No. 1 ESPN2
3:00 - 4:30 PM Nationwide Series Happy Hour FOX Sports 2
4:30 - 5:30 PM Camping World Truck Series Qualifying FOX Sports 2
6:00 - 7:30 PM Sprint Cup Series Qualifying ESPN2
7:30 - 8:00 PM NCWTS Setup FOX Sports 1
8:00 - 10:00 PM Camping World Truck Series Ford EcoBoost 200 FOX Sports 1
Saturday, November 16
Time Telecast Network
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Sprint Cup Series Practice No. 2 FOX Sports 2
1:00 - 2:30 PM Nationwide Series Qualifying FOX Sports 2
3:00 - 4:00 PM Sprint Cup Series Happy Hour FOX Sports 2
3:30 - 5:00 PM Formula One Grand Prix of the United States Qualifying NBC Sports Live Extra $
4:00 - 4:30 PM NASCAR Countdown ESPN
4:30 - 7:45 PM Nationwide Series Ford EcoBoost 300 ESPN
6:30 - 8:00 PM Formula One Grand Prix of the United States Qualifying NBC Sports Network
Sunday, November 17
Time Telecast Network
4:00 AM - 5:00 AM FIA World Endurance Championship 6 Hours of Fuji FOX Sports 1 / (From October 20)
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM NASCAR K&N Pro Series Casino Arizona 50 FOX Sports 2 (From November 9)
12:00 - 2:00 PM NASCAR RaceDay Fueled by Sunoco FOX Sports 1
1:00 - 2:00 PM F1 Countdown NBC
1:00 - 3:00 PM NASCAR Countdown ESPN
2:00 - 4:30 PM Formula One Grand Prix of the United States NBC
3:00 - 7:00 PM Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 ESPN
7:00 - 7:30 PM NASCAR Victory Lane FOX Sports 1
8:00 - 9:00 PM FIA World Touring Car Championship: Hungary FOX Sports 2 (From May 4 - 5)
8:30 - 9:00 PM F1 Extra NBC Sports Network
9:00 - 10:00 PM FIA GT Series: Zandvoort FOX Sports 2 / (From July 6 - 7)
9:00 - 11:00 PM World of Outlaws STP Sprint Cars National Open, Night No. 2 CBS Sports Network / (From October 5)
10:00 - 11:00 PM NASCAR Now, Post - Race ESPN2
Friday, November 15
Time Telecast Network
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Camping World Truck Series Practice FOX Sports 1
1:00 - 2:30 PM Formula One Grand Prix of the United States Free Practice NBC Sports Network
1:30 - 2:55 PM Sprint Cup Series Practice No. 1 ESPN2
3:00 - 4:30 PM Nationwide Series Happy Hour FOX Sports 2
4:30 - 5:30 PM Camping World Truck Series Qualifying FOX Sports 2
6:00 - 7:30 PM Sprint Cup Series Qualifying ESPN2
7:30 - 8:00 PM NCWTS Setup FOX Sports 1
8:00 - 10:00 PM Camping World Truck Series Ford EcoBoost 200 FOX Sports 1
Saturday, November 16
Time Telecast Network
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Sprint Cup Series Practice No. 2 FOX Sports 2
1:00 - 2:30 PM Nationwide Series Qualifying FOX Sports 2
3:00 - 4:00 PM Sprint Cup Series Happy Hour FOX Sports 2
3:30 - 5:00 PM Formula One Grand Prix of the United States Qualifying NBC Sports Live Extra $
4:00 - 4:30 PM NASCAR Countdown ESPN
4:30 - 7:45 PM Nationwide Series Ford EcoBoost 300 ESPN
6:30 - 8:00 PM Formula One Grand Prix of the United States Qualifying NBC Sports Network
Sunday, November 17
Time Telecast Network
4:00 AM - 5:00 AM FIA World Endurance Championship 6 Hours of Fuji FOX Sports 1 / (From October 20)
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM NASCAR K&N Pro Series Casino Arizona 50 FOX Sports 2 (From November 9)
12:00 - 2:00 PM NASCAR RaceDay Fueled by Sunoco FOX Sports 1
1:00 - 2:00 PM F1 Countdown NBC
1:00 - 3:00 PM NASCAR Countdown ESPN
2:00 - 4:30 PM Formula One Grand Prix of the United States NBC
3:00 - 7:00 PM Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 ESPN
7:00 - 7:30 PM NASCAR Victory Lane FOX Sports 1
8:00 - 9:00 PM FIA World Touring Car Championship: Hungary FOX Sports 2 (From May 4 - 5)
8:30 - 9:00 PM F1 Extra NBC Sports Network
9:00 - 10:00 PM FIA GT Series: Zandvoort FOX Sports 2 / (From July 6 - 7)
9:00 - 11:00 PM World of Outlaws STP Sprint Cars National Open, Night No. 2 CBS Sports Network / (From October 5)
10:00 - 11:00 PM NASCAR Now, Post - Race ESPN2
* - Tape Delayed
/ - Highlighted Coverage
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Top News
by Beth Lunkenheimer and Justin Tucker
Franchitti Retires From Racing
The IndyCar community and the Motorsports world in general was rocked on Thursday afternoon as Dario Franchitti announced his retirement. The news came after doctors told him it was too dangerous to continue his career following injuries sustained in a violent accident at the Grand Prix of Houston last month.
Franchitti suffered a fractured spine, broken ankle, and a concussion in the October 6th accident at Houston, where his car collided with the No. 14 of Takuma Sato on the last lap. That sent Franchitti's car into the catch fencing, where debris from the accident also injured 13 spectators and one IndyCar official.
Franchitti released a statement on Thursday announcing his decision.
"One month removed from the crash and, based upon the expert advice of the doctors who have treated and assessed my head and spinal injuries post-accident, it is their best medical opinion that I must stop racing," Franchitti said. "They have made it very clear that the risks involved in further racing are too great and could be detrimental to my long-term well-being. Based on this medical advice, I have no choice but to stop."
The four-time IndyCar champion never officially used the word retire in his statement and even mentioned the possibility of returning to the series in some sort of an off-track capacity. Franchitti, who competed in NASCAR for a brief stint, joined Chip Ganassi's IndyCar program and was nearly unstoppable upon his return, winning three consecutive championships and two Indy 500s.
"Dario Franchitti has done so much for Target Chip Ganassi Racing, so it will be very disappointing to not see him in our cars next season," Ganassi said. "But simply put, Dario is a motorsports legend and will be sorely missed on the racetrack by everyone in the paddock and in the stands. His contributions to the sport of motor racing are too many to list, but I can tell you that they go way beyond what he has done on the track."
Franchitti's final victory came at the 2012 Indianapolis 500 just seven months after losing one of his best friends, Dan Wheldon, in a crash at Las Vegas. Two more of Wheldon's closest friends, Scott Dixon and Tony Kanaan, finished second and third.
NASCAR Making Changes to HoF Voting Panel
NASCAR officials announced on Thursday that "significant" changes will be made to the NASCAR Hall of Fame selection process and that new eligibility rules will be revealed during Champions Week in Las Vegas next month.
One of the changes that will be made is that the 2013 Sprint Cup Series champion will get a vote on the panel, bringing the total number of voters to 56. The group includes Hall of Famers, track representatives, NASCAR officials, retired drivers, crew chiefs, team owners, and media.
NASCAR spokesman Brett Jewkes said "we're grateful for the opportunity to have another credible voice added to that important moment."
Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth, or Kevin Harvick will get to cast a vote in May 2014 as they are the only three left in contention for this year's championship. The drivers welcome the opportunity to make such a huge decision.
"It's a huge honor and pressure in a different way that none of us have experienced before," said Johnson, a five-time series champion. "Quickly thinking about it, I think it will help ingrain the current champion into the past and understand more about the history of the sport, the people that came before us. I think it's a cool opportunity for whoever the champion is."
Johnson will clinch his sixth Cup Series title in eight years if he finishes 23rd or better Sunday at Homestead.
Sauter, Crafton Sign Extensions With ThorSport
On Thursday morning, ThorSport Racing announced they had signed extensions with Matt Crafton and Johnny Sauter. Matt Crafton, who will clinch the Camping World Truck Series championship when the green flag flies over Homestead tonight, and sponsor Menards have both signed on for the 2014 season.
"It doesn't get much better than to race for Duke and Rhonda Thorson, who have always given us everything we need to be competitive," Crafton said. "Representing Menards and their partners, as supportive as they've been for all these years, is also pretty special."
Meanwhile, teammate Johnny Sauter signed a multi-year extension to remain in the No. 98 Toyota. Throughout the 2014 season, Sauter will switch between a variety of paint schemes representing Nextant / Curb Records and Carolina Nut Co. / Curb Records.
"I'm excited to have the opportunity to extend my time with ThorSport Racing," Sauter said. "It's a great organization and it's been a perfect fit for me. And with Nextant Aerospace joining our program -- and looking ahead to two years of racing for wins and championships with them, Carolina Nut and Curb Records -- needless to say, the sky's the limit.
"We've had competitive trucks all season and if not for that bit of turmoil we had in the middle of the season, there's no reason we wouldn't be in a position to be racing Matt for this 2013 championship."
The pair of teammates won the first three races of the season (Sauter at Daytona and Martinsville; Crafton at Kansas) and have kept ThorSport atop the standings for the entire season, a first in the series. In a combined 42 starts, the duo has posted four victories, 16 top 5s and 33 top-10 finishes.
News 'N' Notes:
- Greg Biffle's car for Sunday's season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway will celebrate fans and thank them for their support with a special paint scheme. The No. 16 3M Fan Appreciation Ford Fusion will feature the names or Twitter handles from fans that have written messages throughout the season on Twitter using #StickWithBiff. The messages were written on Post-It Notes and photographed to shard with fans via social media.
- Front Row Motorsports drivers David Gilliland and David Ragan will both carry decals for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society on their cars this weekend. FRM team members have loved ones that have been affected by the disease and hope to help spread the message to encourage fans to get involved in raising awareness.
- TriStar Motorsports announced late Thursday night that Jeff Green will pilot the No. 14 Hefty Ultimate Toyota for Saturday's Nationwide Series race. Regular driver Eric McClure was admitted to a Las Vegas, Nevada hospital last Sunday night for an undisclosed illness while on a business trip, where he remains hospitalized. His latest admission comes just three months after spending more than a week in the hospital in August following acute renal failure.
by Beth Lunkenheimer and Justin Tucker
Franchitti Retires From Racing
The IndyCar community and the Motorsports world in general was rocked on Thursday afternoon as Dario Franchitti announced his retirement. The news came after doctors told him it was too dangerous to continue his career following injuries sustained in a violent accident at the Grand Prix of Houston last month.
Franchitti suffered a fractured spine, broken ankle, and a concussion in the October 6th accident at Houston, where his car collided with the No. 14 of Takuma Sato on the last lap. That sent Franchitti's car into the catch fencing, where debris from the accident also injured 13 spectators and one IndyCar official.
Franchitti released a statement on Thursday announcing his decision.
"One month removed from the crash and, based upon the expert advice of the doctors who have treated and assessed my head and spinal injuries post-accident, it is their best medical opinion that I must stop racing," Franchitti said. "They have made it very clear that the risks involved in further racing are too great and could be detrimental to my long-term well-being. Based on this medical advice, I have no choice but to stop."
The four-time IndyCar champion never officially used the word retire in his statement and even mentioned the possibility of returning to the series in some sort of an off-track capacity. Franchitti, who competed in NASCAR for a brief stint, joined Chip Ganassi's IndyCar program and was nearly unstoppable upon his return, winning three consecutive championships and two Indy 500s.
"Dario Franchitti has done so much for Target Chip Ganassi Racing, so it will be very disappointing to not see him in our cars next season," Ganassi said. "But simply put, Dario is a motorsports legend and will be sorely missed on the racetrack by everyone in the paddock and in the stands. His contributions to the sport of motor racing are too many to list, but I can tell you that they go way beyond what he has done on the track."
Franchitti's final victory came at the 2012 Indianapolis 500 just seven months after losing one of his best friends, Dan Wheldon, in a crash at Las Vegas. Two more of Wheldon's closest friends, Scott Dixon and Tony Kanaan, finished second and third.
NASCAR Making Changes to HoF Voting Panel
NASCAR officials announced on Thursday that "significant" changes will be made to the NASCAR Hall of Fame selection process and that new eligibility rules will be revealed during Champions Week in Las Vegas next month.
One of the changes that will be made is that the 2013 Sprint Cup Series champion will get a vote on the panel, bringing the total number of voters to 56. The group includes Hall of Famers, track representatives, NASCAR officials, retired drivers, crew chiefs, team owners, and media.
NASCAR spokesman Brett Jewkes said "we're grateful for the opportunity to have another credible voice added to that important moment."
Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth, or Kevin Harvick will get to cast a vote in May 2014 as they are the only three left in contention for this year's championship. The drivers welcome the opportunity to make such a huge decision.
"It's a huge honor and pressure in a different way that none of us have experienced before," said Johnson, a five-time series champion. "Quickly thinking about it, I think it will help ingrain the current champion into the past and understand more about the history of the sport, the people that came before us. I think it's a cool opportunity for whoever the champion is."
Johnson will clinch his sixth Cup Series title in eight years if he finishes 23rd or better Sunday at Homestead.
Sauter, Crafton Sign Extensions With ThorSport
On Thursday morning, ThorSport Racing announced they had signed extensions with Matt Crafton and Johnny Sauter. Matt Crafton, who will clinch the Camping World Truck Series championship when the green flag flies over Homestead tonight, and sponsor Menards have both signed on for the 2014 season.
"It doesn't get much better than to race for Duke and Rhonda Thorson, who have always given us everything we need to be competitive," Crafton said. "Representing Menards and their partners, as supportive as they've been for all these years, is also pretty special."
Meanwhile, teammate Johnny Sauter signed a multi-year extension to remain in the No. 98 Toyota. Throughout the 2014 season, Sauter will switch between a variety of paint schemes representing Nextant / Curb Records and Carolina Nut Co. / Curb Records.
"I'm excited to have the opportunity to extend my time with ThorSport Racing," Sauter said. "It's a great organization and it's been a perfect fit for me. And with Nextant Aerospace joining our program -- and looking ahead to two years of racing for wins and championships with them, Carolina Nut and Curb Records -- needless to say, the sky's the limit.
"We've had competitive trucks all season and if not for that bit of turmoil we had in the middle of the season, there's no reason we wouldn't be in a position to be racing Matt for this 2013 championship."
The pair of teammates won the first three races of the season (Sauter at Daytona and Martinsville; Crafton at Kansas) and have kept ThorSport atop the standings for the entire season, a first in the series. In a combined 42 starts, the duo has posted four victories, 16 top 5s and 33 top-10 finishes.
News 'N' Notes:
- Greg Biffle's car for Sunday's season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway will celebrate fans and thank them for their support with a special paint scheme. The No. 16 3M Fan Appreciation Ford Fusion will feature the names or Twitter handles from fans that have written messages throughout the season on Twitter using #StickWithBiff. The messages were written on Post-It Notes and photographed to shard with fans via social media.
- Front Row Motorsports drivers David Gilliland and David Ragan will both carry decals for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society on their cars this weekend. FRM team members have loved ones that have been affected by the disease and hope to help spread the message to encourage fans to get involved in raising awareness.
- TriStar Motorsports announced late Thursday night that Jeff Green will pilot the No. 14 Hefty Ultimate Toyota for Saturday's Nationwide Series race. Regular driver Eric McClure was admitted to a Las Vegas, Nevada hospital last Sunday night for an undisclosed illness while on a business trip, where he remains hospitalized. His latest admission comes just three months after spending more than a week in the hospital in August following acute renal failure.
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!
~~~~~~~~~~
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!
~~~~~~~~~~
In Case You Missed It
by Beth Lunkenheimer
by Beth Lunkenheimer
Koch Joins RAB Racing for Homestead
Earlier this week, RAB Racing announced a one-race partnership with Nationwide Series driver Blake Koch to pilot the team's No. 29 Toyota. The 28-year-old will have backing from Compassion International, an organization "dedicated to the long-term development of children living in poverty."
"Homestead is a big deal for me, it's my home track. I have my only top 10 qualifying there and I feel like we have everything in place to have an amazing weekend," Koch said. "But the most important thing about the weekend is that we will have compassion racing in front of millions of people. These children living in poverty can't speak up for themselves, but we can speak up for them and that's what this weekend is about! By sponsoring a child, you will change their story forever! You will give them the opportunity to succeed! Learn more about compassion at compassionracing.com and sponsor a child today!"
In 85 career Nationwide Series starts, Koch has a best finish of 14th twice (Road America and Phoenix) during the 2011 season. Away from the track, he has a goal of helping as many children battling poverty as he can.
Dillon, Sharp-Gallaher Racing Team Up
Sharp-Gallaher Racing announced on Wednesday that 2011 Truck Series champion Austin Dillon will pilot the No. 6 Chevrolet for the organization this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The 23-year-old driver has two other starts in the series this season. He won the inaugural Mudsummer Classic at Eldora Speedway, in July and posted a seventh-place finish at Chicagoland Speedway while subbing for an ill Brennan Newberry.
"I'm a racer, so when Sharp-Gallaher Racing presented me with the opportunity to race the No. 6 Chevrolet at Homestead-Miami Speedway I jumped at it," said Dillon. "I love the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and my record in the Series is pretty good this year (one-for-one with the Eldora win). Racing in the Trucks will help me determine exactly what my Nationwide Series car needs as I try to battle for the Nationwide Series Championship, and Richard Childress Racing has an alliance with SGR. They run ECR Engines in their trucks. They put solid, competitive trucks on the track each week and won the race last year. I think we can put them in Victory Lane there again."
In 76 Truck Series starts, Dillon boasts two wins, 31 top 5s and 53 top-10 finishes.
Paludo Named Golden Helmet Finalist
Miguel Paludo has been named as one of the three finalists for the "Capacete de Ouro" (Golden Helmet) award. The Brazilian award includes nominees from auto racing across the board, with the exception of IndyCar and F1. Paludo won the award in 2009 when he also took home the "Porsche Cup" title before coming to the United States to race in NASCAR.
"I have won the Golden Helmet in the past when I ran in Brazil, and being a nominee this time at a very competitive category, Top Internacional, is a great recognition in this moment of my other career, competing in the U.S. in the NASCAR Truck Series," Paludo said. "This is the main prize of the Brazilian motor racing and it is very rewarding be a finalist in a category this important."
In 72 career Truck Series starts, Paludo has 25 top 10s (11 this season) and eight top 5s.
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Earlier this week, RAB Racing announced a one-race partnership with Nationwide Series driver Blake Koch to pilot the team's No. 29 Toyota. The 28-year-old will have backing from Compassion International, an organization "dedicated to the long-term development of children living in poverty."
"Homestead is a big deal for me, it's my home track. I have my only top 10 qualifying there and I feel like we have everything in place to have an amazing weekend," Koch said. "But the most important thing about the weekend is that we will have compassion racing in front of millions of people. These children living in poverty can't speak up for themselves, but we can speak up for them and that's what this weekend is about! By sponsoring a child, you will change their story forever! You will give them the opportunity to succeed! Learn more about compassion at compassionracing.com and sponsor a child today!"
In 85 career Nationwide Series starts, Koch has a best finish of 14th twice (Road America and Phoenix) during the 2011 season. Away from the track, he has a goal of helping as many children battling poverty as he can.
Dillon, Sharp-Gallaher Racing Team Up
Sharp-Gallaher Racing announced on Wednesday that 2011 Truck Series champion Austin Dillon will pilot the No. 6 Chevrolet for the organization this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The 23-year-old driver has two other starts in the series this season. He won the inaugural Mudsummer Classic at Eldora Speedway, in July and posted a seventh-place finish at Chicagoland Speedway while subbing for an ill Brennan Newberry.
"I'm a racer, so when Sharp-Gallaher Racing presented me with the opportunity to race the No. 6 Chevrolet at Homestead-Miami Speedway I jumped at it," said Dillon. "I love the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and my record in the Series is pretty good this year (one-for-one with the Eldora win). Racing in the Trucks will help me determine exactly what my Nationwide Series car needs as I try to battle for the Nationwide Series Championship, and Richard Childress Racing has an alliance with SGR. They run ECR Engines in their trucks. They put solid, competitive trucks on the track each week and won the race last year. I think we can put them in Victory Lane there again."
In 76 Truck Series starts, Dillon boasts two wins, 31 top 5s and 53 top-10 finishes.
Paludo Named Golden Helmet Finalist
Miguel Paludo has been named as one of the three finalists for the "Capacete de Ouro" (Golden Helmet) award. The Brazilian award includes nominees from auto racing across the board, with the exception of IndyCar and F1. Paludo won the award in 2009 when he also took home the "Porsche Cup" title before coming to the United States to race in NASCAR.
"I have won the Golden Helmet in the past when I ran in Brazil, and being a nominee this time at a very competitive category, Top Internacional, is a great recognition in this moment of my other career, competing in the U.S. in the NASCAR Truck Series," Paludo said. "This is the main prize of the Brazilian motor racing and it is very rewarding be a finalist in a category this important."
In 72 career Truck Series starts, Paludo has 25 top 10s (11 this season) and eight top 5s.
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Frontstretch Folio: Ford EcoBoost 400
by Beth Lunkenheimer
This weekend, the Sprint Cup Series heads to Homestead-Miami Speedway for the final race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. The Ford EcoBoost 400 will be broadcast live on ESPN at 3:00 PM ET; it can also be heard on your local MRN affiliate or SiriusXM Channel 90. Drivers will compete for 267 laps (400.5 miles) en route to the checkered flag.
Records and Facts
Jamie McMurray holds the track qualifying record at Homestead-Miami Speedway with a lap of 181.111 mph, set for the 2003 Ford 400. McMurray never led a lap that day and settled for a ninth-place finish behind winner Bobby Labonte, to date the driver's last victory in Cup Series competition. Kevin Harvick and Ryan Newman ran second and third, respectively while Johnny Benson and Jeff Gordon rounded out the top 5.
Jeff Gordon is the defending winner of this race. After starting 19th, the driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet led just 14 laps en route to a one-second victory over Clint Bowyer. Ryan Newman, Kyle Busch and Greg Biffle rounded out the top 5. Polesitter Joey Logano failed to lead a single lap and finished 14th.
Track Facts
Track/Race Length: 1.5 mile oval, 267 laps (400.5 miles)
Pit Road Speed: 45 mph
Pace Car Speed: 55 mph
Degree of Banking: Turns: Variable 18-19-20 degrees
Straightaways: 1,760 feet; Banked 4 degrees
Grandstand Seating: 65,000
Website: http://www.homesteadmiamispeedway.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomesteadMiamiSpeedway
Twitter: http://twitter.com/HomesteadMiami
Pre-race Schedule
Practices: Friday, November 15, 1:30 - 3:00 PM ET on ESPN2
Saturday, November 16, 12:00 - 12:55 AM ET on FS2
Happy Hour: Saturday, November 16, 3:00 - 3:50 PM ET on FS2
Qualifying: Friday, November 15 at 6:10 PM ET on ESPN2
VIPs:
Grand Marshal / Command: Singer-songwriter Toby Keith
Honorary Starter / Wave Green Flag: Joe Heinrichs, president of the Americas for Ford Motor Company
Color Guard: US Coast Guard Base Miami Beach Color Guard
Invocation: Pastor Scott Claunch, Calvary Chapel
National Anthem: Zendaya, Disney Channel star and Dancing with the Stars runner-up
God Bless America: Madison Rising, American rock band
Pledge of Allegiance: Jim Anson, original member U.S. Special Forces Green Berets (1961)
Flyover: The "Warbirds" (Eight CJ-6As) vintage planes
Honorary Pace Car Driver: Ramon Rodriguez, actor in the upcoming new movie "Need for Speed"
Honorary Race Chairmen: Jeff Porter, mayor of Homestead; Edsel B. Ford, III, Board of Directors of Ford Motor Company; Mark Fields, chief operating officer for Ford Motor Company
Race Day Forecast
Sunday: Partly Cloudy; 10% Chance of Rain
High: 84
Low: 70
They Said It:
"I really look forward to Homestead. It's a really fun racetrack for all of us. For us to go down there and end the season on a racetrack that is very raceable is something I'm happy about. They really did a great job the third time around on redesigning that racetrack. It's a great place to have a championship weekend for all three series. I've had a great five years with Stewart-Haas Racing. I'd like nothing more than to go out on top. Not only for me, but for everyone on this No. 39 team. The guys at the shop, all of the partners that have supported me over the last five years. It would mean a lot for me to finish out the 2013 season on a high note." Ryan Newman
"Since 2004, there's been a nostalgic feeling when I get to Homestead. Winning the championship in the first year of the Chase was a magical time for me. But right now the focus is on the present, not the past. This will be my final ride with Furniture Row Racing and I want to make it a good one. We have plenty to shoot for when the green flag drops on Sunday. This is our last chance to take the Furniture Row/Denver Mattress Chevrolet to Victory Lane. There's nothing I want more for these Furniture Row guys who have worked so hard all year to give me a fast race car. A victory would cap off an already successful season for our single-car team. It's been a great ride with a great bunch of guys and with an outstanding organization led by team owner Barney Visser." Kurt Busch
"I believe this NAPA team has nothing to prove. All we want to do is end on a high note and this track can certainly be the place that we can win. My guys have worked so hard for me over the last four years and I know they really want to close out our time together with a victory. To be honest, it's been sad to see it end this way. We had such high expectations for all of us. If you really think about it, this year is only our second full season as a team for this group of guys and that's impressive. We are really just getting started and moving in the direction that we always wanted to go. This NAPA team is such a great group of guys. It's just unfortunate that we are not going to realize the full potential of this amazing team. All we want to do is go down swinging at Homestead. We want to use this race as a way to show everyone just how good we are and to thank NAPA AUTO PARTS for supporting and believing in this team. They deserve another visit to Victory Lane and it's our plan to get them there on Sunday." Martin Truex, Jr.
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Keepin' It Short: Crowning The Champion Out West
by Mike Neff
by Mike Neff
The open-wheel world has been crowning a champion in the western United States for 45 years. In 1968, Keith Hall was the owner of Manzanita Speedway and put on the first Western States Championship. Over the years, the name of the event changed to the Western World Championship. It was contested at Manzanita until 2009, when the track was sold and razed. For the last five years, The Western World Championship has been held at Canyon Speedway Park, where the 46th edition will be contested this weekend.
The winner's list for the Western World Championship reads like a who's who of Sprint Car racing. Jan Opperman, Steve Kinser, Sammy Swindell, Danny Lasoski, Jerry Coons, Jr., Donny Schatz and Bryan Clauson have all taken home the trophy.
This year's Western will feature a $7,500 winner's purse for both the Midget and Sprint Car winners. If one driver can win both races, they will pocket a $5,000 bonus for a $20,000 payday. The schedule for the midgets includes qualifying, heats and features on both Thursday and Friday night. The points will be accumulated and the top eight drivers in combined points will be locked into Saturday night's feature. The top eight will run a Dash on Saturday to determine the starting lineup of the first four rows of the feature. The remainder of the field will be determined by qualifying races and a B main.
The Sprint Cars will have their field divided evenly between Thursday and Friday night. Each night, a pill draw will determine the starting order of the heat races. Finishing order and passing points will determine the starting lineup for the qualifying races. The top 16 in points from the heats and the qualifiers advance to the A each night while the remainder will run in the B. The top four finishers in the A on both nights are automatically locked into the A on Saturday. The eight automatic qualifiers, just like in the Midgets, will run a Dash on Saturday to determine the starting order of the first four rows. The rest of the feature race will be determined through B and, if necessary, C Mains.
Three-day advanced tickets are available for just $65, with VIP Suite tickets for all three days available for $95 and All Access Passes for $110. Single-day tickets are $20 for both Thursday and Friday and $25 for Saturday's Western World Championships finale. So if you are near Peoria, Arizona this Friday or Saturday night, head over to Canyon Speedway Park and see some of the best open-wheel drivers in the country battle for their place in history.
This Weekend's Race Schedule
Thursday 11/14/13 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ USAC Western States Midgets
Thursday 11/14/13 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ West Coast Sprint Cars
Thursday 11/14/13 Duck River Raceway Park Wheel TN Super Late Models
Friday 11/15/13 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ USAC National Midgets
Friday 11/15/13 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ USAC Southwest Sprint Cars
Friday 11/15/13 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ USAC West Coast Sprints
Friday 11/15/13 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ USAC Western States Midgets
Friday 11/15/13 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ West Coast Sprint Cars
Friday 11/15/13 Central Arizona Raceway Casa Grande AZ IMCA Modifieds
Friday 11/15/13 Central Arizona Raceway Casa Grande AZ Pure Stocks
Friday 11/15/13 Central Arizona Raceway Casa Grande AZ Super Stocks
Friday 11/15/13 Tucson International Raceway Tucson AZ USRA Modifieds
Friday 11/15/13 Duck River Raceway Park Wheel TN Super Late Models
Saturday 11/16/13 Arizona Speedway Queen Creek AZ Southwest Dirt Racing Association Late Models
Saturday 11/16/13 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ USAC National Midgets
Saturday 11/16/13 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ USAC Southwest Sprint Cars
Saturday 11/16/13 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ USAC West Coast Sprints
Saturday 11/16/13 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ USAC Western States Midgets
Saturday 11/16/13 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ West Coast Sprint Cars
Saturday 11/16/13 Central Arizona Raceway Casa Grande AZ IMCA Modifieds
Saturday 11/16/13 Central Arizona Raceway Casa Grande AZ Pure Stocks
Saturday 11/16/13 Central Arizona Raceway Casa Grande AZ Super Stocks
Saturday 11/16/13 Tucson International Raceway Tucson AZ USRA Modifieds
Saturday 11/16/13 Las Vegas Motor Speedway Las Vegas NV USAC Western Pavement Ignite Midgets
Saturday 11/16/13 The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Las Vegas NV ASA Trucks
Saturday 11/16/13 The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Las Vegas NV SRL Southwest Tour Late Models
Saturday 11/16/13 West End Raceway Gilbert PA Half Quarter Midget
Saturday 11/16/13 West End Raceway Gilbert PA Heavy 160 Quarter Midget
Saturday 11/16/13 West End Raceway Gilbert PA Heavy Honda Quarter Midget
Saturday 11/16/13 West End Raceway Gilbert PA Heavy World Formula Quarter Midget
Saturday 11/16/13 West End Raceway Gilbert PA Jr. Animal Quarter Midget
Saturday 11/16/13 West End Raceway Gilbert PA Jr. Honda Quarter Midget
Saturday 11/16/13 West End Raceway Gilbert PA Jr. Novice Quarter Midget
Saturday 11/16/13 West End Raceway Gilbert PA Light 160 Quarter Midget
Saturday 11/16/13 West End Raceway Gilbert PA Sr. Honda Quarter Midget
Saturday 11/16/13 West End Raceway Gilbert PA Sr. Novice Quarter Midget
Saturday 11/16/13 Cleveland Speedway Cleveland TN Southern All Stars Late Models
Saturday 11/16/13 Duck River Raceway Park Wheel TN Super Late Models
Saturday 11/16/13 Royal Purple Raceway Baytown TX USMTS Modifieds
Sunday 11/17/13 Cherokee Speedway Gaffney AC Southern All Stars Late Models
Sunday 11/17/13 Central Arizona Raceway Casa Grande AZ IMCA Modifieds
Sunday 11/17/13 Central Arizona Raceway Casa Grande AZ Pure Stocks
Sunday 11/17/13 Central Arizona Raceway Casa Grande AZ Super Stocks
Sunday 11/17/13 Royal Purple Raceway Baytown TX USMTS Modifieds
Monday 11/18/13 Royal Purple Raceway Baytown TX USMTS Modifieds
The winner's list for the Western World Championship reads like a who's who of Sprint Car racing. Jan Opperman, Steve Kinser, Sammy Swindell, Danny Lasoski, Jerry Coons, Jr., Donny Schatz and Bryan Clauson have all taken home the trophy.
This year's Western will feature a $7,500 winner's purse for both the Midget and Sprint Car winners. If one driver can win both races, they will pocket a $5,000 bonus for a $20,000 payday. The schedule for the midgets includes qualifying, heats and features on both Thursday and Friday night. The points will be accumulated and the top eight drivers in combined points will be locked into Saturday night's feature. The top eight will run a Dash on Saturday to determine the starting lineup of the first four rows of the feature. The remainder of the field will be determined by qualifying races and a B main.
The Sprint Cars will have their field divided evenly between Thursday and Friday night. Each night, a pill draw will determine the starting order of the heat races. Finishing order and passing points will determine the starting lineup for the qualifying races. The top 16 in points from the heats and the qualifiers advance to the A each night while the remainder will run in the B. The top four finishers in the A on both nights are automatically locked into the A on Saturday. The eight automatic qualifiers, just like in the Midgets, will run a Dash on Saturday to determine the starting order of the first four rows. The rest of the feature race will be determined through B and, if necessary, C Mains.
Three-day advanced tickets are available for just $65, with VIP Suite tickets for all three days available for $95 and All Access Passes for $110. Single-day tickets are $20 for both Thursday and Friday and $25 for Saturday's Western World Championships finale. So if you are near Peoria, Arizona this Friday or Saturday night, head over to Canyon Speedway Park and see some of the best open-wheel drivers in the country battle for their place in history.
This Weekend's Race Schedule
Thursday 11/14/13 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ USAC Western States Midgets
Thursday 11/14/13 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ West Coast Sprint Cars
Thursday 11/14/13 Duck River Raceway Park Wheel TN Super Late Models
Friday 11/15/13 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ USAC National Midgets
Friday 11/15/13 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ USAC Southwest Sprint Cars
Friday 11/15/13 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ USAC West Coast Sprints
Friday 11/15/13 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ USAC Western States Midgets
Friday 11/15/13 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ West Coast Sprint Cars
Friday 11/15/13 Central Arizona Raceway Casa Grande AZ IMCA Modifieds
Friday 11/15/13 Central Arizona Raceway Casa Grande AZ Pure Stocks
Friday 11/15/13 Central Arizona Raceway Casa Grande AZ Super Stocks
Friday 11/15/13 Tucson International Raceway Tucson AZ USRA Modifieds
Friday 11/15/13 Duck River Raceway Park Wheel TN Super Late Models
Saturday 11/16/13 Arizona Speedway Queen Creek AZ Southwest Dirt Racing Association Late Models
Saturday 11/16/13 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ USAC National Midgets
Saturday 11/16/13 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ USAC Southwest Sprint Cars
Saturday 11/16/13 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ USAC West Coast Sprints
Saturday 11/16/13 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ USAC Western States Midgets
Saturday 11/16/13 Canyon Speedway Park Peoria AZ West Coast Sprint Cars
Saturday 11/16/13 Central Arizona Raceway Casa Grande AZ IMCA Modifieds
Saturday 11/16/13 Central Arizona Raceway Casa Grande AZ Pure Stocks
Saturday 11/16/13 Central Arizona Raceway Casa Grande AZ Super Stocks
Saturday 11/16/13 Tucson International Raceway Tucson AZ USRA Modifieds
Saturday 11/16/13 Las Vegas Motor Speedway Las Vegas NV USAC Western Pavement Ignite Midgets
Saturday 11/16/13 The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Las Vegas NV ASA Trucks
Saturday 11/16/13 The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Las Vegas NV SRL Southwest Tour Late Models
Saturday 11/16/13 West End Raceway Gilbert PA Half Quarter Midget
Saturday 11/16/13 West End Raceway Gilbert PA Heavy 160 Quarter Midget
Saturday 11/16/13 West End Raceway Gilbert PA Heavy Honda Quarter Midget
Saturday 11/16/13 West End Raceway Gilbert PA Heavy World Formula Quarter Midget
Saturday 11/16/13 West End Raceway Gilbert PA Jr. Animal Quarter Midget
Saturday 11/16/13 West End Raceway Gilbert PA Jr. Honda Quarter Midget
Saturday 11/16/13 West End Raceway Gilbert PA Jr. Novice Quarter Midget
Saturday 11/16/13 West End Raceway Gilbert PA Light 160 Quarter Midget
Saturday 11/16/13 West End Raceway Gilbert PA Sr. Honda Quarter Midget
Saturday 11/16/13 West End Raceway Gilbert PA Sr. Novice Quarter Midget
Saturday 11/16/13 Cleveland Speedway Cleveland TN Southern All Stars Late Models
Saturday 11/16/13 Duck River Raceway Park Wheel TN Super Late Models
Saturday 11/16/13 Royal Purple Raceway Baytown TX USMTS Modifieds
Sunday 11/17/13 Cherokee Speedway Gaffney AC Southern All Stars Late Models
Sunday 11/17/13 Central Arizona Raceway Casa Grande AZ IMCA Modifieds
Sunday 11/17/13 Central Arizona Raceway Casa Grande AZ Pure Stocks
Sunday 11/17/13 Central Arizona Raceway Casa Grande AZ Super Stocks
Sunday 11/17/13 Royal Purple Raceway Baytown TX USMTS Modifieds
Monday 11/18/13 Royal Purple Raceway Baytown TX USMTS Modifieds
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 Matt Stallknecht
The End Of A NASCAR Era Starts Sunday
by Amy Henderson
Nuts For Nationwide: End-Of-Season Awards
by Kevin Rutherford
Voices From The Cheap Seats: Bayne's Diagnosis No Surprise
by Jeff Meyer
Brendan Gaughan Driver Diary: Wrapping Up, Moving Up, And Being Jimmie Johnson
as told to Amy Henderson
by the Frontstretch Staff
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FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
FRONTSTRETCH TRIVIA:
Q: Prior to Homestead-Miami Speedway opening in the fall of 1995, CART held their season opener at Bicentennial Park in Downtown Miami, a venue that hosted sports car races in the 1980's. How did the circuit differ from the one that IMSA raced at?
Check back Monday for the answer, here in the Frontstretch Newsletter!
Thursday's Answer:
Thursday's Answer:
Q: The 1997 Jiffy Lube Miami 300 was the first Busch Grand National race run on Mk. 2 of Homestead-Miami Speedway, a true oval with six degrees of banking in the turns. However, the Mini-Indy configuration's propensity for wrecks continued as well. What happened early on to knock drivers like Dick Trickle out for the day?
Trickle, Loney and Krogh were out on the spot. Stewart continued, then was eliminated in another crash with Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Jones finished the highest of anyone involved in the incident (26th, three laps down).
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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This Weekend and Monday on the Frontstretch:
Mike will swing by with his overall thoughts from Sunday's season finale from Homestead.
Commentary by Summer Bedgood
Summer will take a look at one of the biggest stories to come out of Homestead.
Bowles-Eye View by Tom Bowles
Tom gives his thoughts on a major storyline from the final race in the Chase at Homestead.
Big Six: Ford EcoBoost 400 by Amy Henderson
Amy has your weekly look at the Who, What, When, Where, Why and How from a weekend of racing at Homestead.
Pace Laps: Homestead Weekend 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.
Nationwide Series Breakdown: Ford EcoBoost 300 by Kevin Rutherford
Kevin has all the post-race analysis you need following Saturday afternoon's Nationwide Series race from Homestead.
Tracking the Trucks: Ford EcoBoost 200 by Beth Lunkenheimer
Beth has all the post-race information you need following Friday night's Camping World Truck Series finale from Homestead..
Beth has all the post-race information you need following Friday night's Camping World Truck Series finale from Homestead..
-----------------------------
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